It was common practice in colonial times and during the early days of the republic to drink from morning to night. The founding fathers all drank heavily. Most of them brewed beer, fermented cider, pressed wine, and distilled whiskey.
As president, George Washington had one of the largest distillery operations going in the whole country. In fact his distillery is now fully restored and open to the public at Mount Vernon.
Ben Franklin is often quoted as saying that “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be Unfortunately this quote is a case of lots of people wanting something to be true and not bothering to check to see if it was ever really said. The truth is Ben never did say this and in fact he was a bit of a wine snob.
Two quotes praising beer are attributed to Abraham Lincoln. I’m wondering if anyone can verify them.
“I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts, and beer.”
“I believe, if we take habitual drunkards as a class, their heads and their hearts will bear an advantageous comparison with those of any other class. There seems ever to have been a proneness in the brilliant and warm-blooded to fall into this vice.” 1842
If you know a reliable source confirming or refuting either quote, please post a comment and let me know. Thanks!
