America's Whiskey

Saluting George Washington and Atticus Finch

By Doc Lawrence

A Toast to Harper Lee

ATLANTA-It’s the birthday of George Washington who was not only the Father of Our Country but also the main man at the beginning of America’s whiskey industry. Yes, the old warrior and principal Founding Father started a mighty good thing with his renowned distillery at Mount Vernon, a massive undertaking for the time. The finished product was American Rye and if you visit his home, now a National Shrine, you can purchase a bottle of it at the gift shop. You really want to buy at least two, though: One for pouring and one to keep on display for stimulating conversation.

A Heritage Member of the Kentucky Distillers Association, Michter’s just released their latest rye expression, a 10 Year Single Barrel Rye priced at $150 for a 750ml bottle.

Two days ago, Harper Lee, the author of To Kill a Mockingbird, was buried in Monroeville, Alabama. It seemed a perfect time to pour some of this regal elixir into an old fashioned glass and join in a toast to her and her magnificent story about decency.

I paraphrased Reverend Sykes who asked Scout, during a moment of high drama, to stand up: “Your father's passin'."

This is serious Rye Whiskey. Don’t be surprised to find cinnamon, vanilla and a hint of pepper. George Washington and Atticus Finch would love it.

George Washington Rye Whiskey