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 safe space” where fans of both teams can enjoy this historic rivalry together while also celebrating the polarizing spirit. Milwaukee Malört Fest will take place on Sunday, November 17. The event will start at noon (to coincide with kickoff) and will run through 9 p.m.
Over the course of the day, Milwaukee Malört Fest 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 including a Malört Margarita in a Flamin’ Hot Cheetos-rimmed glass.
Beyond the Malört aspect, Not Bad Food will also be serving up food on-site, DJs will be spinning records during the game’s commercial breaks 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.
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy football’s oldest rivalry, delicious food, local philanthropy, and various formats of an absolutely incomparable type of liquor, you should make sure to save the date for Milwaukee Malört Fest at Busby’s on November 17. And bring a friend…especially if they’ve never tried Malört before.
