Reviving the past: the adventure of bringing an old recipe to modern beer
A few years ago, a well -known brand decided to embark on a flavor expedition that connects the story with the current one: creating a beer inspired by an old 1757 recipe, handwritten by no less than the first president of the United States, George Washington. The idea? Convert an annotation of your military newspaper into an act of flavor and nostalgia that transcends time.
From pages to the bar: the secret in the old papers
The Washington newspaper, carefully preserved in the New York Public Library, reveals more than simple war notes; It reveals a little known facet of the political and military leader: its relationship with beer. In modest lines, the then young officer describes a recipe for a low alcoholic content, possibly destined for campaign consumption, or perhaps as a safer alternative to water in times of shortage.
What exactly did the recipe say?
With simple ingredients – hospital, hops and a generous dose of molasses – and a quick preparation of just over a day, Washington left us a legacy that can be savored today. The recipe indicates boiling the ingredients for three hours, letting rest and cool for 24 hours, and take into account the climate variations, such as covering beer if it is very cold, a small detail that shows its attention to environmental conditions.
The use of molasses, in significant quantity, suggests an attempt to mask a possible rustic, typical of beers made with limited resources. The resulting sweetness was probably a touch that helped make drink more pleasant in times of austerity.
The story in a cup: the birth of the ‘Freedom Reserve Red Lager’
With this story as inspiration, the brand set out to sing the anthem of history and flavor in a contemporary beer. The ‘Freedom Reserve Red Lager’ combines roasted grains with a subtle molasses, achieving an aromatic profile that refers to the past, but with a soft and refreshing finish that invites you to enjoy in summer.
What distinguishes it, in addition, is the special selection of veterans to participate in its manufacture, a recognition of those who have served in military ranks, in line with the spirit of history and community.
A toast with purpose: support for today’s heroes
Since its launch in May, this limited beer not only seeks to offer a unique flavor, but also, support a noble cause. Part of the funds collected are allocated to ‘Folds of Honor’, an organization that helps the families of wounded or deceased soldiers providing scholarships and economic support. Thus, each drink becomes an act of gratitude to those who have given so much for the nation.
For those who enjoy a good moment under the sun, this proposal season the summer with slightly sweet notes and a touch of history, making each sip a deeper and more enriched meaning.
Looking forward: What reserves the future in historical flavors?
This experiment of revaluing old recipes with a modern touch can open new doors in the beer world, where local stories and traditions take prominence in each bottle. The trend suggests that, increasingly, consumers seek genuine connections with the past, accompanied by a social and cultural commitment.
Will this mixture of history, community and good beer just a start? Only time and flavor innovators can tell, but what is clear is that the past never happens, especially if we can drink it.
