History

George Washington's Distillery and Gristmill at Mount Vernon is a reconstruction of the historic 18th-century whiskey production at Washington's estate. The reconstruction project began in 1995 in collaboration with the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, and the research led to a reconstructed working Distillery and Gristmill, which opened in 2007. Originally, the distillery began as a commercial venture in 1797 under James Anderson's management; in 1798–1799 Washington's distillery, according to accounts, produced almost 11,000 gallons of whiskey and became one of the most profitable ventures at Mount Vernon. Enslaved distillers Hans, On, Peter, Nat, Daniel, James and Timothy did the work in the hot and exhausting labor. Studies and archaeology since 1999 have aimed to reconstruct and interpret Washington's Distillery®.

Production and process

Production at Washington's Distillery was carried out using 18th-century methods: five copper pot stills, mash tuns and a kettle for heating water, connected to a water wheel that powered the mill wheels. The management and labor structure included a farm manager (James Anderson) and assistants, as well as enslaved distillers and other staff. Today the reconstructed distillery produces small-batch spirits on-site and follows an 18th-century approach to distilling and production. It uses Washington's original mash bill (60% wheat/rye, 35% corn, 5% malted barley) and distillation in copper pot stills, heated by wood.

Products / Whiskey Series

Washington's Distillery at Mount Vernon offers a range of whiskey varieties and other distilled products in accordance with 18th-century techniques and 21st-century craftsmanship. Some products are unaged, while others are aged and may have oak-cask finishes.

• George Washington’s Rye Whiskey® – Unaged rye whiskey, mash bill 60% rye, 35% corn, 5% malted barley; ABV: 43% (43% ABV); 375 ml.
• George Washington’s Straight Rye Whiskey® – Rye whiskey aged 2 years; 375 ml; ABV 46.5% (93 proof).
• George Washington’s Straight Rye Premium Whiskey® – Rye whiskey aged 4 years; 375 ml; 43% ABV.
• George Washington’s 5-Year Premium Rye Whiskey® – Rye whiskey aged 5 years; 375 ml; 46.5% ABV.
• George Washington’s Commander-in-Chief Single Barrel Straight Rye Whiskey® – Single-barrel rye whiskey aged 8 years; 375 ml; 55.1% ABV (110 proof).
• George Washington’s Apple Brandy™ – Aged in bourbon-barrel casks for 30 months; 375 ml; 40% ABV.
• George Washington Peach Brandy™ – Aged 3 years and 3 months in used bourbon barrels; 375 ml; 40% ABV; Sold out.
• George Washington’s Rum – Rum distilled in reconstructed distillery; aged 28 months in bourbon barrels; 750 ml; 45% ABV; Sold out.
• George Washington’s Rye Whiskey® (Unaged) – Unaged rye whiskey (some variants listed as unaged); 375 ml; ABV around 43% (based on product descriptions).

All bottles and curated goods are sold on-site through Shops at Mount Vernon and online; production follows 18th-century methods and traditions, and the distillery offers whiskey tastings and group tours in season.

Visit / Experiences

Distillery & Gristmill is located 2.7 miles from Mount Vernon’s main entrance and offers tours on Saturdays and Sundays from April to October. Tours include access with a Mount Vernon grounds pass and whiskey tastings are available on selected Saturdays in May, June and September. The tour hours are 10:00–17:00. Group tours (20+ people) require advance booking. Whiskey is produced on-site and can be purchased at the distillery shop, in The Shops at Mount Vernon and online.

Philosophy / Purpose

Mount Vernon’s distillery project builds on Washington’s entrepreneurial spirit: a historical reconstruction based on archaeological and documentary data to recreate the 18th-century distilling processes and techniques. It emphasizes education and dissemination of Washington’s influence as a producer and leader, as well as the history of enslaved labor and the economic role whiskey played at Mount Vernon. The reconstruction was made possible thanks to support from the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States and its member companies, and the ongoing work includes sharing information through Mount Vernon’s digital resources and educational materials.