150-Year-Old Mystery Alcohol Found in Utah

A 150-year-old bottle containing a mysterious liquid was discovered this summer during an excavation in Alta, Utah, a historic mining town. Researchers at High West Distillery, Utah's first legal distillery since the 1870s, have begun analyzing the artifact. Experts tentatively identified the contents as aged apple cider, noting oxidized fruit and leather notes. However, the findings are not yet conclusive. The team plans extensive third-party laboratory testing to determine the alcohol by volume and confirm the presence of apple-specific compounds like malic acid. Scientists are also investigating the various microbes present in the liquid, with the ultimate goal of recreating the historic beverage. This discovery adds to a growing list of ancient food and drink finds worldwide.