Video Jim Beam to close Kentucky distillery for one year
Chad Pergram, Fox News’ head congressional correspondent, appeared on ‘Fox & Friends’ to talk about the Jim Beam distillery’s one-year shutdown in Kentucky due to decreased supply and demand, and to name his favorite scotch selections.
NEW! You are now able to listen to Fox News content!
An Illinois distillery proprietor was stunned recently to discover a concealed firearm dating back to Al Capone’s time — still equipped with period-accurate ammunition.
The firearm — a Colt 1908, produced in 1921 — was located at the Thornton Distilling Company, situated within the oldest extant brewery in Illinois.
Historical records indicate the facility was managed by the Capone and Torrio organizations, along with the Chicago Outfit, throughout the Prohibition years. It was initially founded in 1857.
Andrew Howell, the originator of the Thornton Distilling Company, informed Fox News Digital he came across the handgun inside the wall of an underground limestone reservoir.
The firearm was “contained within what seems to be an old, disused exhaust passage from a potbelly heater,” according to Howell.
A loaded pistol from the Prohibition era was recently unearthed hidden within a historical Illinois distillery. The photo on the right exhibits mobsters assembled at the same distillery building during the Al Capone epoch. (Thornton Distilling Company; Obtained by Thornton Distilling Company)
“I was inspecting the route to determine if we could install a conduit there when I observed some loose mortar on the side,” he recounted.
“After removing two sizable fragments, I discovered the gun. It appears to have been sealed within for quite some time before the mortar began to degrade, but it’s challenging for us to ascertain precisely when.”
“The passage is rather uninviting, so we consider ourselves fortunate that a visitor didn’t insert their hand and investigate.”
The distillery owner indicated that the firearm was holstered and loaded with a complete magazine.
Officials from the Thornton Police Department analyzed the gun’s serial numbers and verified that the gun “shows no indications of any prior involvement in crimes,” Howell stated.
“They mentioned that the ammunition gives the impression of being from the 1920s,” he further explained.
“At first, we weren’t sure of its age, so we intended to confirm it wasn’t reported as missing.”
Police confirmed the concealed pistol dated back to the 1920s and did not have any link to criminal activities. The adjacent image showcases mobsters at the distillery site throughout its control in the Prohibition era. (Thornton Distilling Company; Obtained by Thornton Distilling Company)
It is probable that it was concealed during the 1920s, Howell suggested. Regarding his feelings upon locating the gun, he conveyed it was a combination of thrill and concern.
“I’m relieved we came across it before any visitors did, given that we frequently conduct guided tours there,” he expressed.
“The passage is rather uninviting, so we consider ourselves fortunate that a visitor didn’t insert their hand and investigate.”
Al Capone stood as one of the most renowned criminals of the 20th century and symbolized coordinated crime in Chicago. (Getty Images)
Howell noted the gun enhances the extensive array of captivating relics discovered at the brewery, including beer order postcards dating back to the mid-1800s.
“These objects are showcased at our bar and eatery, together with intact beer bottles that were unearthed and pre-Prohibition signage that we came across buried outside the premises,” he stated.
“We intend to exhibit the handgun alongside these artifacts,” Howell appended.
“We are eager to discover additional information regarding its history.”