George Washington’s Beer Recipe Brought to Life by NYPL and TALEA Beer Co.

The New York Public Library (NYPL) offers a unique glimpse into history by allowing visitors to taste George Washington’s beer recipe from his 1757 military journal. This record, part of the library’s collection, has been recreated in collaboration with TALEA Beer Co., based in New York City. The project includes not only Washington’s historic brew but also a modern version dubbed Liberty Lager.

LeAnn Darland, co-founder and co-CEO of TALEA, expressed their enthusiasm in working with the NYPL, stating it was an incredible opportunity. The library’s website explains that Washington’s beer recipe was logged in a journal from his time as a young colonel leading the Virginia militia during the Seven Years’ War. He likely served this beverage at Fort Loudon, Virginia.

The journal, mostly in Washington’s handwriting, contains military notes, letters, orders, lists of officers, and a recipe for ‘small beer.’ The term ‘small beer’ refers to its low alcohol content. It was a beverage made quickly and considered safer than water due to the brewing process eliminating bacteria.

Darland noted the recipe is straightforward, similar to what a novice home brewer might attempt, though it included some antiquated terms like ‘a quart of yeast.’ The library assisted TALEA in interpreting these old instructions.

Molasses was the sole fermentable sugar in the recipe, which made sense in the context of rationed supplies during Washington’s era. TALEA engaged in taste tests with the library, experimenting with different sugars available in the 1700s to recreate an authentic flavor. Today’s molasses is more processed, presenting a challenge in replicating the original ingredients.

Collaboratively, they decided on using a molasses base, the closest to Washington’s composition, with the library contributing to the process. This beer, although nostalgic, might not appeal to modern tastes, Darland noted. However, they were keen to see the reaction to the revived recipe.

In addition to the historical recreation, TALEA crafted the Liberty Lager, a more modern beer with higher hop content than its predecessor. This Lager presents a clear amber color, unlike Washington’s muddy brew.

Available at TALEA’s taprooms, Liberty Lager aims to cater to contemporary drinkers, while the NYPL will offer samples of the small beer at upcoming America250 events. Brewing of both styles is ongoing to meet unexpected demand, according to Darland.

Darland, a Navy veteran, hopes these patriotic brews bridge divides. She emphasizes that beer’s purpose is to unite people, allowing for community building and enjoyment without political division.

George Washington’s Small Beer Recipe, transcribed by New York Public Library:

Ingredients:

• A large Siffer [Sifter] full of Bran Hops to your Taste
• 3 Gall[ons] Molasses
• A quart of Yea[s]t

Directions:

• Take a large Siffer [Sifter] full of Bran Hops to your Taste. Boil these for 3 hours then strain out 30 Gall[ons] into a cooler.
• Put in 3 Gall[ons] Molasses while the Beer is Scalding hot, or rather, draw the Melasses into the cooler & St[r]ain the Beer on it while boiling Hot.
• Let this stand till it is a little more than Blood warm then put in a quart of Yea[s]t.
• If the Weather is very Cold, cover it over with a Blank[et] & let it Work in the Cooler for 24 hours then put it into the Cask. Leave the bung open till it is almost done Working.
• Bottle it the day Week it was Brewed.