I've had this stuff mail ordered to me about six years ago from northerner.com. They do not appear to sell it on that website anymore. They still have a "food" section, but it's empty. I used to buy a variety of salt licorice here, as well, in addition to getting my snus fix.
Anyhow, it was every bit as potent as described. Here is my description to a Swedish friend when I tried it (looks like it was in August of 2005):
"Let me tell you this. I like disgusting foods. The more wacky and wild it is, the more I'm willing to try it. I like herring. I like strong flavors. I like oddball ethnic foods. So I just had to try this stuff.
I cannot believe Swedes eat anything this bad.
I opened the can (outside) and was impressed by the pungency of this delicacy. It was exactly as bad as described. Usually, I'm disappointed at what people deem "disgusting" and "inedible." Surstromming does not disappoint.
I was too impatient to make some boiled potatoes and onions to go with it, so instead I found a slice of bread to go with it. Plus some beer to help drain it down. I had once filet of surstromming, and, unlike my normal nature, I threw in the towel. This stuff is bloody awful. I did finish my one piece, but I tossed everything else in the rubbish. My brother--not an adventurous eater--was on hand just to get a whiff of the legendary aroma.
He was not disappointed either.
Nor were the flies. The instant I opened the can, a swarm of flies apparently spontaneously formed and engulfed me. I accidentally spilled some herring brine onto the steps, and now I have about 100 flies feasting on surstromming juice.
I am happy, though--I have finally found one food that I legitimately do not like on any level. I won't say I'll never try it again (who knows? When in Sweden do as the Swedes...), but I won't exactly go out of my way to look for it.
God, my burps are making me want to vomit. "