White House releases its beer recipe

(CBS News) Responding to a petition boasting 12,000+ signatures and Freedom of Information Act requests, the Obama administration on Saturday released some previously-undisclosed, in-demand information: The White House beer recipe.

In a pun-laden blog post on the White House website, White House assistant chef and senior policy advisor for healthy food initiatives Sam Kass laid out instructions for brewing the "White House Honey Ale," and the "White House Honey Porter," apparently "the first alcohol brewed or distilled on the White House grounds."

"Inspired by home brewers from across the country, last year President Obama bought a home brewing kit for the kitchen," Kass wrote in the post. "After the few first drafts we landed on some great recipes that came from a local brew shop. We received some tips from a couple of home brewers who work in the White House who helped us amend it and make it our own.

"To be honest, we were surprised that the beer turned out so well since none of us had brewed beer before," Kass wrote.

The White House also released a behind-the-scenes video explaining the White House brewing process. (You can watch that video by clicking on the player, above left).

Last month, the president revealed that not only does the White House brew its own beer - it also keeps a stock of it on the campaign bus.

Since then, requests for the recipe have been made via the White House petition site, "We the people," through FOIA requests, and in a Reddit question-and-answer session.

"It will be out soon! I can tell from firsthand experience, it is tasty," the president said, when asked about the recipe on Reddit.

Today, as the president campaigned in Iowa, the administration made good on the promise.

See the official recipes, below:

whitehouse.gov

whitehouse.gov

[Dingler123]

My dad used to make micro-brews using that Mr. Brew system. Cool to see the Prez. doing it too. My respect for the man grows.

[Eugene2012]

The recipe is far beyond the comprehension of the GOP.

[xterra4554]

The WH got something done in the last 4 years...the only thing they accomplished.... glad to see them hard at work helping Americans.

[abbe91]

I bet he will not "veto every single beer" ...

[venusvegasvada]

Awesome! Reminds me of my Grandpa who used to make dandelion wine.

That honey beer did look pretty good too!

Thanks for sharing.

[vicargeneral]

Seriously? This is what we get for 5 trillion dollars? This will stimulate the economy, especially with 25 million people out of work, a gazillion foreclosures, no energy policy, and no budget in three years.

[Jaylah54200]

Yeah, seriously. I suppose you think President Obama is doing this himself, right?

[RollotheNorman]

You sure are anal-retentive.

[RollotheNorman]

Now this is Librul beer, don't any of you RepubliCON weenies dare make or, especially, drink this.

[AOCGUY]

Now I'm even more impressed. Can't trust a man who won't sit down and have a beer with you. As a homebrewer I will most defintely try this recipie. Should be ready in time for the election.

President Obama, come down to Florida and try my Arrogant Bastard Clone.

[takacrat]

Obama makes his own Beer, plays golf, speaks at skools about government funding, has parties in the rose garden, when is he being President, in his sleep?

[Jaylah54200]

He isn't doing, or hasn't done, anything that many presidents before him have done.

You're just butt-hurt.

[retmw1]

I don't know, when does congress have time to do any work with all the vacations they take.

[RetiredArmy_Nurse]

To clarify, the word is "swill" not swell. My friend rated his Molson as the worst.