George Washington’s Journal Inspires New Lager From Budweiser

Americans know George Washington as a general, a precedent setter, and our first president. Now, Budweiser is releasing a new lager that is based on a handwritten recipe from his journal. This limited-edition beer is called Freedom Reserve Red Lager.

The recipe that was found in a journal of Washington’s from 1757, which is in the archives of the New York Public Library. The entry was titled “To Make Small Beer.”

According to the New York Public library, this is how it reads:


“Take a large Sifter full of Bran Hops to your Taste — Boil these 3 hours, Then strain out 30 Gall. into a Cooler put in 3 Gallons Molasses while the Beer is scalding hot or rather drain the molasses into the Cooler. Strain the Beer on it while boiling hot let this stand til it is little more than Blood warm. Then put in a quart of Yeast if the weather is very cold cover it over with a Blanket. Let it work in the Cooler 24 hours then put it into the Cask. leave the Bung open til it is almost done working — Bottle it that day Week it was Brewed,”

The lager brewed by Budweiser is inspired by this recipe. It is brewed with toasted barley grains and has a distinctive molasses finish.

Not only does this patriotic brew honor the first president, but it also honors veterans employed by Budweiser. They will not only be responsible for brewing the beer, but they will also sign the bottles of Freedom Reserve Red Lager. Budweiser will donate part of the proceeds from the beer to Folds of Honor, which is a nonprofit organization that helps out military families in need of educational scholarships.

Ricardo Marques, the vice president, states that he is extremely proud of the lager both because it honors Budweiser employees who have served in the military and it will benefit the Folds of Honor organization.

This patriotic lager will only be available from May to September 30th, 2018. Supplies are limited.