First Whiskey in 200 Years at George Washington’s Distillery

Posted on August 3, 2008
Filed Under Bourbon, For the collector, whiskey |

If you fancy getting your hands on some collectible, the mini bottle mashup made by portions of eleven of America’s most famous brands may suit you right.

In 1797 George Washington’s farm manager, a Scot named James Anderson, convinced his employer that producing whiskey made from corn and rye grown on the plantation would be a natural complement to his milling business. Washington was initially skeptical, but soon granted permission to build the structure.

Washington erected the 2,250 square foot distillery — making it among the largest whiskey distilleries in early America. In 1799, Washington produced 11,000 gallons of whiskey, worth the then-substantial sum of $7,500. Upon Washington’s death in 1799, the complex was passed down to a relative who apparently was not equipped to run it, and he rented it to a local operator. The distillery ceased operating in 1814 when the building burned. Not until 2000 did Mount Vernon begin the excavation and restoration of the distillery with a grant from the distilled spirits industry.

Now for the first time in 200 years, beginning tomorrow, August 4th, the public will be able to buy whiskey at George Washington’s Distillery according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States.

Under special legislation supported by the Council and signed by Governor Tim Kaine this year, Mount Vernon is now permitted to sell spirits products in the gift shops at the Distillery and the Mansion visitors’ center as a special Virginia State ABC store.

Going on sale Monday are special $25 George Washington Distillery commemorative gift sets, which contain a unique “vatted” American whiskey produced from “marrying” together and re-aging at Mount Vernon portions of eleven of America’s most famous brands including Jack Daniel’s, Jim Beam, Wild Turkey, Maker’s Mark, George Dickel, Virginia Gentleman, Very Old Barton, I.W.Harper, Woodford Reserve, Rebel Yell and Platte Valley.

Market Watch got the full story.

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One Response to “First Whiskey in 200 Years at George Washington’s Distillery”

woodford reserve on August 7th, 2008 5:32 am

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