Rare Georgian Bitters Dispenser c1790

Description

 Heading : 18th century bitters dispenser
Date : c1790
Period : George III   
Origin : England
Colour : Clear
Neck : Slice cut
Body : Engraved with ‘Bitters’ set within a foliate border with printie cuts below
Glass Type : Lead
Size : 19.8cm tall and approximately 8.8cm in diameter
Condition : Some scratches within
Restoration : None
Weight : 548 grams

Nowadays in Britain we associate bitters with pink gin and cocktails. In the 18th and 19th century these herbal fermented concoctions were added to fortified wines to introduce some balance. Port. Canary wine. Madeira. Sack. Moscatel. Sherry. Marsala…all were tooth achingly sweet. The addition of quinine bitters was both a remedial against malaria and gave balance to the fortified wine.

Bitters in Roman times were exclusively medicinal. however. many countries have developed bitters in one of many forms. German kummerling ( of just kummel). the now fashionable Jagermeister. the hair of the dog that is Underberg. Swiss Suze.  Dutch Beerenberg. Fernet Branca from Italy are all “bitters” and are mostly used as an aperatif.

In Normandy France I was introduced to “Picon” a delicious bitters that is drunk with beer. This is definitely worth seeking out. it is truly delicious.