A wonderful deep dive into the unique and polarizing world of Chicago’s most infamous drink - you either love it or hate it. With wit and impressive research, this book delves into the fascinating story of Carl Jeppson, the brand's survival through Prohibition, and lastly its resurgence as a cultural icon. This is more than a book on the history of Malort, it's a love story to Chicago and Malört’s role in Chicago’s culture.

Sincere thanks to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for an advanced listener copy in exchange for an honest review.

As a new Chicago resident I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book, and I wasn’t disappointed! I love that the author chose to weave so many different facets of Chicago history life into this book, touching on gentrification, immigration, and what brings us together, rather than focusing solely on the liquor itself. Me and my house serve Malört, and I would recommend this book to any Chicagoan.

I only just recently heard about Malort from my brother who lives in Chicago and when I saw this book, I figured I needed to learn more about it.

I found this book fascinating in such an odd way. I can’t believe Malort lasted as long as it has when you learn more about the history of it. It is known for being disgusting and there is a whole site dedicated to Malort Face. This made me long along with the many different ways to describe the taste of Malort.

Thanks NetGalley and publisher for the digital copy in exchange for my honest review!

Smart, funny, touching deep dive about an extremely specific subject. Would recommend if you're a fan of Malort or just interested in micro history

The underdog tale of a truly awful tasting alcohol.

I first experienced Malört a few years ago thanks to a significant other who had heard it was the worst alcohol ever and - obviously - needed to buy a bottle to taste. Since then, new visitors to our home have to undergo the ritual of a shot of Malört with the host for the entertainment of all present.

Malört returns again and again to this common experience, driving home the love-hate relationship at the core of the spirit's brand. From a Chicago secret to a viral sensation, the bitter drink has retained its self-effacing humor and stubbornness in a world that didn't always know what to make of it.

Author Josh Noel paints a picture both detailed and broad. He shares specific information about the people behind the scenes while placing Malört's timeline in the context of location, culture, and movements impacting its bumpy path to fame. The tale Noel tells is interesting, one that is occasionally surprising and yet feels utterly ordinary and familiar.

Brandon Pollock does a great job with the audio narration, making this audiobook an easy and enjoyable listen.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for the audio ARC in return for an honest review.

As an occasional Malört drinker and midwesterner, Malört by Josh Noel was a great deep dive into the maligned spirit. There are as many twists in the history as there are flavors in the drink. It is a funny tale of not only Malört but also of the beverage scene in Chicago and the greater U.S. Brandon Pollock's narration was engaging. I recommend for readers who love food and beverage deep dives or quirky histories.

Thank you NetGalley and Tantor Audio for the ARC of this audiobook for my honest review

Currently my favorite non fiction which is a huge surprise because I only even drink alcohol. A story of the beginning to current time of Malort and goes deep into the business and personal lives of the owners. It was incredibly interesting and I feel like talking to everyone about all the facts I know about Malort now. It was well written, kept you on your toes about what might happen to malort and/or its owners next and makes you want to try Malort yourself. I’ll definitely recommend this read/listen!

I'll be publishing my review on Goodreads and StoryGraph 13th September and on Tik tok most likely will add to a monthly wrap up post with review the beginning of October.

I have friends who are recent and former Chicagoans, so have heard rumblings of Malort, but still haven't had a chance to try it for myself. I know that now when I do get my chance, I'll appreciate it that much more for having read this book.

Despite spending my college years in the Chicago area, it wasn’t until 2019 that I had ever heard of, or tasted, Malort. At the urging of two younger colleagues I had my first and last shot of this vile-tasting spirit. Malort is the Swedish word for wormwood, enough said. This fascinating book traces the rise and fall and resurrection of Jepsen’s Malort as the quintessential Chicago liquor. If you’ve ever tasted it, you’ll want to read this book. If you’ve never tasted it, you’ll hunt it down after reading this book. Fortunately you don’t have to live in Chicago to find it or to “enjoy” a “Chicago Handshake”: a shot of Malort and a can of Old Style.
This is a nonfiction book that kept my interest much like a novel with its plot twists and turns. Very enjoyable and a well-narrated audiobook.
My thanks to the author, publisher, producer, and #NetGalley for access to the #Malort audiobook for review purposes. It is available now.

Ah Malort. As an almost decade-long resident of Chicago, I have a love hate relationship with Malort. I love it with all of my heart - not as much as my fiance but I digress - but I hate to drink it. But it holds a very special place near, and dear to my heart (see: fiance's love of malort). So of course, the moment I knew this book existed I knew I had to read it.

The first section of this book got a bit boring - focused more on the initial owner of Malort a bit more than I cared for. But once it got to Pat's ownership and the more recent rise of Malort, I was invested. I cannot in good conscience give this book five stars because I know the only reason I enjoyed it as much as I did is because I love Malort. If you don't also love Malort, you'll be bored. But if you're invested in this disgusting and cherished spirit, you'll love it.

Thank you to Tantor Audio for an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review!