September Celebration Highlights George Washington’s Legacy as One of Early America’s Leading Distillers
MOUNT VERNON, VA — This September, George Washington’s Mount Vernon is raising a glass to Virginia Spirits Month, inviting visitors to discover a lesser-known side of America’s first president: George Washington was also a pioneering entrepreneur who operated one of the largest whiskey distilleries in America.
Throughout September only, Mount Vernon is offering a 20 percent discount off whiskey, bourbon whiskey and brandy produced at George Washington’s reconstructed distillery, where spirits are made using 18th-century methods on wood-fired copper pot stills. Visitors also can experience Washington’s distilling legacy firsthand with special whiskey tastings on Saturdays throughout the month.
“George Washington’s distillery tells a fascinating story about his entrepreneurial spirit and his willingness to innovate,” said Doug Bradburn, Ph.D., President and CEO of George Washington’s Mount Vernon. “Virginia Spirits Month is a unique opportunity to experience that history in a very tangible way and to see how Mount Vernon is preserving the craftsmanship and traditions that were part of Washington’s life.”
By 1799, George Washington’s Distillery was producing nearly 11,000 gallons of whiskey annually, making it one of the largest whiskey distilleries in America at the time. Today, Mount Vernon’s reconstructed working distillery stands on the site of Washington’s original operation and continues to produce spirits using traditional methods that bring this remarkable chapter of his life to a new generation.
A DISTINCTLY AMERICAN COLLECTION
Among the spirits available during Virginia Spirits Month is Mount Vernon’s newly-released George Washington’s 375ml Bourbon Whiskey, a seven-year bourbon inspired by Washington’s ingenuity as a distiller. When a dry season devastated his rye harvest, Washington turned to corn, a grain that would later become synonymous with American bourbon. The whiskey has notes of cedar, molasses, and orange oil and was distilled, aged, and hand-bottled in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.
Visitors also can explore Mount Vernon’s collection of rye whiskey, including the Washington’s Generals Series Premium Straight Rye Whiskey, a collectible label series honoring Revolutionary War generals, as well as the limited-edition Commander-in-Chief whiskey, the longest-aged whiskey at eight years. Mount Vernon also offers George Washington’s Rye Whiskey, produced to reflect the unaged whiskey of Washington’s era, as well as Apple Brandy, a seasonal option as fall approaches.
TASTE HISTORY AT WASHINGTON’S DISTILLERY
On Saturdays throughout September, visitors can sample George Washington’s whiskey while touring the Distillery & Gristmill. Tasting tickets include a commemorative Glencairn glass and general admission to Mount Vernon on the day of the tasting. Discounted tickets are available for Mount Vernon members.
A MULTIYEAR TOAST TO AMERICA 250
The Washington’s Generals Series is Mount Vernon’s collector’s edition label program for its Premium Rye Whiskey. Created in partnership with White Historical Painting, the series features commissioned artwork highlighting key leaders and moments from the Revolutionary War. The inaugural 2026 label depicts General George Washington and General Henry Knox on Dorchester Heights overlooking British forces in Boston, a pivotal moment that helped secure one of the Continental Army’s earliest strategic victories. New labels will be released annually on George Washington’s Birthday, commemorating additional generals and milestones from the Revolutionary War.
Photos can be found here. Spirits may be purchased at the Shops at Mount Vernon, as well as George Washington’s Distillery. Distilled spirits may also be purchased online with shipping to Virginia, Washington, DC, and select military bases.
Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington, is owned and operated by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, the oldest national historic preservation organization in the United States. The estate is open to visitors and includes the Mansion, a museum and education center, gardens, tombs, a working farm, a functioning distillery, and a gristmill, as well as the George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon. Learn more at www.mountvernon.org.