Couple May Have Unearthed Prohibition-Era Booze Behind Basement Wall

When 99.9 percent of us tear down basement walls, all we find is dust, asbestos, and asbestos dust. A Quincy, Massachusetts couple, however, represents that 0.1 percent who discover something totally cool during a home remodel: Bottles of what they believe was hidden booze dating to the Prohibition Era.

Local paper the Patriot Ledger reports the couple hired a contractor to waterproof the basement of the home they purchased last month, which was built in 1910. When the contractor tore down a false wall between the chimney and the foundation, the couple discovered dusty bottles and jars stacked five-high. More waterproofing work in the basement yielded more finds: "In total, they found three tin shot glasses and 56 bottles—44 large beer-style bottles, 10 moonshine jugs, a mason jar with an indiscernible orange chunk floating in some king of liquid and one bottle of red wine, the only one with any kind of label or marking."

Sweet, let's drink it after we're done with the mummy juice!, you're thinking. But the couple reports the jars and bottles give off a "distinct yeasty, and slightly vinegary" aroma that is probably... less than pleasant. Also, this cache could be valuable if its origins can be determined. Speaking of origins, the Press Ledger outlines some cool historical facts about the history of the house's neighborhood, so go give that a read if you're a nerd like me. Meanwhile, I'm going to reevaluate my use of the term "beer cellar."