It’s nearly 4th of July weekend and thoughts of flags, history, revolution and, most importantly, beer are running through people’s heads. There will be some awesome events this weekend, so make sure you get out an about on the Tap Trail.

Let’s get to the point: The founding fathers loved beer. They loved it so much James Madison briefly considered building a federal brewery. George Washington learned to brew after his presidency and one of his recipes for small beer was kept. Anyone tried to brew this yet? If you’re interested in old beer recipes, check out these ones.

“To Make Small Beer

Take a large Siffer [Sifter] full of Bran Hops to your Taste. — Boil these 3 hours then strain out 30 Gall[ons] into a cooler put in 3 Gall[ons] Molasses while the Beer is Scalding hot or rather draw the Melasses into the cooler & St[r]ain the Beer on it while boiling Hot. let this stand till it is little more than Blood warm then put in a quart of Yea[s]t if the Weather is very Cold cover it over with a Blank[et] & let it Work in the Cooler 24 hours then put it into the Cask — leave the bung open till it is almost don[e] Working — Bottle it that day Week it was Brewed.”