Jeppson’s Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Detailed Description

Jeppson’s Malört, one of Chicago’s most iconic brands — up there with deep dish pizza, hot dogs and Michael Jordan — may not have the best reputation. In fact, many flat out revile it; ordering up a round of the bitter-tasting, wormwood-based liquor has become an initiation of sorts, typically deployed to assault the palates of friends from other cities upon their arrival. Distilled in Chicago since the 1930s, the spirit was purchased in 2018 by local outfit CH Distillery, known for its vodka, gin and liqueurs. Aware of the cachet of his new brand’s name, CH CEO and head distiller Tremaine Atkinson proposed the idea of bottling a bourbon under the Jeppson’s label. He shared it with the top brass at Binny’s Beverage Depot, one of the Midwest’s largest liquor superstores. They loved the idea, and suggested Atkinson release it on April Fools’ Day. All jokes aside, it almost didn’t happen.

Jeppson’s Straight Bourbon Whiskey Tasting Note

Nose: On the nose, baked apple and pear with vanilla candy, toffee, caramel wafer and cinnamon sticks.

Palate: On the palate, fruit takes the lead with a dash of oak spice to provide balance.

Finish: The finish is pleasant with fruit and barrel spice slowly fading into caramel and vanilla.