The United States two-dollar bill is an active denomination of U.S. currency. The obverse features a portrait of Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States (1801–1809). The reverse of the U.S. two-dollar bill features an engraving of John Trumbull’s painting Declaration of Independence, which depicts 42 of the 56 signers of the Declaration. Among them, George Washington, Samuel Adams and Thomas Jefferson were brewers.
Samuel Adams: Often associated with brewing, he inherited a malt house from his father. While not a brewer full time in the modern sense, the malt house provided materials for beer production and brewed occasionally.
Thomas Jefferson: Jefferson brewed beer at Monticello, his Virginia estate, and is recognized as one of the early advocates for American brewing. He even drafted recipes for beer and supported the idea of locally made brews.
George Washington: George Washington was a known beer enthusiast, and he even had a recipe for brewing beer in his personal notebook. The recipe is quite simple by modern brewing standards and reflects the brewing practices of the 18th century. He also operated a small brewery at Mount Vernon. And during the Revolutionary War, he made sure his troops received a quart of beer each day. In their fondness for beer, these great men were only following an American tradition that was already well established.
George Washington’s Small Beer Recipe
“To Make Small Beer”
Take a large Sifter full of Bran Hops to your Taste.
· Boil these 3 hours, then strain out 30 Gallons into a Cooler.
· Put in 3 Gallons Molasses while the Beer is Scalding hot or rather draw the Molasses into the Cooler & Strain the Beer on it while boiling Hot.
· Let this stand till it is little more than Blood warm then put in a quart of Yeast.
· If the weather is very cold cover it over with a Blanket.
· Let it work in the Cooler 24 hours then put it into the Cask.
· Leave the Bung open till it is almost done working.
· Bottle it that day week it was Brewed.
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