In an unexpected twist, a Memphis-area man’s forgotten bottle of Malört has caught the fancy of CH Distillery, known for exclusively producing the beloved wormwood spirit since 2019.
The story began when Ben Cissell, a Memphis native, discovered the bottle in his neighbor’s attic while helping clear out the recently vacated home.
This bottle, which had languished in solitude since the 1970s, led to an intriguing inquiry on Reddit, where Cissell posted a photo of it and garnered significant attention from users who recognized its potential historical value.
After initial interest from various users, Cissell decided to reach out directly to CH Distillery, where he found immediate support and curiosity from the team.
The bottle, produced by the now-defunct Mar-Salle Distillery in Chicago, boasts a label indicating it was made between 1953 and 1986.
However, allegations suggest it may be a knockoff, as a spokesperson for the distillery noted that the name printed on the label wasn’t trademarked during the period of production.
Nonetheless, distillery officials are keen to include this unique piece in their historical collection, stating, “It’s definitely inspired and provides some exciting insight into what was going on back in the 1960s-80s.”
In what could be regarded as both a nostalgic and impactful moment for Cissell, he and his wife made the seven-and-a-half-hour journey to Chicago to officially hand over the bottle.
Expressing a sense of anxiety, he checked the trunk multiple times to ensure the bottle was safe.
Upon arriving at CH Distillery, the couple documented their visit, which included tasting the ancient liquor, exploring the facility, and discussing the history of Malört.
To Cissell’s surprise, the taste of the bottle bore little resemblance to the Malört he would later try during his Chicago visit.
The distillery hypothesizes that much of the alcohol may have been absorbed by a wormwood sprig contained within the bottle, which differs significantly from modern versions of Malört.
In addition to purchasing the vintage bottle for an undisclosed amount, CH Distillery also made a ‘large donation’ to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a charitable organization chosen by Cissell himself.
This donation particularly resonated with Cissell, who expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to an organization significant in his hometown.
Before the unexpected bottle discovery, Cissell had been a casual drinker, preferring Jack Daniel’s as his go-to spirit.
Yet, the experience has since sparked a new interest in Malört, which he plans to introduce to his disc golfing friends in an upcoming gathering.
The distillery also graciously covered the Cissells’ stay in Chicago, which allowed them to immerse themselves in the local culture, enjoying iconic Chicago treats like deep-dish pizza, Italian beef sandwiches, and Chicago-style hot dogs.
The adventure offered the couple a much-needed break and first chance to explore the Windy City, including picturesque views from Navy Pier and a relaxing dip in Lake Michigan.
In the end, what began as a spontaneous curbside find transformed into a memorable journey that bridged the past and present of a well-loved spirit, culminating in a chance to support a cause close to home.
In Cissell’s own words, “This is the first time I’ve ever seen or heard of anything like it.
I didn’t know that Malört was Chicago exclusive.”
As the distillery embraces the mystery behind this vintage bottle, it reaffirms its commitment to preserving the intriguing legacy of Malört, engaging fans and newcomers alike in its spirited history.
image source from：https://chicago.suntimes.com/food-drink/2025/06/04/malort-ancient-bottle-from-memphis-area-man-ch-distillery-chicago
