Community Finds: Randy’s Ultra-Aged Prohibition Trifecta — Fern Brook, Old Angler, and the Elusive Susquemac Rye
Just when you think you’ve seen every variation of medicinal pint to survive the 1920s, a submission lands in the inbox that completely recalibrates the scale. Reader Randy sent in a jaw-dropping trio of pristine, unopened bottles that represent the absolute zenith of ultra-aged liquid history.
What makes this lineup so extraordinary isn’t just that they survived intact; it’s the sheer age statement on these bottles. During Prohibition, the standard medicinal prescription pint was typically aged between 4 to 10 years. Randy’s collection blows right past that, showcasing incredible 16-year and 18-year-old stocks that were securely locked in bonded warehouses while the country was dry.
1. Fern Brook Kentucky Whiskey (Distilled 1917 / Bottled 1933)
On the far left sits a flawless bottle of Fern Brook Kentucky Whiskey, produced by the Glencoe Distillery Co. of Louisville, Kentucky. Glencoe was an independent powerhouse famous for its high-quality bourbon mash bills, managed for decades by the Hollenbach family.
A close look at the green federal tax strip and the glass reveals an amazing timeline of historical bookends:
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The Distillation: The stamp notes this liquid was made in the Spring of 1917 at Distillery No. 414 in Kentucky, right before the federal government halted domestic distilling for World War I grain conservation.
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The Bottling: It was safely tucked away in wood for over 16 years until it was finally bottled in the Fall of 1933—precisely as the 21st Amendment was being ratified to end Prohibition.
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The Post-Repeal Stamp: Affixed to the right shoulder is a vibrant green 1936 State of Illinois Alcoholic Liquor Revenue Stamp (taxed at 50 cents per gallon). This tells us that even though the whiskey was bottled at Repeal, it didn’t hit retail shelves in Illinois until a few years later as the legal market stabilized.
2. Susquemac Straight Rye Whiskey (“18 Summers Old”)
Standing proud in the center is arguably the crown jewel of this trio: Susquemac Straight Rye Whiskey. Finding any historic bottle from the Susquemac Distilling Co. (Distillery No. 63, 6th District of Kentucky, located in Milton, KY) is an absolute white whale for collectors.
Susquemac holds a legendary place in industry lore—it was the very distillery where a young Lewis Rosenstiel got his start in the liquor trade working for his uncle. Rosenstiel would go on to use his expertise to buy up closed plants during the dry era, eventually founding Schenley, one of the “Big Four” empires that dominated post-Prohibition spirits.
This particular bottle is a historical marvel:
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The Age: The main label proudly boasts that the rye inside is “18 Summers Old”—an incredibly long maturation period for the era that would have resulted in an incredibly deep, rich oak profile.
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The Packaging: Peeking out directly behind the bottle is its original, beautifully preserved art-deco cardboard carton, boldly stamped with the mandatory legal text of the era: “BOTTLED IN BOND For Medicinal Use.”
3. Old Angler Kentucky Whiskey (“Distilled 16 Years Ago”)
Rounding out the trio on the far right is Old Angler Kentucky Whiskey. While many brands from this era relied on minimalist, stark typography, Old Angler leaned heavily into classic, narrative artwork.
The label features a stunning graphic of an old-school fisherman perched on a riverbank, rod in hand, landing a catch.
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The Maturation: Just like its shelf-mates, this is an ultra-aged expression, featuring a prominent arching banner stating “Distilled 16 Years Ago” and aged thoroughly in wood.
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The Seal: The pristine white tamper-evident capsule is still completely intact around the neck, perfectly protecting the cork and keeping the fill level firmly in the high-shoulder region.
Finding one bottle with this level of maturity is a collector’s dream. Seeing three beautifully preserved, highly aged survivors together on a single counter is a masterclass in American distilling heritage.
An enormous thank you to Randy for sharing these unbelievable treasures with the community!
Uncovered an old bottle with a story to tell?
Whether you’ve found a Prohibition-era medicinal pint, a rare post-Repeal bottle, or an old family heirloom, let’s unlock its history together. Head over to our Whiskey Bottle Evaluation Form to send over your photos!
