150-Year-Old Alcohol Bottle Discovered in Utah

This summer, archaeologists uncovered a 150-year-old alcohol bottle in an unexpected place in Utah.

The find was made at an archaeological site in Alta, Utah, by a team led by archaeologist Ian Wright. It’s interesting to think that this area, now known for skiing, was once a bustling mining town back in the 1870s.

According to reports, intact alcohol bottles from that period are quite rare in this part of Utah. Wright noted that this discovery sparked curiosity about what the bottle actually contained.

“We thought, let’s go to the experts and find out exactly what’s inside,” he said.

Wright took the bottle to High West Distillery, Utah’s first legal distillery established in 1870, and opened it for the first time in over a century.

Isaac Winter, who directs the distillery, shared that the bottle was in “pretty good shape” considering it had been closed for so long. Before opening, they noticed a faint vinegar smell emanating from the cork. Winter described the initial observations as “fruity” with hints of leather and age.

When they opened the bottle, they carefully documented the aroma. Since they weren’t sure if it contained spirits, beer, or something else entirely, the team used a Coravin device to extract a sample without completely removing the cork.

Winter mentioned he was somewhat nervous about tasting it, saying, “I didn’t know what to expect.” However, he was pleasantly surprised that it didn’t smell off-putting. After tasting just a small amount, he reflected that it was not unpleasant at all.

Tara Lindley, High West’s director of sensory and product development, remarked on the scent, noting the oxidized fruit note that was quite distinct. The texture of the liquid also gave clues; when filtered, there was visible sediment that made the drink appear cloudy.

Moreover, the team is planning further analyses to see if any yeast remains viable, which could provide insights into the brewing techniques of the past and possibly even allow them to recreate the beer.

This discovery echoes other fascinating archaeological finds, like a Midwestern distiller’s efforts to revive long-lost grains from a shipwreck in Michigan. Such endeavors often aim to breathe new life into local agricultural economies.