Carl Jeppson Company 'Jeppson's Malort' Liqueur, Illinois

Carl Jeppson Company's Jeppson's Malort Liqueur, Illinois, USA, is a bold and iconic expression of Chicago's storied drinking culture. With its intensely bitter profile and historic Swedish roots, this liqueur offers a uniquely challenging experience that has become a rite of passage for many.

Product Details: 

• Producer: Carl Jeppson Company
• Distiller: Carl Jeppson
• Country: USA
• Region: Illinois
• Liqueur Style: Wormwood-based Bitter Liqueur (Bäsk)
• Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 35%
• Ingredients: Wormwood, botanicals, herbs, and spices
• Production: Traditional Swedish-style bitter, maceration of wormwood and other botanicals
• Color of Spirit: Clear to pale straw
• Closure: Standard

Sensory Description:

Jeppson's Malort opens with a pungent and herbal nose dominated by wormwood and earthy botanicals. On the palate, it delivers an immediate and unapologetic bitterness, underscored by subtle vegetal and herbal notes. The finish is long, dry, and lingers with an intense wormwood character, offering an unforgettable experience for those who dare.

Awards & Accolades:

• Silver Medal, 2005: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

Distiller's Background:

Carl Jeppson, a Swedish immigrant, began producing his "bäskbrännvin" in Chicago during Prohibition, marketing it as a medicinal product. After the repeal of Prohibition, Jeppson’s Malort found a cult following among Chicagoans, becoming deeply embedded in the city’s bar scene. Ownership changed hands several times before returning to Chicago in 2019 under CH Distillery, ensuring its legacy continues in the city where it was born.

Serving Suggestions:

• Neat: Best served chilled or at room temperature to fully experience its intense bitterness.
• In Shots: Enjoyed as a traditional Chicago "handshake" shot.
• In Cocktails: Adds depth to bold cocktails; try it in twists on Negronis or as a bittering agent in creative recipes.
• With Beer: Some enjoy pairing a shot of Malort with a cold lager for a local Chicago tradition.

Why Carl Jeppson Company's Jeppson's Malort Liqueur, Illinois, USA?

Carl Jeppson Company's Jeppson's Malort Liqueur, Illinois, USA, stands as a true testament to Chicago's unique drinking culture and history. Its unapologetic bitterness, storied past, and loyal fan base make it not just a spirit but a badge of honor for adventurous drinkers and a quintessential symbol of the Windy City.