crafted stories

George Washington’s Distillery

George Washington began commercial distilling in 1797 at the urging of his Scottish farm manager, James Anderson, who had experience distilling grain in Scotland and Virginia. He successfully petitioned George Washington that Mount Vernon's crops, combined with the large merchant gristmill and the abundant water supply, would make the distillery a profitable venture. In February 1797 the cooperage at the mill was converted for distilling, and two stills began operating. By the end of the summer, the makeshift distillery was so successful that Anderson lobbied George Washington to increase the number of stills. Construction began in October of 1797 on…

Martha Washington’s Revolutionary Rum Punch

Martha Washington was well-known for her love of entertaining, and one of her signature cocktails was a delicious rum punch. According to historical records, Martha learned the recipe for this punch from her mother, who was a skilled cook and hostess in her own right. The rum punch was a favorite among Martha's guests, who commented on its delicious flavor and refreshing taste. It was made with a mixture of rum, sugar, lemon juice, and nutmeg, and was often served in elegant crystal punch bowls. The rum used in the punch was likely produced at George Washington's own distillery, which…

The Bourbon King’s Unlikely Road to Success

Long before the former Maker’s Mark CEO, Bill Samuels Jr., entered the Bourbon business he was just a spry young adult eagerly awaiting the day he could get behind the wheel. Unknown to Samuels, the summer he learned to drive would be the summer that changed everything. On the way home from getting his driver’s license Samuels came across a family friend who was in town scouting for new business associates. That family friend was Harland Sanders or as the world now knows him, The Colonel. Colonel Sanders to be exact. Originally Sanders had converted part of his motel into…

The Delicious Journey of Eggnog: From Posset to Modern Classic

The history of eggnog is a fascinating tale of a drink that has evolved over time to become a beloved holiday tradition. Eggnog is thought to have originated in Britain, where it was known as "posset." Posset was a drink made from hot milk and ale or wine, often sweetened with honey. This drink was enjoyed by the wealthy, as the ingredients were expensive and not readily available to most people. Over time, the recipe for posset evolved to include eggs, which gave the drink a richer and creamier texture. This new version of the drink came to be known…

The History Of American Whiskey

Excerpt from “The Book of Bourbon” by Gary Regan and Mardee Haidin Regan The origins of whiskey can be traced back to the Medieval monks of both Ireland and Scotland, but now, those two countries make their own distinctive styles of their native spirit. So it is with American whiskey--the original concept may have been imported from far away lands, but some 300 years later, American whiskey is a product unto itself. American whiskey started its life as a raw, unaged spirit that had, as its main attribute, the power to spur the courage of the first colonists. And through…

The Whiskey Rebellion

Excerpt from “The Book of Bourbon” by Gary Regan and Mardee Haidin Regan In 1791, George Washington approved an excise tax on liquor. He certainly wasn’t the first to take out his frustrations on whiskey-producers; just four years earlier Britain had introduced a prohibitive tax on Highland stills in Scotland and declared that the whisky produced there couldn’t be distributed outside the Highland region. Everyone seemed to have it out for the distillers. But Washington had his reasons, and although he was himself a distiller, he listened to Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury, who proposed that the newly formed…

Wild Turkey Distillery: Challenging Traditions for a Brighter Future

It can be said that only a rich past can usher in a bold future. The same can be said for Wild Turkey – a brand that respects the past while embracing the future – a brand with a history of craftsmanship and tradition that goes beyond the expected. Wild Turkey’s story begins with the Ripy brothers, a daring Irish duo who opened their family distillery in 1869 on Wild Turkey Hill in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. While this original distillery shut down during prohibition, it was thereafter resurrected, and continued to make high quality bourbon. A few decades later, in 1940,…