Beer, Made The Jefferson Way, To Be Tapped On President's Day

Our founding fathers weren't just politicians, they were Renaissance men with a variety of talents one of which included making tasty things to drink. George Washington distilled whisky and brandy at his Mount Vernon estate and Thomas Jefferson brewed beer at his Monticello plantation. The Mount Vernon estate has recreated Washington-style rye whiskey and peach brandy during the last few years. Now it's Monticello's turn. The Thomas Jefferson Foundation has announced a project with Starr Hill Brewery in Crozet to offer Monticello Reserve Ale.

Businessweek reports that Starr Hill's master brewer Mark Thompson will brew the ale using lightly hopped wheat and corn, as was done back in Jefferson's day. The beer will feature local ingredients including some hops grown at Monticello. Wheat-style beer is generally lighter, often with a bit of a lemony taste.

The Monticello blog says that Jefferson wrote in 1821 that he had "no receipt for brewing," doubting "if the operations of malting and brewing could be successfully performed from a receipt." His brews varied on the grains available. The Monticello Reserve Ale will be sold in 750ml bottles and served on tap at local restaurants. It all begins with a Presidents' Day Tasting on Monday, February 21, starting at 12:15 p.m. with the tapping of the first keg.