Dec 15, 2025
Join us for a deep and surprisingly poignant dive into one of
Chicago's most infamous cultural icons with award-winning
journalist Josh Noel. As the author of "Malort: The Redemption of a
Revered and Reviled Spirit," Noel unravels the complex history of
the intensely bitter spirit that is both a local rite of passage
and a national curiosity. He brings his signature depth as a
longtime Chicago Tribune reporter to explore how a drink known for
its challenging taste forged an unbreakable bond with a city's
identity. This conversation goes beyond the memes and dare shots to
examine Malort's Swedish roots, its tumultuous American journey,
and its unlikely modern resurgence as a symbol of pride. Noel
argues that this spirit's story is a profound reflection on taste,
tradition, and what it means to belong. Listen in for a fascinating
case study on how the most reviled drink in the bar became so
deeply revered.
Buy the book here: https://www.joshnoel.net/malort-book
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Join us every Monday as acclaimed bartender, Erick Castro,
interviews some of the bar industry's top talents from around the
world, including bartenders, distillers & authors. If you love
cocktails & spirits then this award-winning podcast is just for
you.
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