High Wines | The Canadian Encyclopedia

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High Wines

Liquor adulterated for use in the fur trade. Fur traders who supplied liquor to the natives often diluted their brandy, rum, whisky, etc, with flavoured water. The term "high wines" is a misnomer, for the trade goods are not wines but spirits.

High wines, liquor adulterated for use in the fur trade. Fur traders who supplied liquor to the natives often diluted their brandy, rum, whisky, etc, with flavoured water. The term "high wines" is a misnomer, for the trade goods are not wines but spirits. Trade liquor, whether diluted or not, was also known as "Indian liquor" or "fire-water."