October Visitors Get a Rare Chance to See 18th-Century Coopers and Distillers in Action
MOUNT VERNON, VA – Visitors to George Washington’s Distillery will enjoy a rare chance to see 18th-century brandy-makers in action and coopering demonstrations on select dates this month.
Coopering Demonstrations
Master cooper Marshall Scheetz will be on-site for coopering demonstrations. Coopers use their skills to produce buckets, tubs, and of course, barrels and casks. Watch as broadaxes, planes, and drawknives are used to craft barrel staves, which are then heated and bent into shape, and held together with hoops or bands.
October 17, 18: 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
October 21, 22, 23: 1 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Apple Brandy Distilling
On select days, as a part of our regular Distillery tours, Mount Vernon welcomes guests to watch as apple brandy is distilled using ingredients similar to those used by Washington.
October 17-23: 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Entrance to the Distillery & Gristmill is included in general admission to George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Separate admission is also available. The Distillery is located 3.5 miles south of Mount Vernon on Route 235.
For more information, visit www.mountvernon.org/distillery.
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