LOMBARD, Ill. (WGN) — A suburban Chicago brewpub was recently fined and given an “education” in connection with cicada-infused Malört being served to celebrate the emergence of two broods of periodical cicadas in Illinois.
Noon Whistle Brewing co-founder Mike Condon confirmed to Nexstar’s WGN that there was a citation from the Illinois Liquor Control Commission but wrote that he preferred to keep details internal.
“We complied and paid the fine to avoid any further issue,” Condon wrote.
Word of the citation came to light from the Hospitality Business Association of Chicago, which reviewed a recent report from the commission and shared a screenshot on social media.
“The ILCC received information that a licensee was selling an infusion that contained cicadas,” the report snippet said. “After conducting a field compliance inspection, the Agent determined that the licensee was offering for sale an infusion containing cicadas. The licensee was cited for the violation and was provided education on the issue.”
The Hospitality Association noted that Illinois retailers can not infuse spirits with cicadas for retail sales.
The ILCC also confirmed the citation but declined to offer any further information.
In May, Noon Whistle Brewing touted the $5 shots as a “once-in-a-lifetime experience” crafted from locally harvested cicadas.
“Obviously, Malört has a very strong flavor and aroma. The cicadas are just going to add a subtle sort of Umami and kind of like an herbal spiciness to it,” the brewpub’s marketing and creative director, Joey Giardiniera, said during an appearance on WGN-TV’s Spotlight Chicago.
Billions of buzzing Brood XIII cicadas that were born in 2007 emerged earlier this summer across Northern Illinois. Another variety, Brood XIX, emerged in central and southern parts of the state. Thomas Jefferson was president when the two broods last emerged together in 1803.
The cicada emergence is now believed to be connected to a rash of mite bites reported throughout the area.