If you’re looking for a fall activity with a little history and whiskey, George Washington’s Mount Vernon is hosting a special tasting event this weekend.
The George Washington Whiskey Tasting gives visitors the chance to sample spirits produced at the reconstructed distillery at Mount Vernon.
The experience also includes a tour of the distillery and gristmill, along with general admission to the Mount Vernon estate on the same day.
Here’s what to know about the upcoming tasting, including what’s on the tasting menu and how much tickets cost.
When and where is the George Washington Whiskey Tasting taking place?
The next George Washington Whiskey Tasting takes place Saturday, September 26th, from 2 pm to 5 pm at George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill in Mount Vernon, Virginia.
The distillery is located 2.7 miles from the main estate entrance, so visitors should plan additional time to travel between the two locations.
The event is held outdoors, and guests can also arrive directly at the Distillery & Gristmill, where free parking is available on-site.
Tickets for the tasting also include general admission to Mount Vernon on the day of the event, which Mount Vernon lists as a $30 value.
What to expect at the George Washington whiskey tasting
The experience begins with a distillery and gristmill tour one hour before the scheduled tasting.
During the tour, Mount Vernon’s Historic Trades team explains the history of George Washington’s whiskey operation and how spirits are distilled at the reconstructed facility today.
Washington’s original distillery was producing nearly 11,000 gallons of whiskey in 1799, when it was one of the largest whiskey distilleries in America. The reconstructed working distillery now produces small-batch spirits on-site.
During the tasting, guests can sample three distilled spirits made using 18th-century distilling methods and techniques:
- George Washington’s Rye Whiskey — unaged
- George Washington’s Straight Rye Whiskey® — aged 2 to 4 years
- George Washington Straight Rye Premium Whiskey® — aged a minimum of 4 years, currently up to 8 years
Bottled older ryes aged between six and seven years will also be available.
The tasting takes place outdoors because Virginia law prohibits tasting events in the same building where the whiskey is stored.
Guests also receive a commemorative glass to take home as a souvenir of the experience.
How much are tickets?
General admission tickets for the George Washington Whiskey Tasting cost $60 per person, while Mount Vernon members pay $50.
The ticket includes the whiskey tasting, the distillery and gristmill tour, and general admission to Mount Vernon on the day of the event.
For anyone interested in Washington’s connection to whiskey, the event offers a chance to experience the reconstructed distillery while learning about the methods used to produce spirits during the 18th century.
