Dr Nielsen Original Danish Bitter 70 cl 38%

A hunting-loving doctor who lived in a wing of the local pharmacy spent many evenings in the dark Danish winters of the 1930s searching for "the right bitter" alongside his pharmacist friends.

Expert's description

Dr. Nielsen Original Danish Bitter is a Danish bitter at 38% ABV, bottled at 70 cl, following a recipe from the 1930s.

Behind the name stands N.K. Nielsen, who earned his medical degree in 1924 and opened his own practice in Hobro in October 1927. As a keen hunter and outdoorsman, he lived until 1937 in a wing of Hobro Apotek, where together with friends from the pharmacist family he spent many evenings developing the right bitter, an extract of 8 different herbs including bitter orange and star anise. Half a century later the family passed on the recipe, and in 1988 the bitter was launched commercially by Johs. M. Klein Distribution from Brondby. In 1997 it was awarded a silver medal at The International Wine and Spirit Competition in England, just 0.8 points from gold.

Tasting notes

Nose

Bitter orange and star anise, mild and inviting.

Taste

Soft and round, with clear liquorice and a hint of spiced citrus.

Finish

Mild and lightly sweet, without sharp bitterness.

Specifications

Name: Dr. Nielsen Original Danish Bitter
Distillery: Dr. Nielsen's Bitter
Country/Region: Hobro, Denmark
Type: Danish Original Bitter
ABV: 38%
Size: 70 cl
EAN no.: 5701829130019
Serving suggestion: Serve cold, as a soft finish to a meal

Flavour profile

Liquorice · Star anise · Bitter orange · Sweetness

Did you know?

The bitter was awarded silver at The International Wine and Spirit Competition in England in 1997, just 0.8 points from gold.

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Frequently asked questions about Dr. Nielsen Original Danish Bitter

What is Dr. Nielsen Bitter?

A Danish bitter at 38%, bottled at 70 cl, following a recipe developed in the 1930s by doctor N.K. Nielsen in Hobro.

How is it best enjoyed?

Cold, as a soft, round finish after a meal.

Which herbs are in the recipe?

An extract of 8 different herbs, including bitter orange and star anise.

When was the bitter launched commercially?

In 1988, by Johs. M. Klein Distribution from Brondby, half a century after it was first developed.

Has Dr. Nielsen Bitter won any awards?

Yes, a silver medal at The International Wine and Spirit Competition in 1997, just 0.8 points from gold.

Is it a strong or mild bitter?

Mild and round, without the sharp bitterness found in the strongest Danish bitter styles.