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U. K. B. G. GUIDE TO DRINKS
Demijohn.
A bulging, narrow-necked glass container holding from 3 to
10 gallons, used mostly for the storing of Madeira Wine, and also
for spirits. It is usually cased in wicker with wicker handles
or lugs.
Demi-Sec.
A label used for Champagne which is quite sweet.
Gallon.
Standard English and American wine measure which, up to
1826, was the same, i.e., 231 cubic inches for Wine, whilst the
Ale gallon was equal to 282 cubic inches. In the United Kingdom
these two gallons were replaced by Act 5 Geo. IV, c. 74 (1824),
which came into operation on January 1st, 1826, when the present
' imperial'gallon was introduced. It is equivalent to 277.274
cubic inches ; its weight is 10 lb. avoirdupois of distilled water ;
it is divided into 4 quarts or 8 pints. It is equivalent to 4.54 litres.
The U.S.A. gallon is the old English gallon of 231 cubic inches
of 128 oz.
Mash.
Prepared ingredients before fermentation.
Must.
Grape juice before fermentation.
Nip.
A quarter bottle.
Noggin.
An English measure equal to a quarter pint.
Perry.
The fermented juice of fresh pears, and usually sweetened as
well as filtered before it is bottled. There is both still and sparkling
Perry, the sparkling kind is the more popular of the two and it
is sold as Medium Dry, which is sweet enough for most grown-up
people, and Sweet, which is very sweet.
Pipe.
The standard cask for Port in the British Isles ; its gauge is
115 gallons, averaging 56 dozens when bottled.
Proof Spirit.
In the U.K., Proof Spirit"is that which at the temperature of
51 degrees P. weighs exactly 12/13 of an equal measure of dis
tilled water." This means that at a temperature of 60 degrees F.
Proof Spirit contains 49.28 per cent, by weight, or 57.10 per cent,
by volume, of alcohol. Any degree or degrees of alcohol over or
under 57.10 by volume is stated with the mention "o.p." or
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