Malort is a unique and polarizing spirit that has gained legendary status, particularly in the city of Chicago. With its bitter taste and intense flavor, it is not for the faint of heart. In this post, we will delve into the fascinating world of Malort, exploring its history, production process, and how to enjoy it – if you dare.
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What Is Malort?
Malort, short for “Jeppson’s Malört,” is a type of liqueur classified as an amaro, which is an Italian herbal liqueur known for its bitter taste.
Amaro translates to “bitter” in Italian, and Malort certainly lives up to its name. It is one of those spirits that strongly divides people – some adore its unique flavor, while others cannot bear to take a second sip.
History And Origin
Malort’s roots can be traced back to Sweden, where Carl Jeppson, an immigrant, first introduced the spirit in the early 20th century.
However, it wasn’t until the 1930s that Malort found its way to the United States, specifically Chicago, which is now its spiritual home.
In Chicago, Malort quickly became a part of the city’s drinking culture and developed a reputation as a rite of passage for locals and a novelty for curious visitors.
What Does Malort Taste Like?
The defining characteristic of Malort is its unapologetic bitterness. The taste is often described as harsh, medicinal, and intensely herbaceous.
Imagine a combination of strong herbs, wormwood, and grapefruit peel, resulting in a complex and challenging flavor profile that can be an acquired taste for many.
What Is Malort Made Of?
Malort is crafted from a neutral grain spirit base, similar to vodka. The important ingredient that sets Malort apart from other spirits is wormwood (Artemisia absinthium).
Wormwood is a bitter herb known for its association with absinthe, another bitter spirit.
Other botanicals and herbs, including citrus peels and various roots, are also used to create Malort’s distinctive flavor.
How Is Malort Made?
- The production of Malort begins with steeping a blend of botanicals, including wormwood, in the neutral grain spirit.
- The mixture is left to infuse for several days to allow the flavors to meld.
- After the infusion process, the spirit is filtered and diluted to its desired alcohol content.
- It is then bottled and ready to be shared, or endured, by adventurous drinkers.
Popular Brands Of Malort
While Jeppson’s Malört remains one of the most well-known brands, there are other distilleries that produce their own versions of this spirit.
Each brand may have slight variations in flavor and intensity, catering to different palates and preferences.
How To Serve And Drink Malort
Serving Malort is relatively simple – it is usually served neat in a small shot glass.
Some prefer to chill it before serving, as the cold temperature can slightly mellow the bitterness.
When drinking Malort, be prepared for an intense experience. The first sip can be a shock to the system, but some enthusiasts believe that subsequent sips become more tolerable and even enjoyable over time.
Malort Cocktails And Recipes
While Malort is primarily enjoyed neat, some inventive mixologists have incorporated it into cocktails to create unique flavor profiles. Malort’s bitter punch can be balanced with other ingredients to produce intriguing and surprisingly enjoyable concoctions.
Some popular Malort cocktails include:
- The Malört Sour: A twist on the classic Whiskey Sour, this cocktail combines Malort, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white for a frothy and tangy delight.
- Bitter Love: Mix Malort with Aperol and grapefruit juice to create a refreshing and bittersweet concoction that appeals to adventurous palates.
- Jeppson’s Reviver: A cousin of the classic Corpse Reviver, this cocktail blends gin, Lillet Blanc, and a touch of Malort for a revitalizing and bitter-sweet tipple.
Where To Buy Malort
Finding Malort outside of Chicago or select liquor stores might be a challenge, but some online retailers and specialty liquor shops may carry it.
If you have the opportunity to visit Chicago, you can undoubtedly find it at bars and stores throughout the city.
FAQs
What type of alcohol is Malört?
Malort is classified as an amaro, which is a type of herbal liqueur known for its bitter taste.
Is Malort a Chicago thing?
Yes, Malort became closely associated with Chicago, where it gained immense popularity and became ingrained in the city’s drinking culture.
What makes Malört taste so bad?
The intense bitterness of Malort comes primarily from the inclusion of wormwood and a blend of other potent herbs and botanicals.
This combination creates a unique and challenging flavor that is not appreciated by everyone.
Malort Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounces Malort
- 1 ounces grapefruit juice
- 0.5 ounces honey syrup 1:1 ratio of honey and water
- club soda
- grapefruit slice for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add Malort, grapefruit juice, and honey syrup to the shaker.
- Shake well for about 10 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with ice.
- Top off with club soda.
- Garnish with a slice of grapefruit.
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