Cheers to George Washington This Holiday Season

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA -- George Washington’s Mount Vernon now has two new items available for the “impossible to shop for” on your list: the George Washington Whiskey Gift Set and George Washington Special Reserve Madeira Wine. Both products are available for purchase in-person only at The Shops at Mount Vernon.

George Washington Whiskey Set

The George Washington Whiskey Gift Set includes a 50ml mini bottle of George Washington’s Rye Whiskey and a commemorative shot glass. The whiskey, distilled at Mount Vernon’s reconstructed distillery, uses Washington’s recipe for rye whiskey. In the 18th century, whiskey was not aged. The whiskey in this bottle accurately represents the process that Washington’s distillers would have used.

The black textured gift set box is embossed with gold foil featuring the image of the distillery and has a rich burgundy foam insert. The clear, square shot glass has an image of the distillery with George Washington’s signature and “George Washington’s Distillery” printed in 22K gold ink.

The shot glass, gift box, and whiskey are made in America. The gift set can be purchased for $29.99 at The Shops at Mount Vernon: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday 1– 5 p.m. No admission price is required to shop.

George Washington Reserve Madeira Wine

The George Washington Special Reserve Madeira Wine, produced in Madeira, Portugal, is available exclusively at The Shops at Mount Vernon for $64. This very special Madeira pays homage to the “rich old” style of Madeira that Washington loved. Mount Vernon describes the George Washington Special Reserve Madeira wine as "lovely, gently sweet wine, with a soft, velvety texture. It has a juicy lemony quality that balances the sweetness and makes the finish long and refreshing. The nose features notes of orange peel, hazelnut, and flowers."

By 1766, Washington was ordering 220 gallons of Madeira. He had imported 440 gallons for himself and another 440 gallons for his stepson, John Parke Custis by 1773. Washington demanded the “choicest” of wines. When war disrupted his access, colleagues made sure Washington was well supplied with Madeira, delivered by wagon to the front lines. After the war, Washington’s imports resumed and continued until one month before his death in 1799.

The George Washington Special Reserve Madeira Wine is available for purchase in-person only at The Shops of Mount Vernon. This 500 ml bottle of wine has been imported from the Rare Wine Co.

PHOTO of George Washington Whiskey Set courtesy of Mount Vernon