By: Zinie Chen Sampson, Associated Press
RICHMOND, VA (AP) Thomas Jefferson is renowned for his many interests, including architecture, horticulture and inventing gadgets. Among the third president’s lesser-known pursuits was making beer, and modern-day visitors to his mountaintop estate at Monticello can soon get a taste of the past. The Thomas Jefferson Foundation says it’s working with Starr Hill Brewery in Crozet to offer Monticello Reserve Ale, inspired by what was produced and consumed regularly at Monticello. Brewing beer was among the plantation’s important activities, and the drink was one of the “table liquors” served with meals, Monticello officials said. Starr Hill’s master brewer Mark Thompson will brew Monticello Reserve Ale using a combination of lightly hopped wheat and corn, as Jefferson did in his day. Local ingredients will be used, including some