From most cookies dunked in milk at one time to most sweet corn kernels eaten in 3 minutes with a toothpick, the Chicago area has seen its fair share of attempts at setting niche food-related world records. The next comes in August, when Jeppson’s Malört hopes to gather hundreds of fans to set the world record for most people taking a shot of Malört at the same time.
The history of the polarizing liquor stretches back to Swedish immigrant Carl Jeppson, who made what he called a homemade medicinal drink during Prohibition in the 1930s. It was made in Chicago by the Mar-Salle Distillery until that distillery closed in 1986. Malört production moved briefly to Kentucky before Carl Jeppson Co. spent 30 years making it in Florida. Then, in September 2018, East Pilsen-based CH Distillery bought the company and returned Malört home.
The flavor of the bitter wormwood-based liquor has been colorfully described as akin to wrung-out sweaty gym socks to baby tears mixed with gasoline. Nevertheless, we’ve seen creative takes on Malört over the years, from Malört ice cream to Pumpkin Spice Malört.
The August world record gathering, though, dubbed “Malört World Record: Bad Decision for a Good Cause,” is all about sheer size.
The event at West Loop’s Recess will run from 5-9 p.m. on Aug. 30, with the world record attempt (which is not an official Guinness World Record attempt) happening at 7:30 p.m. There will be live entertainment, giveaways and food specials, plus merch to commemorate the endeavour.
Tickets are $12 and include entrance to the event, plus one shot of Malört for the world record attempt. But if you can’t stand the taste, don’t worry. Non-participant tickets are available if you want to witness the action and not partake yourself.
Hosted by Jeppson Malört and Everleigh Entertainment, a portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit Ravenswood Community Services, which provides groceries and meals to residents in Ravenswood and Uptown. Jeppson’s Malört will also donate $10 to the organization for every ticket sold.
“Malört brings people together for the shared experience of a questionable choice,” said Tremaine Atkinson, CEO of CH Distillery. “This event is the perfect way to gather and give back to a great cause while we’re at it. We’re going to attempt something patently ridiculous and do some serious good for Chicago in the process.”
“Malört World Record: Bad Decision for a Good Cause” is 5-9 p.m. Aug. 30 at Recess, 838 W. Kinzie St.; tickets are $10 (21+), more information at malortworldrecord.com
