WILLIAMSBURG, Va., Nov. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- To help preserve pre-Revolutionary history of food and drink, Mars, Incorporated announced that its American Heritage line of Chocolate, Coffee & 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 and provides guests with the opportunity to enjoy a sampling of coffee, tea and chocolate made in the style described by Thomas Jefferson in the 18th century.

To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/mars/41306/

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091123/NY16493 )

The love of coffee, tea and chocolate is nothing new to Americans. Jefferson believed in "the superiority of chocolate" and deemed coffee "the favorite drink of the civilized world". Mars' American Heritage coffee & tea blends follow tradition, using beans from the West Indies and black tea leaves from India. There is, however, something new. These unique beverages are delivered in single-serve Flavia Fresh Packs using the unique Source. Seal. Serve. technology pioneered by Mars Drinks. This fresh brew process delivers the subtle aromas and flavors coffee-loving Americans have come to expect from modern-day coffee houses.

According to Rodney Snyder, Research and Development Director of the Historic Division of Mars, Incorporated, "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.

About The Historic Division of Mars, Incorporated and American Heritage

The mission of the historic division of Mars, Incorporated is to relentlessly pursue and share chocolate's, coffee's and tea's rich pasts through its American Heritage brand. The R. Charlton's Blends of Flavia Coffee & Tea are the newest additions to the American Heritage line. In addition to Colonial Williamsburg, American Heritage Chocolate can be found at Mount Vernon, The Smithsonian, Historic Deerfield and other historic sites nationwide, as well as at the Fortress of Louisbourg in Canada. For more information, to order products or to find recipes, visit www.americanheritagechocolate.com, www.myflavia.com and www.mars.com.

SOURCE Mars, Incorporated