Newsletter: 1600 “Brew”sylvania Ave

President Obama – Executive Home Brewer

President Obama’s love of beer has been well publicized, as he purchased a home brew kit in 2011. Inspired by home brewers from across the country, he embarked on the same journey of brewing in the kitchen as so many others have! He started with recipes that came from a local brew shop, then consulted with other home brewers who work in the White House to customize the recipes and make them his own. As far as is known, the beer he has brewed is the first alcohol brewed or distilled on the White House grounds. And this brings us to …

Ask the Brewer

Is President Obama the first president to home brew?

Actually, several other commander-in-chiefs have home brewed, but since it’s President’s Day, let’s talk about one founding father in particular. Presidents Day was originally established in 1885 to celebrate the birth of George Washington, our first president.  It was initially celebrated on his actual birthday of February 22nd, but in 1979 the holiday was moved to being the third Monday of February. President Washington was an avid home brewer, as were many people during that time period, but he was also a strong advocate of American made beer, especially Porter. Of course, the Revolutionary war may have had something to do with his “buy American” stance. In 1789, he penned a letter to the Marquis de Lafayette stating “We have already been too long subject to British prejudices. I use no porter or cheese in my family, but such as is made in America; both these articles may now be purchased of an excellent quality.”

So, in honor of our Presidents, past and present, whether you celebrated on the 15th, or will be celebrating on the 22nd, raise your glass in a toast to American made beer! Or you could just celebrate National Battery Day instead….  😉

Taproom Tidings

Food options at the taproom this weekend include the crew from Tatanka on Friday night and the Signature on Wheels team this Saturday.

Brewer’s Choice is our American Lager which will be getting tapped on Friday. Yeah, we know it’s the middle of February, and that this is more of a summer beer, but we have been brewing up all kinds of things on the pilot system and thought we would share some of the love. So come on down, buy a pint before it is gone and let us know what you think.

On deck for next week we are hoping to tap our Dry Stout.

  • Tap selection includes Pyro APA, Roasted Coffee Ale, Fused Orange Blossom Honey Ale, Cranberry Shandy, Raj-Agni IPA and American Lager (Limited quantity, so no growler fills on this!)
  • Thirsty Thursdays $1 off pints and $2 off growler fills
  • Nutmeg Pear Cupcake from Groundswell, nutmeg cake with fresh pear butter and cream cheese frosting

Final Thoughts

This Saturday, February 20th, Thom and Andrew will be making the trek to the 18th annual Food & Froth Fest in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This celebration of beer, food and music supports the Milwaukee Public Museum and its world-class exhibits, programming and educational opportunities, and community outreach efforts. We hope to see you there!

As always, if you have questions, drop us a note via Email, Facebook or Twitter.

Cheers!