Washington’s Birthday Beer Tasting

Posted 8/21/12

ELDRED, NY — The Delaware Company will host a Washington’s Birthday Beer Tasting at Henning’s Local on Saturday, February 21 from 2 to 5 p.m., with a snow date of Sunday, February 22. The …

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Washington’s Birthday Beer Tasting

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ELDRED, NY — The Delaware Company will host a Washington’s Birthday Beer Tasting at Henning’s Local on Saturday, February 21 from 2 to 5 p.m., with a snow date of Sunday, February 22. The celebration will feature tastings from several local breweries; hardy 18th century tavern fare and birthday cake. A historical trivia contest—with prizes—titled “American Walks Into a Bar: The Role of Beer in the American Revolution” will be led by Sullivan County Historian John Conway. General Washington, in the person of talented re-enactor Paul Brennan, will be the guest of honor.

There will also be Colonial-era dancing—including Washington’s favorite Virginia Reel, as called by Roger Brinkerhoff—and period music performed by historical musician Linda Russell, who for 16 years was the official balladeer at New York City’s Federal Hall, site of General Washington’s presidential inauguration.

Beer was one of George Washington’s favorite beverages. During the Revolutionary War, when the British finally evacuated New York City on November 25, 1783, Washington celebrated the event with a draught of ale at Manhattan’s Bull’s Head Tavern, located in what would later be called the Bowery. We know that hops were grown at Mount Vernon and that beer was brewed there. In fact, historians have uncovered and preserved a recipe for “small beer” written in Washington’s own hand.

Virtually everyone living in 18th century America considered beer a staple, and many took advantage of the wild hops in the region to brew batches for personal consumption. Later, small commercial breweries dotted the region and hops were cultivated for brewing, including on the flats in Narrowsburg.

The requested donation is $35 in advance and $40 at the door to benefit The Delaware Company, an award-winning non-profit supporting the history the Upper Delaware River Valley.

Reservations are required (even if paying at the door) and can be made by emailing John Conway at: jconway52@hotmail.com. Checks, made out to “The Delaware Company” can be mailed to P.O. Box 185, Barryville, NY 12719.

Colonial attire optional but encouraged.

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