- By Akansha Pandey
- Sat, 07 Feb 2026 05:05 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
In Utah, USA, archaeologists have discovered a 150-year-old bottle of alcohol. The artifact was unearthed during excavations in a ski resort area and is believed to date back to the period between 1870 and 1890.
The bottle found in Utah was completely full and in remarkably good condition, with its original cork still intact. To understand the characteristics of the beverage, experts decided to perform a taste test. According to Archeologist Lan Wright, finding an intact bottle of alcohol from this era in Utah is an incredibly rare event, making this discovery a significant archaeological milestone.
A Rare Discovery From The 19th Century
The artifact was transported to High West, Utah’s first legal distillery, where Isaac Winter, the Head of Distilling, noted that the vessel remained in remarkably good condition despite being buried for 150 years. To sample the liquid without removing the cork, the team used a Coravin device.
When the liquid was analysed, researchers noted:
Initial Impression: The cork had a faint vinegar-like aroma, but the liquid itself featured complex notes of oxidised fruit and leather.
Flavor Profile: Upon tasting, the liquid possessed a flavor profile similar to beer, suggesting it was likely a low-alcohol beverage. Isaac Winter, the head of distilling at High West, described the taste as surprisingly delicious, noting it lacked any foul odors like gasoline or tobacco, according to GB News.
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Historical Significance: This is considered the only known bottle from that specific era.
Experts are now conducting further analysis to see if any active yeast remains, which could help them recreate this historic brew. While this find is unique, it is not the world's oldest; that record belongs to a 2,000-year-old Roman white wine discovered in a tomb in Carmona.