Celebrate George Washington’s Birthday, Drink Some Whiskey

Though it may not be George
Washington’s actual birthday, Presidents’ Day is still a good
excuse to raise a glass to our
entrepreneurial first president. 

“The Spirit of Mount Vernon: The Return of George Washington’s
Whiskey,” was originally released on February 16, 2011. Original
text is below. 

Many know George Washington as a general and statesman,
but few think of America’s first president as a preeminent
entrepreneur, operating the most successful whiskey distillery in
the late 18th century. At its height, Washington’s distillery
produced over 11,000 gallons of liquor a year, supplying the
surrounding area and becoming one of his most lucrative business
ventures.

At Washington’s former plantation, Mount Vernon , a group of
historic interpreters are looking to bring this story to a wider
audience. Thanks to a fully functioning replica of Washington’s
distillery (and special dispensation from the Virginia General
Assembly), George Washington’s rye whiskey is once again being made
and sold to the public.

In November, Reason.tv followed the entire process as
Dave Pickerell, Master Distiller and former Vice President of
Operations for Maker’s Mark, and Steve Bashore, Mount Vernon
Distillery Manager, oversaw a two week production run while
adhering as strictly as possible to 18th century means and methods.
The result is an 80-proof reminder of the nation’s first president
and the entrepreneurial ideals of colonial
America.

Shot, edited and produced by Meredith Bragg. Approx. 6
minutes.