Across the United States, hidden relics from the Prohibition era occasionally resurface, offering glimpses into a time of underground speakeasies and covert liquor operations. Bootleggers went to great lengths to conceal their illicit trade, stashing alcohol in walls, floors, and other unexpected places to avoid detection. Nearly a century later, some of these secret caches remain undiscovered—until an unsuspecting homeowner stumbles upon a forgotten piece of history. One such discovery recently took place in upstate New York, where a routine home renovation led to an astonishing find: dozens of hidden whiskey bottles dating back to 1923.
In early October, two homeowners in upstate New York uncovered a hidden supply of whiskey within their walls. The discovery included dozens of bottles labeled “Old Smuggler” Gaelic Whiskey, some still sealed and full.
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Where did this happen?
The find occurred in the small village of Ames, Montgomery County, where Patrick Bakker and Nick Drummond had recently purchased a historic home. According to The Daily Gazette, the previous owner had mentioned that the house once belonged to a German bootlegger, a detail the couple initially dismissed as a charming anecdote. That changed when an unexpected discovery confirmed the home’s clandestine past.
While repairing trim below the mudroom, Drummond removed a section of the wall and noticed an unusual flat-bottomed structure that resembled a partition rather than a crawl space. Curious, he continued removing boards until a mysterious package fell to the floor.
One bundle led to several more. In total, seven packages emerged, each carefully wrapped in brown paper and tied with string. Inside, they contained bottles of whiskey signed with the name “R.M. Clark” and dated October 23, 1923. Black labels on the bottles advertised the whiskey’s “high degree of purity” and “excellent quality and flavour [sic].”
Further investigation revealed additional storage beneath the floor. A hidden hatch initially seemed unremarkable, but closer inspection showed that the floorboards had been attached using flathead screws—a costly and uncommon choice at the time. Drummond noted that such an unusual detail raised suspicions, prompting them to lift the boards and uncover more bundles of whiskey.
The homeowners believe additional whiskey caches may still be hidden within the house, though they are proceeding carefully to avoid damaging any remaining packages. While many of the bottles still contain their original contents, neither Bakker nor Drummond has sampled the nearly century-old spirits. Instead, they plan to research the home’s history through the Montgomery County archives, hoping to understand how the whiskey ended up concealed within the property. They also intend to preserve part of the discovery by installing a glass panel in the floor to showcase the hidden stash.
A Rare Glimpse into a Hidden Past
The discovery of a hidden whiskey stash in an upstate New York home serves as a tangible link to the Prohibition era, a time when smuggling and secrecy were essential for those in the liquor trade. Nearly a century later, these forgotten bottles not only tell a story of illicit craftsmanship but also add intrigue to the home’s already rich history. Whether more hidden treasures remain undiscovered or not, this unexpected find highlights how pieces of the past can still emerge in the most unexpected places. As research into the home’s origins continues, the whiskey stands as a rare and fascinating reminder of America’s long and complicated relationship with alcohol.
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