Archaeologists Find a 100-Year-Old Bottle of Alcohol in Alta

Utah state archaeologist Ian Wright joins Utah Stories to discuss a remarkable discovery in Alta: a sealed bottle of alcohol buried in an old mining town excavation that remained full for more than a century. The bottle, uncovered during construction near the historic site, may be the only archaeologically recovered bottle of alcohol in Utah still containing its original liquid.Researchers partnered with High West Distillery to carefully extract and analyze the contents. Early testing suggests the drink may have been a beer, ale, or fortified wine consumed by miners in Alta during the late 1800s. Scientists are now working with specialized laboratories to identify its chemical composition and possibly recreate the historic beverage.The conversation also explores Alta’s mining-era history, artifacts recovered from the excavation, and how archaeology helps bring Utah’s past to life through tangible discoveries.Learn more:https://utahstories.comFollow Utah Stories for more conversations about Utah history, business, and culture.