People typically feel one of two ways about Jeppson’s Malört. They either hate it, or they absolutely love it…as something to buy for someone who’s never tried it before. Despite being the textbook definition of an “acquired taste,” the daunting Chicago spirit—that, by its own admission, “is not for the faint of heart”—has become a lip-puckering point of pride in the Windy City and, in recent years, has established something of a presence behind the pine at watering holes here in Milwaukee.
With the Packers and Bears set to square off for the first time this season, Busby’s (3475 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., 414-249-4766) is planning to create a haven where fans of both teams can enjoy this historic rivalry together while also celebrating the polarizing spirit. Malört Fest 2025 will take place on Sunday, December 7. The bar will open at 11:30 a.m. to give people a chance to settle in before the noon kickoff, and will run until bar close.
Over the course of the day, Malört Fest 2025 will feature specials on the “Happy Handshake” boilermaker consisting of Third Space’s Happy Place and a shot of Jeppson’s Malört. There will be cans of Malört Spritz offered, shots of infused Malört, as well as specialty Malört-based cocktails. Beyond the Malört aspect, Goodkind will also be serving up food on-site during the game, DJs and after the Packers inevitably win, and there will be a meat raffle—featuring sausages from both Milwaukee and Chicago butcher shops, with winners drawn at halftime and immediately after the game—to raise funds for Hunger Task Force. There will also be raffle prizes provided by Malört and Milwaukee Record (the official Malört Fest 2025 media partner!).
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy football’s oldest rivalry, some delicious food, a little local philanthropy, and various formats of an absolutely incomparable type of liquor, you should make sure to save the date and prepare you taste buds for Malört Fest 2025 at Busby’s on December 7. And bring a friend…especially if they’ve never tried Malört before.
