A bitter that outlived its own homeland. When production in Hamburg shut down for good, Denmark became the only place in the world still distilling the original recipe.
Expert's description
Von Oosten is a Danish bitter at 36% ABV, bottled at 70 cl, following a recipe that arrived in Denmark in 1899.
The bitter was created by Simon Levy van Oosten, born in 1799 in Holland, who in 1841 moved himself and production to Hamburg, changing his name from the Dutch "van" to the German "von" along the way. The bitter was imported in barrels from Hamburg to Denmark at the end of the 19th century and traded by wine and spirits wholesaler Emanuel Moller & Co in Copenhagen. On 9 October 1908, Emanuel Moller & Co, together with Marinus Moller & Co, bought the rights to the name and production for Denmark from merchant Eduard Zaun in Hamburg. When production in Hamburg ceased during the Second World War and was never resumed, Denmark became the only country still making the original Von Oosten Bitter today.
Tasting notes
Nose
Bold, dark herbs with a hint of root and bitter peel.
Taste
Full-bodied and powerful, with a clear herbal bitterness that holds firm throughout.
Finish
Long and bitter, with a warmth that carries the flavour to the very end.
Specifications
Name: Von Oosten Dansk Bitter
Country/Region: Denmark (originally Hamburg, Germany)
Type: Danish Bitter
ABV: 36%
Size: 70 cl
Serving suggestion: Serve cold, as a powerful finish to a meal
Flavour profile
Herbs · Root · Bitterness · Body
Did you know?
Von Oosten is one of the few bitter styles to have earned genuine cult status in Denmark, precisely because Denmark is the only country still distilling it to the original recipe.
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