Jeppson's Malört

A powerful, botanical spirit from Chicago, Illinois, made exclusively from distilling wormwood and bottled at 35% ABV. It begins aromatically with hints of citrus, botanicals, and spices; a complicated middle reveals notes of grapefruit and honey; leading to a prolonged and potent end with flavors of bitter wormwood and throat lozenges. September 2022

I can conceive of a spirit tasting worse, but I haven't actually encountered one. I was aware of Malort's reputation, and it lives up to it. It's simultaneously intensely bitter and quite oily. Now that I've tried it, I have no desire to repeat the experience.

Quite harsh. As a practiced bartender with a wide-ranging palate, I still find this excessively bitter. It's hard for me to imagine any sugar is present. The finish is intensely bitter, bitter, and bitter. It leaves a very slick, oily sensation.

The initial fraction of a second offers a faint floral sweetness that vanishes instantly, replaced by grapefruit zest that seems doused in hairspray. It's not as terrible as some claim. It's certainly not good, but it is an memorable experience.

It was comparable to holding a tiny demon infant, attempting to elicit its first laugh, only for it to regurgitate directly down your throat. All things considered, I would try it again.

Malört, conversely, is the genuine industry standard shot. It also goes down much easier than Fernet. It's always a solid choice, provided you aren't prioritizing taste, seeking a mixed drink, or trying to avoid an argument with your father.