Jeppson's Straight Bourbon 750ML

Jeppson's Straight Bourbon 750ML is a 100-proof (50% ABV) non-chill filtered blend of straight bourbon whiskeys bottled in a 750ml format. Awarded a 91-point Gold Medal by the Beverage Testing Institute, this release marks a bold departure from the Jeppson's brand most famously associated with Malört.

Quick Facts: ABV: 50% (100 Proof)  |  Origin: Illinois / Indiana / Kentucky  |  Blend of Straight Bourbons  |  Bottled by: CH Distillery

Production & Heritage

Jeppson's Straight Bourbon is bottled by CH Distillery in Chicago, Illinois, using a blend of straight bourbon whiskeys sourced from MGP Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, and O.Z. Tyler Distillery in Owensboro, Kentucky. The mashbill across both sources holds at 75% corn, 21% rye, and 4% malted barley — a rye-forward grain bill that lends structure and spice. What sets this expression apart is a meticulous barrel selection process: CH Distillery's first batch drew from 135 individually tasted barrels, with 85 ultimately chosen, sorted, and categorized before blending. The whiskey is bottled non-chill filtered at a full 100 proof, preserving the oils and texture that chill filtration typically strips away.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Warm cornbread and brown sugar lead, followed by layers of caramel, vanilla, and cinnamon baking spice. A gentle undercurrent of seasoned oak grounds the sweetness.

Taste: The entry is smooth and dessert-forward — vanilla pudding and caramel dominate the early palate. At mid-palate, buttery cornbread emerges alongside brown sugar, while rye-driven baking spice and seasoned oak add complexity. The 100-proof strength carries the flavors without burning, giving each note room to develop.

Finish: Medium-long, with oak asserting itself more prominently as the sweetness recedes. Baking spices take center stage alongside a distinctive orange peel citrus note that adds brightness and prevents the finish from feeling one-dimensional.

How to Drink Jeppson's Bourbon

At 100 proof and non-chill filtered, this bourbon rewards neat sipping in a Glencairn or rocks glass — a few drops of water open up the caramel and citrus notes without diluting the body. It also holds its own on a single large ice cube, which tempers the proof while keeping the texture intact.

In cocktails, the high proof and rich vanilla-caramel backbone make it a strong workhorse:

• Old Fashioned — The brown sugar and orange peel already present in the bourbon naturally echo the cocktail's classic flavors.
• Boulevardier — The 100-proof strength stands up to Campari and sweet vermouth without being buried.
• Whiskey Sour — The buttery, dessert-forward palate creates a creamy texture when shaken with citrus and egg white.

Best For

• Bourbon enthusiasts curious about the Jeppson's brand beyond Malört
• Gifting someone who appreciates barrel-proof-range whiskey at an accessible entry point
• Building a home bar with a versatile 100-proof mixing bourbon
• Side-by-side tastings comparing sourced blends from MGP and O.Z. Tyler

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Jeppson's Bourbon taste like? Jeppson's Straight Bourbon leads with sweet vanilla pudding, caramel, and brown sugar, balanced by cinnamon baking spice, buttery cornbread, and seasoned oak. The finish introduces a distinctive orange peel citrus note alongside lingering oak and spice.

How does Jeppson's Bourbon compare to Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond? Both are 100-proof straight bourbons at a similar price tier, but Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond tends toward a grainier, nuttier character, while Jeppson's delivers a more classically sweet, vanilla-and-caramel-driven bourbon profile. Jeppson's also benefits from non-chill filtration, which gives it a slightly richer mouthfeel.

Is Jeppson's Bourbon good for sipping neat? Yes — the non-chill filtered bottling at 100 proof retains a full-bodied texture and layered flavor that rewards careful sipping. A few drops of water can help open up additional citrus and spice nuances.

Where is Jeppson's Bourbon made? Jeppson's Straight Bourbon is bottled by CH Distillery in Chicago, Illinois, using a blend of straight bourbon whiskeys distilled at MGP Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, and O.Z. Tyler Distillery in Owensboro, Kentucky.

What foods pair well with Jeppson's Bourbon? Smoked brisket or pulled pork complements the oak and baking spice. Pecan pie echoes the brown sugar and caramel sweetness. Sharp cheddar cheese creates a savory contrast to the vanilla-forward palate. Dark chocolate amplifies the bourbon's deeper oak tones. Cornbread with honey butter mirrors the buttery corn notes found on the mid-palate.

What sizes does Jeppson's Bourbon come in? Jeppson's Straight Bourbon is available in the standard 750ml bottle size.

Is Jeppson's Bourbon worth the price? Jeppson's Straight Bourbon positions as an accessible entry into the 100-proof bourbon category, competing directly with established bottled-in-bond options. The non-chill filtration, individual barrel selection process, and 91-point BTI Gold Medal rating provide genuine quality markers that justify its value-tier pricing.

Why Jeppson's Bourbon?

The Jeppson's name carries decades of Chicago drinking history, and this straight bourbon release represents the brand's serious entry into American whiskey. The individual barrel tasting and selection process — 85 barrels chosen from 135 candidates — goes well beyond typical sourced-blend methodology, reflecting a deliberate curatorial approach by CH Distillery. Non-chill filtration at a full 100 proof preserves the kind of texture and oil content that many bourbons in this tier sacrifice for clarity. With a 91-point Gold Medal from the Beverage Testing Institute and a grain bill that balances corn sweetness against rye spice, this bourbon earns attention on its own merits rather than riding on brand novelty alone.