When George Washington was a young colonel during the Seven Years War he kept a notebook to keep track of tasks while he was in charge of the Virginia militia. Among his notes about correspondences to be written and a list of his horses names, there was a recipe for small beer. To create an experience in honor of America250 that engages all of the senses, The New York Public Library partnered with local brewery Talea to recreate that recipe, and we got a taste.
Small beer is a low alcohol beverage that everyone drank in the 18th century because it was safer than imbibing potentially contaminated water. The main ingredient in Washington's recipe is molasses, which gives the beer a rich, sweet taste. Eric Brown, Talea's Head Brewer, says they followed the recipe almost exactly, using a baking molasses, hops, water, and yeast, with a few modern techniques to ensure the beer would be shelf stable and stay fresh.
Talea also made a more modern beer inspired by Washington’s recipe called Liberty Lager. You can raise a glass in one of their five New York city taprooms (one is located right across the street from the library) and other local bars including Fraunces Tavern, which is where our Spies of the Revolution Tour ends.
NYC Spies of the American Revolution Tour
Saturday, June 6 + More Dates: Walk in the footsteps of George Washington's spy ring as you explore revolutionary sites across Lower Manhattan. Then, grab a Liberty Lager at Fraunces Tavern!
🎟️ Includes admission to the Fraunces Tavern Museum (a $10 value) ⭐ FREE for Untapped New York Insiders. Members book here.
Washington’s beer recipe is viewable in the NYPL digital collections. You can explore more revolutionary history throughout the summer at the Library’s special exhibit, Declaring America: 1776 and Beyond, which opens on June 15th. The exhibit will be accompanied by many upcoming events, including timed viewings of the Declaration of Independence.
