New Book Takes Fascinating Look At Role Of Alcohol In Presidential History
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Chris Stigall spoke with Mark Will-Weber about his new book, Mint Juleps with Teddy Roosevelt, on Talk Radio 1210 WPHT.
The book details the favorite drinks of many presidents and the role alcohol has played in the nation's political history.
Will-Weber said a story from the administration of Warren G. Harding served as the inspiration for writing the book.
"When he was in the White House during Prohibition, nobody was supposed to drink or transport alcohol, and Harding, one of his favorite ploys was to go golfing. Out at Chevy Chase Golf Course near DC, he would always have a fifth of whiskey stashed in his golf bag, and every couple holes, he would take a pop of whiskey. He rarely broke 100. That might explain why."
Will-Weber also added that Thomas Jefferson's propensity for wine and entertaining jeopardized his own personal fortune.
"It wasn't unusual for him to spend $20,000 in a year on wine and food and that kind of thing. Near the end of his life, his daughter had to sell Monticello, so he was teetering on the brink of bankruptcy. In fact, he sold his personal library for a great sum to the U.S. Government, because the real library had been burnt down by the British in the War of 1812, and that just barely got him up to being solvent again."
Will-Weber also detailed the beer brewing that is currently taking place at the White House.
"They are making their own beer at the White House, which is quite interesting, the White House Honey Ale, and I'm hoping to snag one of those before this book has its run…The last two or three years, they've been making it and they had some craft brewers come in and instruct the kitchen staff on how to do it. They make about 100 bottles per batch, and they use the honey from Michelle Obama's beehive that she has in the garden."