Photo: from public sources
Previously, no records of presidents making wine or brewing beer in the White House itself have been found – until 2011
US presidents have brewed beer for many decades. George Washington brewed it in Mount Vernon and also distilled whiskey. Meanwhile, Thomas Jefferson “played in the arena of alcohol” for a while, making wine at Monticello. According to Tasting Table, no previous records of presidents making wine or brewing beer in the White House itself have been found – until 2011.
“It was President Barack Obama who broke the seal of brewing beer in the White House itself, joining the American tradition of brewing the beverage at home in converted cellars and sharing an almost sacred culture that has permeated American hearts,” the article said.
It is noted that Obama’s project began in the White House kitchens with a home brewing kit from a local craft brewery and the support of his team of chefs, Sam Kass and Tafari Campbell. A few test drafts later (and a few tips from home brewers in the building) – and the first White House Honey Brown Ale was born.
The name comes with a secret: the honey used in White House beer was produced on the grounds of a beehive on the South Lawn. It gave the beer a wonderful flavour and aftertaste without making it too sweet. Interestingly, the beehive itself was the first in the White House, and at least 70,000 insects produced the honey that is used in beer and for other purposes in the kitchen.
Remarkably, the White House team was quite surprised at how good the beer tasted, as none of them had any experience making this beverage. But Honey Brown Ale was such a success that two other beers were brewed along with it: honey blonde (which the White House also called porter) and honey ale.
“It is unclear whether this drink is still brewed by former President Obama or the current White House administration, but these three will certainly go down in American history as something unique and truly special,” it added.
