History – The American Whiskey Trail by © 2016 Sarah Becker How do lawyers and historians pass their respective bar exams? Lawyers mostly study hard. Spirited historians sip booze. The American Whiskey Trail, championed by the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, includes local sites such as George Washington’s Mount Vernon Distillery and Gadsby’s Tavern Museum. Reconstructed as of 2007, Washington’s Distillery was originally built in 1797. Two years later it was the country’s largest 18th century facility, producing approximately 11,000 gallons of whiskey annually. Whiskey sold for $.50 a gallon and a federal excise tax was paid. Washington’s Distillery generated a substantial profit, thanks mostly to the efforts of experienced farm manager and Scotsman James Anderson. The Estate produced ample grain; the gristmill and water system were previously installed, and slave labor was cheap. Better still, the remaining slop—distilled grain—was recyclable. The Distillery was home to 150 pigs and 30 cows. Alexandria’s George Gilpin was among the Distillery’s earliest customers. A King Street property owner, Gilpin sold Washington’s whiskey at his store. The un-aged whiskey was made from 60% rye, 35% corn, and 5% malted barley. Today the standard alcohol drink is either 12-ounces of regular beer, 1½-ounces of 80 proof distilled spirits, or 5-ounces of wine. Who has not heard about the health benefits associated with drinking red wine? Only recently did I hear that Colorado State University “is one of several colleges now offering a major in beer.” The curriculum includes biochemistry, microbiology, physics and organic chemistry. The beer industry overall produces $101.5 billion in sales. Craft beer accounts for 19.3% of sales including Small Company Brewery of the Year Port City Brewery’s Optimal Wit. “Beer is proof God loves us and wants us happy,” Benjamin Franklin allegedly said. In truth the beer industry co-opted the…