George Washington Ordered Obscene Amounts Of His Favorite Wine

The first U.S. president, George Washington, loved to party with alcohol. In his lifetime, he purchased nearly 1,500 gallons of his favorite wine: Madeira.

Washington ordered pipes that held about 126 gallons of Madeira wine on multiple occasions and once ordered 54 bottles in one night, which he shared with both friends and foes.

American colonial social dynamics were tense in the 1700s, and the founding fathers used parties to strategize — gossiping at the bar was always a part of American culture.

The founding fathers also drank

lots of alcohol because their water wasn't potable. Alcohol helped them stay hydrated without risking terrible diseases from contaminated water.

In addition, Washington famously had issues with his teeth, and early dentists prescribed alcohol to manage toothaches. He consumed Madeira until his death in 1799.