New Book Chronicles the Rise of Malört - Chicago’s Beloved Abomination

Synopsis: This article explores the enduring appeal of Malört, a bitter liquor first created by Swedish immigrant Carl Jeppson in Chicago as a stomach tonic and now a symbol of the city's gritty charm. Despite—or perhaps because of—its notoriously harsh taste, Malört has achieved a cult following beyond Chicago, embraced as a dare, a joke, and even a rite of passage. Josh Noel’s new book, *Malört: The Redemption of a Revered & Reviled Spirit,* delves into the history of Malört, including its revival by George Brode, who leaned into the brand’s rugged image, and Pat Gabelick, who continued Brode's work. With a recent rise in craft and bold-flavor trends, Malört has gained popularity on social media, where the "#MalörtFace" captures the joy and agony of tasting it for the first time. The article captures the essence of Malört as a unique Chicago original, part of the city’s culinary identity alongside deep-dish pizza and the Chicago hot dog.

By: David Hammond
August 26, 2024
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Pat Gabelick