DANA JACOBSON:
00:00:00
Philadelphia is home to the Liberty Bell and the iconic Rockystatue. It is also where the popular holiday drink, Pennsylvania Dutch eggnog, is made. But despite the drink's reputation, the company that creates it has been something of a mystery. Meg Oliver is here to uncover it with the story. Morning, Meg. - Good morning, Dana. That's right. Charles Jacquin's is the little known Philadelphia factory that has been churning out the classic boozy holiday drink for decades. The place where Pennsylvania Dutch was born and still brewed today. In the heart of the gritty streets of Philadelphia, sits an unassuming building that has remained virtually unchanged for more than 80 years. Inside Charles Jacquin's distillery, the recipe for their old school Pennsylvania Dutch eggnog hasn't changed either. It's our biggest item, and it's the number one or number two eggnog in America.
MEG OLIVER:
00:00:57
The origins of eggnog dates back to medieval British times. When the drink made its way to the colonies, it became the eggnog we know today. - The quintessential holiday drink. And, I don't drink eggnog every day. But definitely during the holidays, my family and I will drink a bottle.
MEG OLIVER:
00:01:17
Jacquin's eggnog journey began four decades ago with an employee's work trip to Ireland to learn how to make Irish cream, the company's desire to branch out from cordials and an untapped market. In 1981, Jacquin's introduced alcoholic eggnog commercially to the nation. CEO John Cooper says the secret to their success is simple. What makes it different? - Besides the alcohol? It's just the basic ingredients. It's the cream that's locally sourced. It's the eggs. We don't use egg powder. It's our proprietary blend of brandy, of bourbon and of rum. And that's it. And sugar, of course. - Same recipe since 1981. - Yep. - Never changed it. - Haven't changed it.
MEG OLIVER:
00:02:02
During peak season, Jacquin's produces more than 200,000 cases of eggnog and ships to all 50 states in military bases. Founded in 1884, Jacquin's is America's oldest cordial producer and serves up more than 140 products from Union Forge vodka to blackberry brandy. The business started in New York City, but on the heels of prohibition, the Cooper family bought it in 1933 and moved it to Philadelphia, where it remains the cornerstone of the community. What does this company mean to you? - Well, it's my legacy. But not just my legacy for my family, but really, for the families that have worked here.
MEG OLIVER:
00:02:48
A family business made up of families from the neighborhood, like Amy clippinger. - How many family members have worked here? - My dad, my nephew, my aunts, my cousins. - Everybody. - Everybody. I feel at home here. - I've been here 25 years.
MEG OLIVER:
00:03:03
It's also home for Jim Logan. He worked his way up from stacking cases to plant manager. - So even before working here, as a kid, growing up around the corner, as a kid that went to school right down the street close to these buildings. Like, for me, and I think I could speak for others that are in a neighborhood, the buildings mean a little bit more than just a booze plant.
MEG OLIVER:
00:03:28
Jacquin's may be just like its top selling eggnog. Simple, yet spirited. - Cheers. Happy holidays. - Happy holidays. - They are very proud of their eggnog. - Yes. - And they should be. This is, when I think of eggnog, I think of big family gatherings around the holidays. All the Oliver Christmas parties. - Cheers. - Cheers. - Cheers. Cheers. And I have to say cheers to you. I'm on point this week because we share a birthday a day apart. Here's to our birthday. - Cheers. - I enjoyed one of these.
MEG OLIVER:
00:04:03
It's got a kick, doesn't it? - At the National World War II Museum this week, my ever present, eggnog loving self. So thank you for bringing me a second dose. - What a great family business story. - Family business. - And the whole area. Yeah. - Yeah, It's really special. - Cheers.
