to the Aztecs by the name of octli, but under the rule of the Spaniards the name was replaced by that of pulque,[1] which to this day forms the favorite drink of the lower classes. Only some of the many kinds of maguey in New Spain were used for the manufacture of pulque, which was made from the plant when about ten years old. On approaching the time of blossoming the heart of the plant was cut out, after which the cavity gradually began to fill with the juice. This was removed two or three times every day as long as sap continued to flow—generally for four months[2]—and the average yield amounted to about one hundred and twenty gallons for every plant. In an earthen vessel, or more often in a skin, it was then exposed to fermentation, which begins after thirty-two to thirty-six hours, though this process is often effected within several hours by adding some well fermented pulque. According to the care and skill used in its manufacture there are different qualities of this liquor, but nearly always it is repulsive to the unaccustomed palate,[3] though it possesses, when pure, good wholesome properties. Adulteration, however, was practised even before the conquest, and was continued under the Spanish rule, although prohibited, especially if its intoxicating qualities were increased thereby.[4]
Occasionally the sale of pulque was entirely forbidden,[5] as after the riot in Mexico in 1692; but later the prohibition was removed, as before narrated, owing perhaps in part to the decrease of revenue which it
- ↑ Pulque, or pulcu, is a word of Chilian origin, according to Clavigero, who adds that it is difficult to explain how it was transmitted to Mexico. Storma Mess., ii. 221.
- ↑ The flow of sap sometimes lasts only a few weeks; occasionally, however, as long as six months. Payno, Memoria sobre el Maguey, 56.
- ↑ Especially on account of its smell, which, as some presume, may be caused by the skin vessels used in fermentation and transport.
- ↑ By cédula of August 24, 1529, Puga, Cedulario, 70, and repeated subsequently in other laws. Recop. de Ind., ii. 197 et seq.
- ↑ The viceroy on that occasion asked the opinion of the professors of the university whether its use should be abolished. The faculty recommended such a measure. Informe que la Real Universidad hase, 1-17, Mexico, 1692, a curious document full of Latin quotations and written in a confused style.
