Great Gratuitous Brewers
Great Gratuitous Brewers To Justus Liebig
cientific Sirs
I believe you are partial to Allsopp’s Pale Ale, and also that you have analysed that beverage.
You will, therefore, be sorry to hear that I have had a circular sent me, signed Samuel Allsopp and Sons, announcing that those gentlemen have come to the decision to make an advance of 6s per barrel upon their ales of all qualities. You will likewise be in a position to inform me whether or not this augmentation was necessary: at least in regard to pale ale.
In addition to the increased malt duty, “the almost total failure of the crop of hops” is assigned by Messrs Allsopp as the reason for raising [the price of] their ales. Supposing the necessity for that step to exist, I am glad to find that it is occasioned by these circumstances.
The specific value of a glass of pale ale consists, I believe, scientific sir, almost entirely (cost of production excepted) in the alcohol and bitter extract, which it contains: and in the bitter much rather than in the spirituous ingredient. Now, can you tell me what are the quantities, respectively, of malt and hops represented by the strength and bitterness of a glass of pale ale? Because I should like to know how many pennyworths of hops and malt I consume in swallowing a pint of that fluid. So much, Messrs Allsopp say, that the advance, which has been, made by them “will still leave” them “without any margin for profit”.
At that rate they have been giving their ale away now for some time, and intend continuing to supply us therewith gratis. Nothing can be more liberal than this: and pale ale, offered at these terms, becomes a truly generous liquor. To you, however, I look for those data, whereby alone I can be enabled to appreciate its generosity. Pray illuminate on that point your respectful admirer.
PUNCH
PS I have heard it remarked by Law Students (from the country) that Mr Justus Liebig ought to be a jolly good judge of beer.
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Reprinted from Punch 1854 – with thanks to Kate Keown for obtaining the article.