God, Country, and Whiskey

George Washington was a not only our nation's first president, he was also a purveyor of fine whiskey. Archeologists and historians have re-constructed Washington's distillery and have it up and running again.

Washington's farm manager, Scotsman James Anderson, began distilling whiskey in February 1797, in the final months of Washington's presidency. Anderson convinced a reluctant Washington to build a large-scale distillery a few months later, and the distillery was completed in March 1798.

By 1799, Washington was producing 11,000 gallons of whiskey a year -- sold at 50 cents a gallon for the common variety and $1 a gallon for the more refined product, which was run through the still four times. See CNN's coverage for more.

I knew he grew hemp, but I didn't realize he was into the whiskey so much.

So three cheers for our Founding Fathers. They knew how to have fun!