Canadian Diver Finds 19th-Century Bottle of Beer

Forget your typical flotsam and jetsam—Eater reports that a Canadian diver named Jon Crouse recently found an intact, still-sealed bottle of Alexander Keith's beer dating back to the late 19th century. Judging from the bottle marking, he believes it was produced between 1872 and 1890. It still contained beer, too, meaning that the alcohol is nearly as old as Canada itself (founded July 1, 1867).

Crouse, who searches for old bottles when he dives, unearthed the antique find from a three-foot mud layer while diving 10 feet underwater off the Halifax coast. He could tell from the bottle’s neck that it was old, and Alexander Keith agreed; one of the brewery's workers commented to CNN that they’d never seen one of their beverages weather so many years—and the elements.

Of course, you’re probably wondering if the beer is drinkable. Experts don’t recommended it, but that isn’t stopping a Halifax craft beer retailer named Stillwell from offering to analyze the bottle's ingredients for free. That way, they can find out how it was made—allowing curious ale enthusiasts to travel back in time without taking a single (and likely disgusting) sip.

All photos courtesy of iStock

[h/t Eater, CNN]