The New York Public Library (NYPL) is offering a unique opportunity to taste history by recreating a beer recipe from George Washington’s 1757 military journal. This recipe, stored in the library’s research collections, is now being brought to life with the help of TALEA Beer Co., a brewery based in New York City.
Historical Beer Recipe
George Washington’s recipe for ‘small beer’ dates back to his time as a young colonel leading the Virginia militia during the Seven Years’ War. The journal, which mainly contains Washington’s handwriting, includes details such as military notes, officer commissions, wagon horse names, and the beer recipe.
‘Small beer’ is named for its low alcohol content and was known for being quick to make and safer to drink than water due to the brewing process eliminating bacteria. It was a staple beverage, according to LeAnn Darland, co-founder and co-CEO of TALEA Beer Co.
Collaboration with TALEA Beer Co.
TALEA Beer Co. worked closely with the NYPL to recreate Washington’s beer and produced a modern version named Liberty Lager. According to Darland, collaborating with the NYPL was an awe-inspiring experience. She noted that the recipe was straightforward and resembled what a first-time home brewer might attempt.
The brewers had to interpret some archaic terms from the original recipe. Washington’s beer recipe used molasses for fermentable sugar, a readily available ingredient for soldiers at the time. The challenge was to replicate the process using modern ingredients, considering that today’s molasses is more processed.
Tasting and Modern Adaptation
TALEA tested various sugars available during Washington’s era to see how they would ferment. The goal was to create a beer as close to the original as possible. They chose molasses as the base to keep it authentic.
The resulting Liberty Lager is a malt-based beer, similar in color to Washington’s but much clearer. It features more hops to balance the sweetness, making it more agreeable to today’s drinkers. Liberty Lager is brewed with an amber color and is available at TALEA’s taprooms. The NYPL will also offer samples of Washington’s small beer during its America250 events this summer.
Bringing Communities Together
Darland, who is also a Navy veteran, believes the beers represent an opportunity to bring people together over a common appreciation. She emphasizes that beer is meant to unite people and create community. The revival of George Washington’s recipe serves this purpose by blending historical curiosity with patriotic spirit.
George Washington’s Small Beer Recipe
Ingredients:
A large Siffer [Sifter] full of Bran Hops to your Taste
3 Gall[ons] Molasses
A quart of Yea[s]tDirections:
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 (sic) 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 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.
Through this collaboration with the NYPL, TALEA Beer Co. has historicized this classic recipe for today’s audience, providing a glimpse into the past while building new connections.
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