The New York Public Library (NYPL) is inviting guests to experience a taste of history by recreating a beer recipe from George Washington’s military journal dated 1757. This initiative, in partnership with the New York City-based brewery TALEA Beer Co., includes the launch of a modern take called Liberty Lager.
Leanne Darland, co-founder of TALEA, expressed her team’s excitement about collaborating with the NYPL. “We were obviously in awe that they reached out to us,” she shared, noting the significance of this opportunity.
The original recipe, found in Washington’s journal, showcases his time as a young colonel commanding Virginia’s militia during the Seven Years’ War. Interestingly, Washington often prepared “little beer” for his troops while stationed at Fort Loudon, Virginia.
According to the library, the term “small beer” refers to its lower alcohol content. Darland explained that the brewing process effectively killed bacteria in water, making it a safer everyday drink.
The recipe isn’t overly complex, resembling what a beginner could attempt at home. However, it does feature some antiquated terms that required modern brewers to interpret, like “a quart of yeast.” Darland noted that the fermentable sugar used was primarily molasses, which would have made sense given their circumstances while on the move.
Darland mentioned their experimentation with different sugars available during Washington’s time, underscoring the collaborative nature of the brewing process. They aimed to recreate something authentic, though recent molasses is quite processed compared to what Washington would have used.
They noticed a growing interest in their “Washington beers” and are currently brewing more Liberty Lager in response. Darland hopes that such a patriotic drink fosters community and brings people together, especially in today’s polarized environment. She referred to beer as a universal way of connecting, an opportunity to set aside political differences.
George Washington’s Little Beer Recipe, transcribed by the New York Public Library
Ingredients
big schiffer [Sifter]
add plenty of bran hops to your taste
3 bile[ons] molasses
1 quart of yeast
Instructions
Take a big schiffer [Sifter] and add enough bran hops to suit your taste. Boil this for 3 hours and strain about 30 gallons into the cooler.
Add 3 gallons of molasses while the beer is hot or draw the molasses into the cooler and pour the hot beer over it.
Let it sit until just above blood temperature, then mix in a quart of yeast. If it’s particularly cold, cover it with a blanket. Allow it to ferment in the cooler for 24 hours before transferring it to a keg, keeping the cap open until nearly done fermenting.
The beer was sealed the same day it was brewed, ready for consumption within the week.
