From the Depths of Lake Huron: Reviving Extinct Rye from a Shipwreck

Beneath the cold waters of Lake Huron lies a unique piece of history—a shipwreck whose cargo is poised to reshape agriculture and distilling. The James R. Bentley, a 178-foot schooner lost in a storm in 1878, carried 37,000 bushels of rye, much of which remains entombed on the lakebed. Now, over 145 years later, a team of divers, scientists, and distillers is working to recover this forgotten grain, not only to unlock a chapter of Michigan’s agricultural history but also to create something extraordinary: whiskey distilled from the resurrected seeds of the past.

The Sinking of the James R. Bentley

The James R. Bentley was a robust cargo vessel built to endure the harsh conditions of the Great Lakes. Its final voyage in 1878, however, ended in disaster. While transporting rye from Michigan’s once-thriving rye production centers, the schooner was caught in a violent storm. The ship sank to the bottom of Lake Huron, taking with it its valuable cargo of rye.

For over a century, the wreck lay forgotten, hidden beneath the waves. While shipwrecks in the Great Lakes often provide glimpses into the region’s history, this particular discovery offers something unique: a chance to bring back a long-lost variety of rye that disappeared from Michigan fields long ago.

Reviving Michigan’s Agricultural Heritage

Michigan was once a major hub of rye production in the United States, contributing significantly to the grain’s prominence in agriculture and distilling. However, the decline of rye farming and the Prohibition era caused this legacy to fade into obscurity. Today, rye is grown on a much smaller scale in the state, and many of the heirloom varieties that were once cultivated have been lost.

Enter Mammoth Distilling, a Michigan-based company with a passion for reviving forgotten agricultural traditions. Led by Chad Munger, Mammoth is renowned for its commitment to Michigan-made spirits. The company’s mission goes beyond whiskey—it’s about preserving history and connecting people to the land.

Munger partnered with Ari Sussman, a Michigan State University crop scientist, to explore the possibility of recovering and regrowing the rye from the James R. Bentley wreck. Their shared goal: to resurrect an extinct variety of rye and use it to create a whiskey rooted in Michigan’s agricultural past.

The Science of Resurrecting Rye

Reviving seeds from a shipwreck presents significant challenges. The rye had been submerged in Lake Huron for over 140 years, raising questions about its viability. Would the seeds germinate after spending so long at the bottom of the lake?

The project required careful planning and advanced techniques. Sussman, whose expertise lies in crop genetics and plant resilience, believed that modern science might provide the answer. Michigan State University’s laboratories were equipped to test whether the rye seeds could still sprout.

But first, the seeds had to be retrieved.

Diving Into the Depths

In September, a team of divers embarked on a delicate mission to harvest samples of rye from the wreck. Calm weather provided favorable conditions for the descent, but the operation was fraught with technical challenges. Using extraction tubes, the divers carefully probed the lakebed to recover viable samples without disturbing the wreck.

The tension was palpable as the team worked. Each tube was filled with sediment and grain, and the contents were brought to the surface for examination. When the divers opened the tubes, their excitement was undeniable: the samples appeared intact, and the rye showed promise of being in good condition.

The recovered seeds were rushed to Michigan State University, where researchers tested their viability. Against the odds, some of the rye seeds were found to be capable of germination, marking a monumental first step in the process.

Breathing New Life into Bentley Rye

The recovered rye, nicknamed “Bentley Rye,” represents a unique genetic snapshot of Michigan’s agricultural past. The seeds will undergo a meticulous regrowth process in controlled environments to ensure their success.

Sussman and his team are leveraging advanced genomic tools to reintroduce the Bentley Rye into modern agriculture. By studying the rye’s genetic composition, they hope to combine its historical traits with modern agricultural resilience. The goal is to create a new crop that maintains its heirloom character while adapting to current climate and farming challenges.

This effort also has broader implications for crop development. The techniques used in reviving Bentley Rye could pave the way for reintroducing other lost varieties, enriching agricultural biodiversity and strengthening food systems.

Turning History into Whiskey

Mammoth Distilling plans to use the Bentley Rye to create a whiskey like no other—a spirit that captures the essence of Michigan’s agricultural heritage and the adventurous spirit of the Great Lakes.

The process will take time. Whiskey requires years of aging to reach its full potential, and the team anticipates a two- to three-year timeline before the first batch is ready. However, the anticipation is building. Once released, the Bentley Rye whiskey is expected to be a flagship product, showcasing the intersection of history, science, and craftsmanship.

Economic and Cultural Impact

Beyond its historical significance, the Bentley Rye project has the potential to boost Michigan’s economy and reinforce its identity as a center for innovation and craft distilling. The whiskey industry generates billions annually, with regions like Kentucky setting the standard for success. Bentley Rye whiskey could help put Michigan on the map as a key player in this lucrative market.

Furthermore, the project highlights the importance of preserving and celebrating local history. By connecting modern consumers to the state’s agricultural and maritime heritage, Bentley Rye whiskey becomes more than a drink—it becomes a story in a glass.

A Legacy of Discovery

The story of the James R. Bentley and its cargo of rye is as much about the future as it is about the past. The successful revival of Bentley Rye represents a triumph of science, collaboration, and determination. It reminds us that history is not static; it can be brought back to life and given new purpose.

As the first shoots of Bentley Rye sprout in Michigan soil, the project stands as a testament to what can be achieved when curiosity and innovation meet. From the depths of Lake Huron to the shelves of distilleries, this extinct grain is embarking on a journey of revival—one sip at a time.