If only George could be around
today to share a beer with us!
George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin can be found in your wallet. But they are not just about the money. Theirs is a revolutionary story of beer lovers. - Well in part…
If you go back to your American history beer was certainly admired by our country’s founders.
George Washington was a brewer and beer lover. He’s also on our $1 bill.
One of his well known recipes for porter has been passed down through the homebrewing network. Here it is, brief, but effective for the time.
To Make Small Beer:
- Take a large Siffer [Sifter] full of Bran Hops to your Taste.
- Boil these 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 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 24 hours then put it into the Cask - leave the bung open till it is almost don[e] Working - Bottle it that day Week it was Brewed. F for 7-10 days. Cool and consume.
For modern day suggestions “Ben” offers his recipe and comments
More info: NPR : Brewery Recreates Revolutionary Beer
Next: Thomas Jeffereson
Comments
I'm always surprised at how many people have misunderstood George Washington's small beer recipe. The first two ingredients are often confused as one. It should be "Take a large Siffer [Sifter] full of Bran" PERIOD "Hops to your Taste." In other words, take a sifter of bran (wheat or oats I assume), and then use as many hops as your palate likes. This recipe was written for himself in a kind of shorthand.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!