ABOUT
Good Taste
and a rebellious palate
Bold Flavor, Strong Spirits, and a Legacy That Started with a Soak
Before it was Berkeley Springs, this town was officially known as Bath, West Virginia—chartered in 1776, the very year independence was declared. Nestled in the heart of the Appalachians, Bath quickly became America’s first spa town, drawing visitors from across the colonies to its natural mineral springs, believed to heal everything from arthritis to heartbreak.
At the top of the guest list? George Washington.
He first arrived here in 1748 as a 16-year-old land surveyor and kept coming back for the rest of his life. He bought lots in what would become the town center, bathed in the springs, and even brought his family to “take the waters.” You’ll still find his name etched into the local history—and literally carved into the walls of the Roman Baths.
The Lost Ledger of George Washington’s
Whiskey Bar
Long before Berkeley Springs became a bustling spa town and tourist destination, it was a retreat for the weary and the wise, none more notable than General George Washington himself.
Legend has it that after a long day of surveying the rugged lands of the frontier, Washington would retire to a hidden tavern tucked near the bubbling mineral springs.
This tavern, known to locals as “The Proof,” was said to serve the finest spirits smuggled from the colonies and experimental fare that delighted the palate.
According to local lore, Washington kept a small leather-bound ledger where he recorded his favorite drinks and meals. Among his notes:
- "A fiery rye that could steady even the shakiest quill."
- "A roast so succulent, it ought to be declared independent."
- "A peculiar but delightful pairing of cheese and honey—a revolution for the senses."
When Washington eventually departed Berkeley Springs for more pressing matters – such as forming a new nation – the ledger was misplaced. Generations later, during renovations in downtown Berkeley Springs, an old leather book was discovered, its pages filled with faint, whiskey-stained scribbles. The modern Proof on Washington now honors this piece of lore by recreating those legendary flavors and adding their own culinary innovations to the mix.
Some even say that when the bar’s doors open, you can hear the faint clink of Washington’s glass as he raises a toast to history, good whiskey, and great company. And if you’ve read our fun little piece of fan fiction this far, you should mention it to the bar keep and see what kind of deal he’ll sling ya for being a good sport.
