NEW BEER COMING FEB 21ST; MONTICELLO RESERVE ALE

The introduction of a new Monticello, Thomas Jefferson, inspired ale to those beer lovers out there will bring a smile to your face next month. On President's Day (Feb. 21, 2011) the new "Monticello Reserve Ale" will be available at the Monticello's Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center Museum for the public to taste and witness the tapping of the first keg. The ale began production on the 5,000 acre plantation as early as 1772.

Monticello is the historic plantation home of the former President Thomas Jefferson (April 13, 1743-July 4, 1826). Jefferson served two terms as president, from 1800-1808. Historian, public official, philosopher, and plantation owner, Jefferson also wrote the "Declaration of Independence" and was the founder of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA.

The original recipe overseen by Thomas Jefferson's wife, Martha, was a ritual every 2 weeks to produce "15 gallon casks of small beer- beer with low alcohol content"Monticello. Then around 1812 the addition of Captian Joseph Miller, began the change of quality and quantity, introducing it as ale. As time went on, Miller trained others in the process and soon nearly 100 gallons of beer were being made every spring and summer.

The beer was regulary served with meals on the plantation. This lead to the modern term of "table liquors". Being made of the wheat and corn, lightly hopped, the ale will take its next step in history.

The Thomas Jefferson Foundation has joined with Star Hill Brewery located in Crozet, VA. Star Hill Brewery has won many achievements for it prestigious tastes. The ale will be on tap at the local restaurants as well as being bottled.

The Monticello site has announced that the media will be invited in on Feb. 10, 2011 for a tasting preview and interviews with those involved the production and business side of things.