Bobbing the Beer, 1850. Creator: Unknown

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Bobbing the Beer, 1850. Creator: Unknown

Bobbing the Beer, 1850. The adulteration of Beer, technically termed "Bobbing, " is, unfortunately for the public health, a practice much resorted to by the sellers of London Porter. It is principally carried on in "cheap neighbourhoods" and may be considered as one of the evils of the Malt-Tax...It is stated to be a common practice for a certain class of publicans to make two or three casks of inferior beer from one genuine cask...Among the ingredients of adulteration are salt and water...'. Sketch of...the moment when a block of salt is being thrown into the butt; whilst the assistant is mixing a compound called "Black Jack, " to which is sometimes added treacle...we hope that this exposure may be the means of lessening such adulteration, by cautioning our readers as to the flavour of the spurious compound, and the price at which it is sold'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850

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EDITORS COMMENTS
an 1850s photograph from the Illustrated London News, captures a moment in time revealing the unsavory practice of beer adulteration. The image, though unsigned, offers a stark depiction of this widespread yet clandestine activity, primarily carried out in London's cheaper neighborhoods. The Malt-Tax, a significant financial burden on brewers, led some publicans to resort to adulterating their beer by adding ingredients like salt and water to stretch their supplies. This photograph illustrates the very moment when a block of salt is being thrown into a butt, while an assistant prepares a concoction called "Black Jack." Sometimes, treacle was added to this mixture to mask the unpleasant taste. The Illustrated London News, a leading Victorian-era newspaper, published this exposé with the hope that it would serve as a warning to its readers. The photograph not only illustrates the adulteration process but also sheds light on the price at which this spurious compound was sold. This image stands as a testament to the lengths people went to in the 19th century to cut costs and deceive consumers, and serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in the production and sale of food and drink. The photograph, taken in black and white, depicts several men in a dimly lit beer cellar, with candles casting long shadows. The men are engrossed in their task, seemingly unaware of the watchful eye of the press. The barrels, funnels, and other brewing equipment are all present, adding to the authenticity of the scene. This photograph, though a grim reminder of the past, offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of beer production and the lengths people went to ensure a consistent supply during a time of high taxation.

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