Archaeologists Make ‘Blockbuster Find’ of What Could Be George Washington’s Favorite Tipple at Mt. Vernon Excavation
Archaeologists found bottles of a cherry-scented liquid during an archaeological dig at Mt. Vernon. It is possible these were a favorite tipple of America’s first president, George Washington. (Photo: Mt. Vernon)
On Wednesday, Mt. Vernon announced in a news release that archaeologists discovered two dark green bottles containing a liquid believed to be a cherry brandy-flavored drink during an excavation. The cherry brandy beverage is called “Cherry Bounce,” and it was believed to be a favorite of America’s first president, George Washington.
“As we conduct a historic preservation effort at the iconic home of America’s first President and revolutionary hero, we have been deliberate and intentional about carefully excavating areas of potential disruption,” President & CEO of Mount Vernon Doug Bradburn said. “Consequently, we have made several useful discoveries including this blockbuster find of two fully intact glass bottles containing liquid that have not been seen since before the war for American independence.”
Mt. Vernon, the historic home of George and Martha Washington, reported that the bottles were removed and shipped to Mount Vernon’s archaeology lab.
The estate claimed that cherries with their stems and pits were preserved in the liquid, and the spirit smelled like cherry blossoms. The scientists at the lab surmised it was highly likely the bottles were filled with cherry bounce, George Washington’s favorite drink.
The bottles will be conserved, and the liquid inside will be analyzed by a lab to determine just exactly what was inside those mysterious green bottles.
Fox 5 reported that George Washington was such a fan of Cherry Bounce that he allegedly took a flask of it with him during a voyage through the Allegheny Mountains in 1784.
Other Boozy Finds From Archaeological Digs
Archaeologists are occasionally known to find preserved liquors during excavations.
In October, archeologists discovered 5,000-year-old wine jars in a tomb belonging to an ancient Egyptian queen, believed to be the remains of Egypt’s first female pharaoh.
They also made the grizzly discovery of the remains of 41 people, believed to be servants to the queen. There was no evidence of a mass sacrifice as the graves were believed to be built over a long period.
In September, bottles of what was considered the world’s oldest whisky were found hidden behind a hidden door in a Scottish castle. The whisky was believed to have been enjoyed by Queen Victoria when she was young.
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