Jeppson's Barrel Aged Malort

Description

Jeppson's Barrel Aged Malort takes Chicago’s famously bitter wormwood spirit and adds time in bourbon barrels for extra depth. This release, often referred to as BAM, is a blend of Malort aged one to five years in bourbon barrels and bottled at 35% ABV. The barrel influence rounds the edges with oak, vanilla, and whiskey warmth while keeping Malort’s unmistakable bitter herbal bite.

Producer

Jeppson’s Malort is one of Chicago’s most recognizable cult spirits, known for its bold bitterness and loyal local following. CH Distillery purchased the Carl Jeppson Company and Jeppson’s Malort in 2018, bringing production under a Chicago craft spirits producer with grain handling, mashing, fermentation, barrel storage, and distillation capabilities. Barrel Aged Malort became an official CH release after years of local curiosity around the idea.

Cocktail Suggestions

Jeppson's Barrel Aged Malort adds a bitter Chicago edge to an Old Fashioned with bourbon or rye, simple syrup, bitters, and an orange twist. Its barrel aging brings oak and vanilla into the mix, while the wormwood bitterness gives the cocktail a sharper, more memorable finish.

It also works well in a Boulevardier with bourbon, sweet vermouth, and Campari. A small measure of Barrel Aged Malort can replace part of the Campari or vermouth, adding dry herbal bitterness and barrel-aged depth without losing the cocktail’s rich, stirred structure.