Photo courtesy of the Mount Vernon Ladies Association
The first bourbon ever produced by George Washington's Distillery marks the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
As Americans gather to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary, George Washington’s Mount Vernon will mark the occasion with the release of an exclusive new whiskey: George Washington's Spirit of '76 Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey, the first bourbon ever produced by George Washington's Distillery. The Spirit of '76 is a special release to mark the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
The limited release consists of approximately 300 bottles and represents one of the most exclusive spirits ever offered by Mount Vernon. Crafted from the finest reserved casks at George Washington's Distillery, the bourbon is bottled at cask strength and presented in a commemorative package honoring the nation's Semiquincentennial.
George Washington’s Spirit of '76 Cask Strength Bourbon Whiskey will be available for purchase beginning July 4 at The Shops at Mount Vernon while supplies last. Due to the extremely limited nature of the release, the bottle will retail for $1000 and only be sold in person, with a single bottle purchase limit.
The release highlights a lesser-known chapter of Washington's legacy. By the end of the 18th century, George Washington operated the largest whiskey distillery in America, producing nearly 11,000 gallons of whiskey in 1799 alone. Today, Mount Vernon's reconstructed distillery continues that tradition using 18th-century methods to create award-winning spirits inspired by Washington's original enterprise.
"Most Americans know George Washington as the commander of the Continental Army and our nation's first president, but fewer realize that he also operated the largest whiskey distillery in America," said Douglas Bradburn, Ph.D., President and CEO of George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
"By 1799, Washington produced nearly 11,000 gallons of whiskey annually, demonstrating the same innovation and determination that defined his public life. As we celebrate our nation's 250th anniversary, the Spirit of '76 honors both Washington's entrepreneurial vision and the enduring legacy of American craftsmanship. Produced at the site of his original distillery, this remarkable bourbon offers a tangible connection to the man who helped secure American independence and build the young nation's economy."
Aged for seven years, this historic product was distilled and bottled by hand using 18th-century techniques at George Washington's reconstructed distillery. The bourbon delivers a rich blend of sweetness, spice, and oak, showcasing the craftsmanship and historic distilling traditions that continue at George Washington's Distillery today. The bottle features a distinctive double-sided label that reveals Emanuel Leutze's iconic painting, Washington Crossing the Delaware, as the whiskey is consumed, creating a visual tribute to one of the defining moments of the American Revolution.
The release coincides with Mount Vernon's America 250 celebrations, including "An American Celebration" on July 4 featuring a naturalization ceremony, readings of the Declaration of Independence, military demonstrations, family activities, and fireworks over the Potomac River. Visitors also can explore the newly opened Education Center exhibition, George Washington: A Revolutionary Life, tour the Mansion, and visit the working distillery and gristmill.
A MULTIYEAR TOAST TO AMERICA 250
Mount Vernon also will launch the Washington's Generals Series, a collector's edition label program for its Premium Rye Whiskey. Created in partnership with White Historical Painting, the series will feature commissioned artwork highlighting key leaders and moments from the Revolutionary War. The inaugural 2026 label depicts General George Washington and General Henry Knox on Dorchester Heights overlooking British forces in Boston, a pivotal moment that helped secure one of the Continental Army's earliest strategic victories. New labels will be released annually on George Washington's Birthday, commemorating additional generals and milestones from the Revolutionary War.
"America's 250th anniversary is not a single day but a story that unfolded over many years," Bradburn said. "Through these special releases, we hope visitors can explore the people, events, and achievements that shaped the nation while connecting with George Washington's remarkable legacy as both a military leader and entrepreneur."
More information about Mount Vernon’s America’s 250 programming is available at www.mountvernon.org/250. Mount Vernon is pleased to offer the Virginia 250 Passport — a free, commemorative travel guide inviting guests to explore more than 70 historic sites across the Commonwealth of Virginia. Passport holders can collect unique stamps at participating destinations, access special discounts, and enter prize drawings designed to inspire discovery and engagement with Virginia’s rich heritage.
Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington, is owned and operated by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, the oldest national historic preservation organization in the United States. The estate is open to visitors and includes the Mansion, a museum and education center, gardens, tombs, a working farm, a functioning distillery, and a gristmill, as well as the George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon. Learn more at www.mountvernon.org.
