What is the cr*p sometimes found in dusties?

[Enoch]

I bought two bottles of Tangle Ridge Canadian from the 80s today and didn't examine them good (they were cheap and I was in a hurry). When I got home they were full of stuff that looked like coffee grounds. The bottles have a ceramic/rubber stopper and were sealed. What is this stuff? I am filtering it now but wonder if it will hurt you and what causes it in some whiskey.

[sailor22]

It's common in unfiltered barrel strength Bourbon. It is likely the char from the inside of the barrel. Nothing wrong with leaving it in the juice if that's what it is.

I am not very familiar with Canadian Whiskey - do they bottle unfiltered?

[Josh]

I doubt it's char.

Someone smarter than I can give a better, more scientific version of the following, but sometimes, over time, some of the trace amounts of protein and other stuff in the whiskey will congeal when exposed to sunlight and fall to the bottom of the bottle. Just filter it out in a strainer and it should be fine. I've had several dusties with the Dusty Schmutz and they taste fine.

[ethangsmith]

My Michter's often looks like it has mud in the bottom when I drain a leaking decanter. I'd agree with the theory of the solids/proteins dropping out of the whiskey over time. And strain it out, it will taste just fine.