Beer always has been the alcoholic liquor most largely consumed in England, and, among the poorer and lower middle classes, it was so in Anne's reign; but it was looked down upon, and despised, by the upper classes. It was of different qualities, from the 'penny Nipperkin of Molassas Ale'[269] to 'a pint of Ale cost me fivepence.'[270] Not only were there the local brewers in London, but the excellence of 'right Darby' and 'Sleeford or Lincolnshire' ales was such that these breweries were represented. 'Right North Country Pale Ale ready bottled at 4_s._ per dozen' was also to be had; and pale ale was exported. 'Any Merchant that has occasion for Pale Ale and Stout, to send to the West Indies, may at any time be supplied at the Fountain Brewhouse, by the Hermitage, with Beer for Shipping at reasonable rates.' Dantzic Spruce was also imported. Beer was taxed then, as now, by the barrel. 'Yesterday the Commons, in a Committee of Ways and Means, resolved, That an additional duty of 3_d._ per barrel be laid upon all beer and ale above 6_s._ per barrel; and under 6_s._, 1_d._; vinegar 9_d._; cyder per hogshead 5_d._; strong waters mead and matheglin 1_d._ per gallon.'[271] [Footnote 269: _London Spy._] [Footnote 270: _Journal to Stella_, Nov. 29, 1710.] [Footnote 271: _Luttrell's Diary_, Jan. 24, 1710.] But, for well-to-do people, wine was the drink, and the variety was nearly as great as in our time. It was a hard-drinking age, and the habit was universal. 'I look'd to have found you with your Head ake and your morning Qualms'[272] must have been a not unusual salutation; but it was not done for the same reason as by those gentlemen mentioned in the _Guardian_ (No. 58), 'who drink vast quantities of ale and October to encourage our manufactures; and another who takes his three bottles of French claret every night because it brings a great custom to the Crown.' [Footnote 272: _The Virtuoso._] _Nightly_ on bended knees, the musty _Putt_, Still Saints the _Spigot_, and Adores the _Butt_; With fervent _Zeal_ the flowing Liquor plies But _Damns_ the _Moderate_ Bottel ... for its size. _The Tripe Club_, Swift.