In the United States, whisky is probably less subjected to serious sophistication than other spirituous drinks. While the blending of this liquor (i. e. the mixing of new and old grades) is almost universally practised by the refiner, and while the retail dealer often reduces its alcoholic strength by the addition of water, there is very little ground for the belief that, in this country, whisky is subjected to noxious admixture to any great extent. A very large number of recipes have been published for the manufacture of spurious liquors; the following are characteristic, and will indicate their general nature:-- _For Brandy_:-- Cologne spirits (reduced to proof) 40 galls. Oil of cognac 1/6 oz. Burnt sugar colouring 1½ pint. Tannin ¼ oz. Brandy essence 1 part. Alcohol 1000 parts. Water 600 „ The compound known as “Brandy essence” consists of oil of grapes, 5 parts; acetic ether, 4 parts; tincture of allspice, 1 part; tincture of galls, 3 parts; and alcohol, 100 parts. “Oil of cognac” is a mixture of amylic alcohol and oenanthic ether. According to M. Duplais, the best imitation of Cognac is the following:-- Alcohol (85 per cent.) 54 litres. Rum (good quality) 2 „ Syrup of raisins 3 „ Infusion of green walnut hulls 2 „ Infusion of the shells of bitter almonds 2 „ Catechu, in powder 15 grammes. Balsam of tolu 6 „ Pure water 37 litres. Mix and colour with caramel. New Cognac, Montpellier, Saintonge, and other brandies are aged and improved by adding to every 100 litres: old rum, 2 litres; old kirsch, 1-3/4 litres; infusion of green walnut hulls, 3/4 litre; syrup of raisins, 2 litres. A compound sold as “London Brandy Improver” consists of sugar syrup, acetic ether and essence of cayenne, coloured with caramel. _Whisky_:-- (Rye) Proof spirit 50 galls. Pelargonic ether 2 oz. Pear oil 1 „ Oil of wintergreen (dissolved in alcohol) 10 drops. Acetic ether 4 oz. Oil of cloves (dissolved in acetic ether) 4 drops.