It is farther to be
noted, that in proportion to the quantity of Liquor, which is enclosed in
one Cask, so will it be a longer or a shorter time in ripening. A Vessel
which will contain two Hogsheads of Beer, will require twice as much time
to perfect itself as one of a Hogshead; and from my experience I find there
should be no Vessel used for strong Beer, which we design to keep, less
than a Hogshead: for one of that quantity, if it be fit to draw in a Year,
has Body enough to support it two, or three, or four Years, if it has
strength of Malt and Hops in it, as the _Dorseshire_ Beer has; and this
will bear the Sea very well, as we find every day.
There is one thing more to be consider'd in the preservation of Beer; and
that is, when once the Vessel is broach'd, we ought to have regard to the
time in which it will be expended: for if there happens to be a quick
Draught for it, then it will last good to the very bottom; but if there is
likely to be a slow draught, then do not draw off quite half, before you
bottle it, or else your Beer will grow flat, dead, or sour. This is
observed very much among the Curious.
One great piece of Oeconomy is the good management of Small Beer; for if
that is not good, the Drinkers of it will be feeble in Summer-time, and
incapable of strong Work, and will be very subject to Distempers; and
besides, when Drink is not good, a great deal will be thrown away.
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