Dark herbal bitters launched in 1964 by Danish Distillers and adopted as a morning dram at hunts, birthdays and card games. It is drunk cold and neat, sometimes with breakfast rolls, which says most of what needs saying about it.
The herb formula is a trade secret, and the base is a distilled spirit that cannot legally be made at home.
What goes into it
- a neutral spirit
- around 29 herbs, spices, flowers and berries including angelica, star anise and gentian
- sugar
- caramel
How it is made
The botanicals are macerated in spirit, the extract blended with sugar and caramel colouring, and the mixture rested before bottling. The exact composition and proportions belong to the producer.
How long it takes: weeks of maceration, then resting
How it is eaten
Cold and neat in a small glass, traditionally in the morning at a hunt or a birthday.
History
Launched in 1964 by Danish Distillers and adopted as a morning dram at hunts, birthdays and card games.
Frequently asked questions
What is Gammel Dansk?
Gammel Dansk is a wine & spirit from Denmark: dark herbal bitters drunk cold, sometimes with morning rolls. Launched in 1964 by Danish Distillers and adopted as a morning dram at hunts, birthdays and card games.
How is Gammel Dansk made?
The botanicals are macerated in spirit, the extract blended with sugar and caramel colouring, and the mixture rested before bottling. The exact composition and proportions belong to the producer. It takes weeks of maceration, then resting.
Can I make Gammel Dansk at home?
No, and the atlas gives no method for it. The herb formula is a trade secret, and the base is a distilled spirit that cannot legally be made at home.
What goes into Gammel Dansk?
A neutral spirit, around 29 herbs, spices, flowers and berries including angelica, star anise and gentian, sugar, caramel.
How is Gammel Dansk eaten?
Cold and neat in a small glass, traditionally in the morning at a hunt or a birthday.
