George Washington's Peach Brandy Goes on Sale This Week

Looking for an unusual gift for someone who has everything this holiday season? Eau de Vie, or “water of life” is a clear un-aged fruit brandy. George Washington’s Distillery Peach Eau de Vie is described as a a “robust, fiery brandy, beautifully clear with peach aromas and a hint of cinnamon.”

This Peach Eau de Vie is one of a limited number of bottles distilled at George Washington’s reconstructed distillery at Mount Vernon.

Starting this Friday, Nov. 14, bottles of it are going on sale at the Mount Vernon gift shop.

The distillery’s historic ledgers indicate that Washington had small amounts of peach brandy produced in both 1798 and 1799. Washington maintained orchards on his estate and the fruit from these orchards supplied the peaches needed. A portion of the peach brandy produced was sold and the remainder was moved to the Mansion for use by the Washington family.

Mount Vernon staff working with Master Distiller, Thomas McKenzie of Finger Lakes Distilling, and with assistance from Ted Huber of Starlight Distillery, produced this peach brandy based on traditional 18th-century methods. The peach juice was fermented on-site for 12 days, then double-distilled in copper pot stills heated by wood fires. This unaged brandy was bottled and labeled by hand.

Before you make plans to head to Mount Vernon Friday, here’s what you need to know:

• All brandy purchases must be made in person with a valid photo ID. Must be 21 years or older. No exceptions.
• Line Vouchers Available: Friday at 8 a.m. Mount Vernon will distribute line vouchers to those who arrive prior to our sale. Once you have a voucher you may return to the Shops anytime that day before 5 p.m. to purchase a guaranteed bottle. There will be approximately 800 bottles of Eau de Vie available. Each person may request three vouchers.
• Any bottles of Peach Eau de Vie unsold after Friday, Nov. 14 will be available on Saturday, Nov. 15 on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be no vouchers on Saturday, Nov. 15 and the sale starts at 10 a.m.
• You may access The Shops (in the Mount Vernon Inn Complex) without an admission ticket. Parking is free.
• Virginia ABC law prevents Mount Vernon from shipping whiskey purchases, nor can they accept checks for, or discount whiskey.