Mount Vernon contact:                            
Emily Coleman Dibella                              
(703) 799-8607                                           
(202) 365-9002 (cell)                               
edibella@mountvernon.org                     

WHAT:            George Washington’s Distillery is back in business – 210 years after Washington began distilling corn and rye whiskey.  A “spirited” grand opening ceremony with demonstrations and tastings serves as the kick-off to a weekend of public events.  The Distillery was reconstructed after ten years of research, excavation, and construction at the original site, funded by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS).  It is the only authentic 18th-century distillery in the country.

The gateway of the American Whiskey Trail, George Washington’s Distillery also features a History Channel video, “George Washington’s Liquid Gold,” and a museum exhibit, “Spirits of Independence: George Washington and the Beginnings of the American Whiskey Industry.”

WHEN:           Friday, March 30         Open to media and invited guests

10:30 – 11:30 a.m.      

Tours of Distillery as it is operated by costumed distillers for the first time.  Master Distillers representing America’s best known liquor brands make the inaugural batch of Rye Whiskey, using George Washington’s recipe.  Restoration specialists and whiskey professionals available for interviews.

11:30 – 12:00 p.m.      

Grand opening ceremony featuring remarks and program with “George Washington,” his Scottish distiller, “James Anderson,” and other 18th-century characters.  Distillery opens for business!

12:00 – 1:00 p.m.        

Tastings of George Washington’s recipe and lunch provided.

WHERE:                         George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill

                                        Three miles west from the main Mount Vernon Estate

                                        Route 235 South (Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy),

                                        near U.S. 1

                                        www.MountVernon.org