George Washington's Historic Rye Whiskey Launched

For the first time over 200 years, First President George Washington's authentic un-aged rye whiskey has been distilled and bottled at the site of his original distillery. The real thing made at the original site, the way George and his distiller, Scotsman John Anderson, produced it way back in 1797.

A Guy Studio was asked to create the period-style packaging for this historic product!

A Guy Studio's packaging, which features the first president's portrait, was designed with frames, borders and colors reminiscent of the architectural embellishments used in colonial Virginia plantations at the time. The bottle, heavy european glass, has a domed shoulder, like a small, specialty decanter. Hand-crafted wooden stoppers where used to cap the product and the labels themselves were printed on Estate #4, 100% cotton rag, wine-labeling paper stock. All of these elements combine to create a design that highlights the special nature of

this one of a kind, collectible whiskey.

This un-aged rye whiskey was made in a limited quantity, with only 475 bottles produced in this run. All are hand numbered and sell for approximately $85 per bottle.

The initial run has been practically sold out! With tastings at the on-site launch a success, bottles have been well received by the public.

The entire project, from the re-creation of George Washington's distillery on the actual site, to the distilling of the whiskey according to his original mash bill, using authentic copper pot stills, to the design and production of quality whiskey, has helped raise the awareness of the life of George Washington and the craftsmanship of our colonial forefathers.

It has been a distinct honor for Allan Guy Design & Illustration to have been allowed to be a part of this important, historic event.

Special thanks go to Mrs. Julia Mosley, Director, The Shops at Mount Vernon, Dennis Pogue, Director of Preservation at Historic Mount Vernon and Barton Groh, CFO, Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union, for their support and leadership in this ongoing series of unique, historic projects

As always, many thanks to Master Distiller Joe Dangler, of Virginia Gnetleman's A. Smith Bowman Distillery, for his exemplary knowledge of craft, time and attention and unfailing willingness to explain the intricacies of his art to others.

Please take a look at the news coverage of the launch of George Washington's Un-aged Rye Whiskey (2 video clips) a the bottom of this post:

First Colony Winery bottling 2007 and 2008 vintages

First Colony Winery, in Charlottesville, Virginia, is gearing up to bottle wines from 2008, as well as older vintages.  As the artist for First Colony, A Guy Studio is preparing new art for press, specifically Claret, Rose and a Special Edition Port wine as well as a new offering -"Zephyr." 

 Zephyr is a light, blush style wine made for pairing with summer foods.  The name, meaning "of the west wind" aptly describes this light, intriguing wine.  

Design wise, First Colony's design equities had to be maintained for brand recognition purposes but these elements were giving a twist, making for a winning, fresh look.

Painting for Philip Carter Winery Celebrates Virginia Heritage

An original oil painting, depicting the Crooked Run Valley as seen from the crest of a ridge on Valley View Farm, has been created for Philip Carter Winery by Allan F. Guy.

This painting will be featured on a line of a white wines that are named for Virginia's Governor Fauquier.  A generous portion of the sales for this item will be donated to local conservation groups.  The goal is to help preserve the unique culture and landscape of the northern Virginia Piedmont. 

Governor Francis Fauquier, whose name was given to the county that contains Crooked Run, certified the first recognized wine American of merit, in 1763.  The wines that received praise were made by Robert Carter of Cleve Plantation, a direct ancestor of the current proprietor of Philip Carter Winery.

The labeling of this fine wine features a rendering of Crooked Run in the fall and the signature of Governor Francis Fauquier, taken from authenticated documents of the period. Combining painting, history and package design, this was an absolutely rewarding assignment for A Guy Studio.