George Washington is known as the commander of the Continental Army, the nation's first president, and — perhaps less famously — the owner of the largest whiskey distillery in America by the late 18th century. This Fourth of July, his estate is honoring that legacy with something you can actually taste.
George Washington's Mount Vernon is releasing the Spirit of '76 Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey on July 4 — the first bourbon ever produced at George Washington's Distillery, and a limited one at that. Only 300 bottles will be available, priced at $1,000 each.
The bourbon was aged seven years and distilled and bottled by hand using 18th-century techniques at Washington's reconstructed distillery on the Mount Vernon estate. Mount Vernon describes it as delivering "a rich blend of sweetness, spice, and oak."
The bottle itself is a collector's piece: a double-sided label conceals Emanuel Leutze's iconic painting Washington Crossing the Delaware — revealed only as the whiskey is consumed.
Washington's distillery produced nearly 11,000 gallons of whiskey in 1799 alone. The Spirit of '76 release is part of Mount Vernon's broader America 250 programming, which on July 4 includes a naturalization ceremony, readings of the Declaration of Independence, military demonstrations, and fireworks over the Potomac River. If you're planning to be closer to home for the holiday, we've got you covered.
Read more: a full guide to July 4th fireworks near Woodbridge and everything happening for America's 250th in Prince William County.
Mount Vernon is also launching the Washington's Generals Series, a collector's edition label program for its premium rye whiskey. The inaugural 2026 label features commissioned artwork depicting Washington and General Henry Knox at Dorchester Heights — new labels will be released annually on Washington's birthday. For more on the history behind America's 250th celebrations, don't miss Dom Clementi's July 4th series right here on the Gazette.
The Spirit of '76 will be sold at the Shops at Mount Vernon beginning July 4. More information on America 250 programming is at mountvernon.org/250.
Photo credit line: Photo: Matt Briney / Unsplash