George Washington’s 269-Year-Old Beer Recipe Reborn at the New York Public Library

Historical records often present early American leaders as rigid figures immortalized in formal portraits. Yet a much more practical reality exists within the scattered pages of their private military journals. As the United States prepares to mark its 250th anniversary, a prominent archival institution is pulling a centuries-old handwritten note from its vaults to offer a highly unusual sensory experience.

Rather than simply placing another delicate manuscript behind museum glass, historians are using a faded 1757 recipe to recreate the exact beverage that kept colonial soldiers hydrated and moving through the harshest frontier conditions.

Washington’s 1757 Beer Recipe, Brewed for America’s 250th Birthday

As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the New York Public Library is offering citizens a highly interactive way to connect with the nation’s origins. Rather than limiting historical engagement to viewing archived manuscripts behind glass, the institution has partnered with TALEA Beer Co., a craft brewery based in New York City, to resurrect a historical beverage. The collaborative effort centers on a handwritten recipe for “small beer” found in the pages of George Washington’s 1757 military journal, recorded during his time serving as a colonel in the Virginia militia.

This initiative transforms a delicate archival document into a tangible, shared experience. By lifting the first president’s brewing instructions off the pages and translating them into a modern libation, the project actively bridges the gap between colonial America and the present day.

Anne Becerra, a certified cicerone, emphasizes the cultural significance of this endeavor. “Beer has played a huge role in world history, from the dawn of civilization to pre revolutionary America and into present times,” Becerra noted in a statement released by the library. She highlights that creating a unique beverage inspired by historical documents provides a wonderful way to add an extra layer of context to the upcoming historical milestones, allowing the public to literally taste a piece of the past.

The Practical Purpose Behind the Pint

In modern times, beer is primarily associated with leisure. However, during the 1750s, it served as a vital tool for survival and military readiness. George Washington’s journal entry details instructions for “small beer,” a beverage characterized by a very low alcohol content that typically rested under three percent.

During the Seven Years’ War, providing safe hydration for troops presented a significant logistical challenge. Fresh water sources were frequently contaminated with dangerous bacteria, making plain water a common vector for severe illness. The brewing process required boiling the liquid for hours, which effectively sanitized the beverage and made small beer a much safer alternative.

Meredith Mann, the interim curator of manuscripts at the New York Public Library, highlights the stark realities of colonial warfare. She explained to the New York Times that waterborne illness could decimate a military unit, stating, “If your entire garrison gets dysentery, that’s a real liability.” By supplying troops with small beer, leaders like Washington could maintain the health and combat effectiveness of their forces.

Furthermore, the drink provided necessary caloric energy for demanding physical labor. Julie Golia, a historian and curator at the library, emphasized the beverage’s dual purpose for active militias. She pointed out the daily challenges soldiers faced, noting, “You’re thirsty, you did a long march, the water was not safe, and this is why people drank small beer at the time.” Golia added that the beverage was “not just refreshing, but fortifying as well.” Because the brew was meant for immediate consumption rather than long periods of aging, it ensured a steady and safe supply for troops stationed at outposts like Fort Loudoun in Virginia.

Decoding the Colonial Brew

The original manuscript outlines a straightforward but robust process. Washington’s recipe relied heavily on molasses as a source of fermentable sugar, instructing the brewer to boil bran and hops for three hours before adding three gallons of molasses to the scalding liquid. Once cooled to a temperature described as “blood warm,” yeast was introduced. If the temperature dropped, a blanket was used to maintain the necessary heat for fermentation. Because of the high molasses content, the original beverage tasted remarkably sweet and syrupy, a far cry from the crisp lagers modern palates expect.

To make this historical artifact enjoyable for contemporary drinkers, the library partnered with TALEA Beer Co., a women-owned craft brewery in New York City. Rather than perfectly replicating the thick, low-alcohol colonial syrup, the brewing team developed “Liberty Lager.” This interpretation is a 6.5 percent ABV amber lager that balances historical inspiration with modern drinkability.

The brewers carefully translated the essence of the 1757 instructions. Tara Hankinson, co-founder of TALEA, explained the delicate balance to The New York Times. “We wanted to honor the recipe while also making something that people would want to serve at a barbecue or have more than one when they come for a trivia night,” Hankinson noted. The resulting beverage features a subtle malty sweetness that nods to Washington’s original recipe, coupled with a refreshing hint of modern hops.

From the Archives to the Taproom

The 1757 military notebook containing the brewing instructions is far more than a curious relic. Neatly recorded on the back page of the journal, the recipe resides permanently in the Manuscripts and Archives Division at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. The document shares a home with other foundational pieces of American history, including an original copy of the Declaration of Independence handwritten by Thomas Jefferson.

For many years, accessing such delicate artifacts meant observing them in quiet reading rooms or viewing digitized copies online. The Liberty Lager project represents a deliberate shift in how institutions share their archival materials with the public. The collaboration serves as a cornerstone for “250 Years,” the library’s system-wide initiative marking the nation’s semiquincentennial.

By transforming a written record into a physical and sensory experience, historians hope to make the past highly approachable. Brent Reidy, the Andrew W. Mellon Director of the Research Libraries, explained the philosophy behind the release in a public statement. “As we mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, The New York Public Library is opening its archives, inviting all to come and discuss and experience our shared history,” Reidy noted. He emphasized that moving the recipe out of the reading room and into the pint glasses of New Yorkers allows the institution to connect its vast collection directly to the community.

A Tangible Taste of the American Story

History often feels distant when confined to textbooks and glass displays. The release of Liberty Lager challenges that separation by inviting individuals to consume a piece of the past. Projects like this highlight that founding figures were ordinary people who relied on practical solutions, like a hearty brew, to navigate immense challenges.

As the nation prepares for its 250th anniversary, the New York Public Library and TALEA Beer Co. have created a fresh model for historical engagement. This collaboration proves that preserving the past does not require keeping it locked away. History can function as a vibrant, shared experience that brings communities together.

For those near New York, Liberty Lager is available at TALEA taprooms and select library events during the semiquincentennial celebrations. The broader takeaway, however, applies everywhere. Citizens are encouraged to seek out interactive exhibits, explore local archives, or simply examine everyday traditions with a historical perspective. Finding creative ways to interact with the past helps people forge a more profound connection to the events that shaped the modern world. Take the time to step into a local museum, support initiatives that bring archives to life, and discover the history living right in your own community.