George Washington’s distillery at Mount Vernon is a fascinating part of the first U.S. president’s legacy, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and the varied interests he pursued after leaving public office. Here’s a story about its history:
In the 1790s, after stepping down from the presidency, George Washington returned to Mount Vernon, his Virginia plantation, to focus on farming and other business ventures. His plantation was a bustling enterprise, producing everything from grains and livestock to textiles and bricks. But one venture would soon stand out: distilling whiskey.
In 1797, James Anderson, a Scottish immigrant and Washington’s plantation manager, approached him with a bold idea. Anderson, experienced in distilling, recognized the potential for whiskey production at Mount Vernon, given its ample supply of grains and water. He convinced Washington that distilling could be highly profitable, especially since whiskey was in great demand in the young nation.
Washington agreed, and in 1798, construction began on a large distillery near Dogue Run, a waterway on the estate. By 1799, the distillery was fully operational, equipped with five copper stills and a large stone building that housed the production facilities. It became one of the largest and most advanced distilleries in the country at the time.
That year, the distillery produced approximately 11,000 gallons of whiskey, along with smaller quantities of apple and peach brandy. Washington’s whiskey was sold locally, primarily in Alexandria, Virginia, and proved to be a lucrative enterprise, earning Mount Vernon considerable revenue.
Tragically, 1799 was also the year of Washington’s death. After his passing, the distillery continued operations under the management of his nephew but eventually ceased production in the early 1800s. Over time, the building fell into disrepair and was lost to history.
Fast forward to the 20th century, archaeologists working at Mount Vernon rediscovered the site of Washington’s distillery. In the early 2000s, through meticulous research and reconstruction efforts, the distillery was brought back to life, thanks to support from the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States and other partners.
Today, George Washington’s Distillery and Gristmill is a living history site where visitors can see whiskey made using 18th-century methods. The distillery also produces limited runs of whiskey based on Washington’s original recipe, allowing guests to experience a taste of history. This revived enterprise not only honors Washington’s legacy but also sheds light on the critical role distilling played in early American life.