The New York Public Library has teamed up with Talea Beer Co. in New York City to revive a piece of American history just in time for the nation’s 250th anniversary. The collaboration brings to life a beer recipe penned by none other than George Washington himself. Dubbed ‘Liberty Lager,’ this brew is inspired by Washington’s original recipe for ‘small beer,’ a beverage that was more about sustenance than social enjoyment.

Washington’s Historic Brew

George Washington, known for his meticulous record-keeping, included the recipe in a journal during his time as a colonel in the Virginia militia. The recipe, titled ‘To Make Small Beer,’ was not intended for festive occasions but rather as a nutritional substitute when clean drinking water was scarce. The drink, primarily composed of water, hops, and molasses, was a staple for soldiers on long marches.

The recipe, as transcribed by historians at Mount Vernon, involves boiling bran and hops for three hours, then mixing the strained liquid with molasses while hot. After cooling to ‘blood warm,’ yeast is added, and the mixture is left to ferment before being bottled.

Modern Interpretation

While ‘Liberty Lager’ is not a precise recreation of Washington’s original brew, it captures the spirit of the historical recipe. The New York Public Library’s initiative is part of a broader effort to engage the public with historical artifacts in a tangible way. This isn’t the first time the library has ventured into historical brewing; in 2011, they partnered with another brewery to create a porter version of Washington’s small beer for the 100th anniversary of the library’s building.

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, this project offers a unique way to connect with the past while celebrating the present. ‘Liberty Lager’ serves as a reminder of the resourcefulness and ingenuity that have been part of the American spirit since the nation’s founding.

Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.