Taste History at R. Charlton's Coffeehouse in Colonial Williamsburg
Here is an interesting way to travel back and time and try coffee, tea and chocolate the way people experienced it in colonial America in the 18th century. Mars, Incorporated announced that its American Heritage line of chocolate, coffee and tea is available in the only 18th century coffeehouse in the United States. R. Charlton's Coffeehouse has been reconstructed as Colonial Williamsburg's newest exhibition. It provides guests with the opportunity to enjoy coffee, tea and chocolate made in the style described by Thomas Jefferson in the 18th century.
Thomas Jefferson believed in "the superiority of chocolate" and deemed coffee "the favorite drink of the civilized world." Mars' American Heritage coffee and tea uses beans from the West Indies and black tea leaves from India. A modern twist is that the beverage is delivered in single-serve Flavia Fresh Packs.
Rodney Snyder, research and development director of the Historic Division of Mars, Incorporated, says, "Chocolate was a favorite beverage of the colonists, as you can see when touring Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area. Whether sampling chocolate or coffee at R. Charlton's or watching a chocolate-making demonstration, the love of chocolate connects us through time. Here chocoholics and history buffs alike can watch chocolate being made by hand, then taste the authentic textures and flavors for themselves in American Heritage Chocolate."
Reconstruction of R. Charlton's Coffeehouse was made possible through a five million dollar gift from Forrest and Deborah Mars. Mr. Mars developed an interest in Colonial Williamsburg as a youngster during family visits. He has been supporting The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation for nearly 25 years.
