General Washington's Tavern Porter: Go America.

General Washington's Tavern Porter

Something different this week, BwM readers. I just took a weekend road trip to the former nation capital of Philadelphia, and now feel imbued with patriotic zeal. During my stay, I had the pleasure of checking out the "Independence After Hours Tour", an American experience involving dinner and a tour/show featuring some of our nation's most prominent figures from the 18th century (my friend actually played Thomas Jefferson). During dinner, you have the option to partake in some historic brews, and I simply couldn't resist. Thusly, I bring you "General Washington's Tavern Porter," the darker of the two drinks available (as opposed to Thomas Jefferson's Tavern Ale)

This beer was originally brewed by order of the good General himself, in order to quench the thirsts and improve the morale of his troops, during the Revolutionary War. Apparently, Mr. Washington was a big fan of thick, dark porters. I'm also assuming that since he and his troops were starving half the time, a full, heavy brew really hit the spot on a cold, winter night in Valley Forge. Kind of a romantic idea, the more I think about it. Except for the starving part.

Years later, the recipe was re-created by the Yards Brewing Company, who began mass-manufacturing the drink for historical purposes, namely, to be served as one of the beverages-of-choice at Philadelphia's landmark City Tavern. Yards itself was started in 1988, and have grown in popularity thanks to their affiliation with City Tavern and their line of "Revolutionary Ales." Now, it is one of their staple drinks.

Ah, the beer. A dark porter with a small head but a firm body, I was at first put off due to its similarities to Guinness, which is one of the few beers I really have a hard time stomaching. I looked over at my friend, who had ordered the Thomas Jefferson Tavern Ale, a light, amber beer, and thought I would regret my decision. But to my surprise, the liquid was much more viscous than I anticipated, not at all like Guinness. The molasses-based brew had a full-bodied, light taste, with just the right amount of bitterness without making the stuff overly potent. There was a lasting aftertaste, mostly of darker fruits like cherries and dates. There is also a thick nuttiness that lingers afterwards, making this beer quite a memorable experience for a porter. It is filling, but not terribly so.

Overall, I was impressed with the porter, especially given my preconceived notions based on sight alone. Considering its rarity, I doubt if I'll again sample the Yards' historic drink, but if I should ever find myself in Philadelphia again, and near the City Tavern, I would definitely be back for more.

The Beer Essentials:
Name: General Washington's Tavern Porter
Rating: 9/10
Brewery: Yards Brewing Co.
ABV: 7.0%
Type: Dark Porter
Available in: Bottles or on tap
Location: As far as I know, only at City's Tavern in Philadelphia, PA, or directly from Yards Brewing Co.
Other: This was the original recipe for Washington's favorite drink!

Don't worry, gang. I'll probably be back next week with a slightly more traditional review, but for now, you'll have to suffice with my salute to the nation's first president.

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General Washington's Tavern Porter: Go America.