Mysterious Prohibition-Era Whiskey Bottles Discovered on New Jersey Beach

Mysterious Prohibition-Era Whiskey Bottles Discovered on New Jersey Beach

A remarkable find occurred last month when Austin Contegiacomo stumbled upon a collection of whiskey bottles while walking his dog on a New Jersey beach. This discovery turned out to be a fascinating glimpse into the past, revealing a stash dating back to the Prohibition era.

For Contegiacomo, a 28-year-old Coast Guard rescue swimmer from Northfield, New Jersey, the discovery became an intriguing story to share, even though he is not a drinker himself. He expressed his excitement, stating that the historical context only adds to the allure of the find.

A Day of Discovery

Contegiacomo had just wrapped up a 24-hour duty and decided to take his sheepadoodle, Koda, for a stroll near Margate Pier, which lies south of Atlantic City. He typically walks Koda at the beach almost every day, enjoying the fresh air and the opportunity for his furry friend to play.

During their walk, whilst throwing a ball for Koda, Contegiacomo noticed the dog acting oddly, focusing intently on an object in the sand. This object turned out to be a bottle. Initially, Contegiacomo believed it resembled something less savory.

He recalled thinking it looked like a bottle that had contained waste, wanting to keep Koda away from it. However, as he continued to walk, he spotted a second bottle nearby, which Koda also took an interest in.

Uncovering Hidden Treasures

After Koda found a third bottle, Contegiacomo started to realize this was no ordinary beach day. The bottles lay just below the surface, covered by sand and surrounded by conches and other debris. Contegiacomo mused that they were likely unearthed during beach dredging activities, which typically take place in winter as preparations are made for the summer season.

In total, he and his dog uncovered eleven full glass bottles, all etched with the name Lincoln Inn. This name sparked curiosity about the whiskey’s origins. Contegiacomo reached out to a friend who researched the brand and informed him that Lincoln Inn had been produced at a Montreal distillery in the 1930s, ultimately becoming defunct in the 1970s.

Historical Significance and Online Interest

Intrigued by his findings, Contegiacomo decided to share the discovery on Reddit, where various communities, including those dedicated to treasure hunting and whiskey enthusiasts, engaged with his story. Members of these groups pointed out a diamond shape embossed on the bottom of the bottles, a hallmark dating back to 1928.

Through discussions, he learned more about the design and era of the bottles, suggesting they were manufactured between the 1930s and 1940s. Shortly after his discovery, some of Contegiacomo’s colleagues visited the beach and found another bottle, bringing the grand total to twelve.

Sharing the Wealth

Feeling generous, Contegiacomo decided to gift a bottle to each of his friends and to his father. He reflected that many of his colleagues appreciated the historical significance, especially since most of them were from New Jersey, making it a piece of local heritage.

Contegiacomo noted the bottles varied in clarity, with some bottles appearing clear while others were more opaque. He learned from experts in the field that this difference might result from the filtration processes used back then or the charred whiskey barrels.

Preserving a Slice of History

One particular bottle caught Contegiacomo’s eye, as he believed it to be the best quality of the lot. All the bottles retained their seals, and the whiskey inside was at a consistent level, giving him hope that the liquor remains drinkable after all these years. The ocean’s usual chilly temperatures likely contributed to the preservation of the old whiskey.

The mystery surrounding how these whiskey bottles ended up washed ashore remains unanswered. Local lore suggests that bootleggers used to transport liquor to the Jersey Shore, where small boats would pick it up for clandestine distribution. The boardwalk was a hotspot for such activities during Prohibition.

Value Beyond Monetary Gain