The Rye-Revered Rye of Mount Vernon

This poem is an excerpt from my chapbook "Revolutionary Verse", a free download, or if you prefer a printed copy, buy direct, click here.

 
In 1799, George Washington's distillery produced nearly 11,000 gallons, making it one of the largest whiskey distilleries in America.  The original recipe for Washington’s whiskey was discovered by researchers examining the Distillery ledgers from 1798 and 1799. His whiskey consisted of 60% rye, 35% corn, and 5% malted barley.  Washington’s interest in the distillery operation was further heightened by the acknowledgment that much of the waste (or slop) from the fermentation process could be fed to his growing number of hogs. Washington smartly created a hog pen near the distillery, which held upwards of 150 pigs. In fact, the size of the distilling operation was so large that farm reports indicate slop was being carted to the other farms at Mount Vernon as well.
This humorous poem is about George Washington's whiskey distillery at Mount Vernon:

The Rye-Revered Rye of Mount Vernon

Our founding father raised his glass

To whiskey born on his estate

From rye and corn and barley mass

A spirit bold to celebrate!

 

At Mount Vernon the stills were lit

By bonfire bright as cherry red

While Farmer George observed each bit

Of precious mash get spirit-fed

 

Sixty percent rye ryed the rye

(A patriot's pour if ere there was!)

With corn to add some oompha, oh my

And barley malts to lend a buzz

 

From tun to mill to cool fermenter

The flow of golden dreams distilled

Until at last, the whiskey's center

The copper stole exhaled, buck-thrilled!

 

Out flowed ambrosia, batches grand

Aged under watchful master's eye

"This rye's the reddest rye in the land!"

George hollered with a hick'ry cry

 

But wait, what's this? A feared foul scent?

Is demon drink distressing dear old Mount?

It's naught but the distillery's heaven-sent

Hog fuel! Porky share of the bount'

 

Towards the pig pens, bushels of slop

Were carted for the swilling swine

Those sated sows could never stop

George's whiskey at the trough divine

 

The looping flows of rye liquor

And hog feed cast a splendid scene

Where statesman still and filthy icker

Effused a legacy pur-lean!

 

So raise your glass to freedom's fire

That glowed within the upstart stills

Rye-revered rye, Mount Vernon's pyre

Of liberty on rolling hills!

 

 

Join us in celebrating the spirit of the American Revolution with "Revolutionary Verse." Whether you're a history enthusiast, a poetry lover, or simply someone who appreciates the sacrifices made for freedom, this chapbook is a must-read. Experience the power of verse to connect us with our heritage and inspire us for the future.

This “Chapbook” is a free PDF download, or hardcopy can be purchased and mailed to you.  

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ISBN 978-1-300-33836-9

(Soft Cover Perfect Bound)