Supper with Sylvia- Chicago Handshake-Josh Noel on Malort

Malort, for many the word alone brings a shiver through the spine or warm nostalgia for a cold night in a Chicago tavern. This gulp of bitterness harkens back to its Swedish roots of vodka and wormwood and has been described as just about the worst tasting liqueur on the bar room shelf. Like kale and Brussels sprouts, Malort has been around for decades, it's just recently that a whole new generation of Chicagoans and now Americans across the country have embraced it. Sales are booming. On this episode of Supper with Sylvia, Josh Noel, author and former Chicago Tribune travel and food writer, takes us on the journey of Malort and why this shot with notes of bitterness, loneliness, grapefruit and dirty rubber bands is all the rage. The Show Notes: Malort, The Redemption of a Revered Reviled Spirit by Josh Noel joshnoel.com This episode of Supper with Sylvia is produced by Jane Stephens Music and audio engineering provided by Donnie Cutting 📌Check out SupperwithSylvia on Instagram. 📩Email us at SupperwithSylvia@gmail.com This episode is brought to you by MARIANO'S. 🛒 Proudly Sponsored by Mariano’s Looking for local flavor you can bring home? Discover chef-crafted sauces, pastas, oils, and more from your favorite Chicago chefs — now available through Mariano’s We Love Local program. Support local artisans, savor authentic taste, and celebrate Chicago’s culinary spirit with every bite. 👉 Explore Mariano’s We Love Local Products Social Media Marketing: Magali Blasdell Video and Audio Editor: Donnie Cutting Marketing and Media Relations: Julie Lokun Producer: Jennifer Waters