146-Year-Old Shipwreck Seeds May Revitalize Michigan Rye

A Michigan distilling company and Michigan State University are collaborating to revive a historic rye variety from seeds salvaged from the 1878 shipwreck of the James R. Bentley in Lake Huron. Although the seeds did not germinate, researchers are extracting DNA to compare with modern rye varieties, aiming to create a new rye for distillers. This initiative could lead to the establishment of a Michigan Rye Trail, promoting local agritourism and whiskey production.