By George, Washington's Rye Whiskey Available for Sale!

For Immediate Release
Digital images available   

Public information: (703) 780-2000

Media Contact:
Melissa Wood    (703) 799-5203
mwood@mountvernon.org

By George, Washington's Rye Whiskey Available for Sale!

MOUNT VERNON, VA – George Washington’s home, Mount Vernon, will have the limited edition George Washington Rye Whiskey, aged and un-aged, available for sale this holiday season! The whiskey was made at George Washington’s reconstructed distillery – 500 bottles of each whiskey are available for sale. The un-aged George Washington Rye Whiskey, which retails for $95, will be available for sale on November 28 at 10 a.m. The aged George Washington Rye Whiskey, which retails for $185, will be available for sale on December 12 at 10 a.m. The whiskeys will be available for sale in-person only at the Shops at Mount Vernon.

The un-aged George Washington Rye Whiskey is the most authentic version of Washington’s whiskey available today. Washington was a detailed record keeper – Mount Vernon’s staff were able to determine from these records the recipe and process of creating whiskey during Washington’s lifetime. Distillers used the same grain recipe (60% rye, 35% corn, and 5% malted barley), mixed and fermented in 120-gallon oak barrels, and double distilled in copper pot stills, just as it was done 200 years ago.  According to master distiller, Dave Pickerell, its nose is, “slightly floral, earthy, and grainy,” with a taste that is “surprisingly sweet and mellow,” but with a bit of a bite, characteristic of unaged rye.

The aged George Washington Rye Whiskey was made at the reconstructed Distillery according to the original recipe. Aged on site in charred oak barrels for two years, Mount Vernon’s latest batch of whiskey represents a break with tradition; George Washington never aged his own whiskey, sending it straight to market instead.  The result is a whiskey that evokes Washington’s spirit of creativity and enterprise, appealing to modern-day whiskey connoisseurs with its mellow flavor, rich color, and pleasing appearance.

A valid id is required to purchase the George Washington Rye Whiskey. Unfortunately Mount Vernon cannot accommodate internet or phone orders.

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Events, programs, and activities are subject to change.
Public Information: 703-780-2000; 703-799-8697 (TDD); www.MountVernon.org

Since 1860, over 80 million visitors have made George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens the most popular historic home in America.  Through thought-provoking tours, entertaining events, and stimulating educational programs on the Estate and in classrooms across the nation, Mount Vernon strives to preserve George Washington’s place in history as “First in War, First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of His Countrymen.”  Mount Vernon is owned and operated by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, America’s oldest national preservation organization, founded in 1853.  A picturesque drive to the southern end of the scenic George Washington Memorial Parkway, Mount Vernon is located just 16 miles from the nation’s capital.

Hours of operation: April-August, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; March, September, October, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; November – February, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Regular admission rates: adults, $15.00; senior citizens, $14.00; children age 6-11, when accompanied by an adult, $7.00; and children under age 5, FREE.  Admission fees, restaurant and retail proceeds, along with private donations, support the operation and restoration of Mount Vernon.