White House releases much-anticipated beer recipe

(CNN) -- After some pressure from the online home brewing community that included a petition on the White House website and a Freedom of Information Act request, the Obama administration gave in Saturday, September 1st and released its homemade beer recipe.

In a post on the White House Blog, head chef Sam Kass posted the recipes for two beers brewed on the grounds of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, the White House Honey Ale and Honey Porter. Both beers are made using honey harvested from the White House bee hive.

"Inspired by home brewers from across the country, last year President Obama bought a home brewing kit for the kitchen," Kass writes. "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."

Kass admits that he was surprised at how good the White House brews turned out given that none of the staff had brewed beer before. He also includes a bit of a history lesson.

"As far as we know the White House Honey Brown Ale is the first alcohol brewed or distilled on the White House grounds," Kass writes. "George Washington brewed beer and distilled whiskey at Mount Vernon and Thomas Jefferson made wine, but there's no evidence that any beer has been brewed in the White House."

The post includes detailed recipes and an instructional video featuring Kass taking a sip of beer and telling viewers, "America, I wish everybody could taste this, but we don't quite brew enough."