George Washington's Distillery & Gristmill

George Washington erected a large stone gristmill in 1771 to increase production of flour and cornmeal and to be able to export high quality flour to the West Indies, England, and Europe. In 1797, Washington's Scottish farm manager James Anderson encouraged him to build a whiskey distillery adjacent to the gristmill. The distillery was the largest in America, producing 11,000 gallons of whiskey in 1799, making it one of the most successful economic enterprises at Mount Vernon.

Distillery

The distillery produces whiskey using Washington’s original mash bill (60% rye, 35% corn, and 5% malted barley). Costumed interpreters discuss 18th-century fermentation and distilling techniques and demonstrate how the boiler, mash tubs, and copper pot stills function.

The two-story building also includes an office, whiskey storage cellar, and living quarters. A museum on the second floor features a History Channel video, George Washington’s Liquid Gold and an exhibit, Spirits of Independence: George Washington and the Beginnings of the American Whiskey Industry.

George Washington’s Distillery is the gateway to the American Whiskey Trail. While supplies are limited, whiskey produced at the distillery is sold at the Gristmill Shop and The Shops at Mount Vernon when available.

The reconstruction of Washington's Distillery was made possible by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States.

Gristmill

A 16-foot waterwheel powers the large wooden gears and millstones of Washington’s remarkable gristmill, which features the only operating Oliver Evans Automated Milling System in America. This system connects all of the machines in the mill in a continuous milling process. The Evans system won U.S. Patent No. 3 in 1790 and helped to make the gristmill at Mount Vernon a commercial success by greatly improving the production of flour.

Demonstrations of the mill are given by millers in early-American attire when open during seasonal hours. Grain products made on site, including cornmeal, grits, pancake mix, and flour are available for sale at the Gristmill Shop and The Shops at Mount Vernon.

Admission and Hours of Operation

Open daily, April 1 - October 31, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Entrance to the site is included in admission to George Washington's Mount Vernon. Admission to the Distillery & Gristmill is also sold separately for $5 for adults, $2 for youth ages 6-11, and free for children 5 and under.

Location and Transportation

Located on Route 235, three miles south of Mount Vernon Estate. Visitors are advised that they must plan their own transportation to the Distillery & Gristmill.  For bus information and to verify bus schedules, please contact the Fairfax Connector office at 703-339-7200.

5514 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway
Alexandria, VA 22309
703-780-2000