NYPL Partners with TALEA Beer Co. to Brew George Washington's Small Beer Recipe for US 250th

The New York Public Library has partnered with local brewery TALEA Beer Co. to recreate George Washington's small beer recipe from his 1757 military journal. The collaboration includes two beers: "Washington's Beer," a faithful reproduction of the original recipe using molasses and bran hops, and "Liberty Lager," a modern interpretation with 6.5% alcohol. The journal, digitized and viewable online, is held in the library's Manuscripts and Archives Division. The beers will be available in TALEA taprooms and New York City restaurants. The library is also commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence by displaying Thomas Jefferson's copy of the document for free during the first week of July and issuing special edition library cards. Anne Becerra, a certified cicerone, noted that beer has played a huge role in world history. Meredith Mann, the library's interim curator of manuscripts, highlighted the historical context of small beer as a safer alternative to water. LeAnn Darland, co-founder of TALEA, described the original beer as sweet and molasses-like. Tara Hankinson, another co-founder, said Liberty Lager is designed to be refreshing and food-friendly.