Home › Brandy, Whiskey and Imitation Spirits › Spirit of Nitric Ether

Spirit of Nitric Ether

containing 2 or 3 per cent of caustic potassa; if the liquid remains colorless it is pure; but if it turns brown, more or less, it is adulterated according to the quantity of syrup present. The third, by the honey not forming a nearly clear solution with cold water, and striking a blue color with iodine. When it contains wheat flour and is heated, it at first liquifies, but on cooling it becomes solid and tough. Water is added to honey to increase its bulk. Its presence may be suspected from the greater thinness of the liquid. In warm weather honey, if not very pure, sometimes ferments, acquiring a pungent taste and deeper color. To prevent its liability to fermentation, and render it fit for use, ordinary honey requires to be purified of certain impurities with which it is always mixed. To accomplish this it is generally only necessary to melt the honey by the heat of a water bath, and strain it whilst hot through flannel; or beat up 10 lbs. with the white of two eggs until it froths, then add water enough to give it a syrupy consistence. It is then mixed and boiled until the albumen can be removed with the froth. Having done this, it should be poured into an upright vessel which carries a cock two or three inches from its bottom. Being covered and set aside for a week or so, the impurities subside, and the clear honey can then be racked off through the cock. Honey gives to neutral spirit the qualities of smoothness and age, and should be dissolved with about its own bulk of cold water, as it does not dis solve readily in alcohol. It is used in fine gin.

Spirit of Nitric Ether. (SWEET SPIRITS OF NITRE.) Nitric ether is formed by the mutual action of nitric acid and alcohol; it is colorless, and has an agreeable odor and taste. This ether when dissolved in alcohol or