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December 15, 2025 29 mins

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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