Catch it this week when copper stills are fired up and the original recipe is used.
God love the Scots!
As their descendants came to the New World- the recipes and techniques for making whiskey came with them.
Such is the case of one James Anderson, who as farm manager for Mount Vernon – beloved estate of George Washington - first suggested turning the estate's grain into a potent alcohol.
Picture the scene.
1797 and Washington, beleaguered and tired after decades of war and politics, was prowling around his front parlor just wanting a quick snort. But the cupboard is bare. Actually there was some sweet Madeira – but George was too manly a man for that.
Groaning he resigned himself to having to get dressed, find his false teeth, get on his horse and ride over hill and dale to the nearest pub/liquor store.
Suddenly appears Mr. Anderson.
He held in his hand an elixir. A potent portable delivered by the angels, and his great granddaddy’s recipe. George drank it and almost swooned. It was smooth, delicious and best of all – as Mr. Anderson told him – made on site.
210 years later Mount Vernon has once again opened the Gristmill and the Distillery.
This coming week August 27 – 31, visitors have the rare opportunity to see master distillers fire up the authentic copper pots and once again make rye whiskey according to the original recipe.
Following its aging the liquor will be sold to the public at Mount Vernon.
So if Northern Virginia is on your travel plans this week – stop by and literally get ready to drink in the history!
For more info see: www.mountvernon.org
