Mummelmann Jagdbitter (Mummelmann Jagdbitter) – a budget substitute for Jägermeister

Mummelmann Jagdbitter is a German herbal liqueur. The brand is owned by Aldi, one of the world’s largest grocery discounters with an extensive network of stores in Europe, the US and Australia. Tasters note that at a fairly low price by European standards, Mummelmann bitters are no worse than Jagermeister in quality. From the Germanic language, the name of the drink can be translated as “liquor of hare hunters.”

Historical information

Aldi’s history began in 1913, when the baker’s wife Karl Albrecht opened a grocery store on a busy street in Essen. The owner came up with a special concept of trade – the buyers were sold flour and sugar from bags, and the wine was poured directly from the barrels. This method made it possible to save on staff, which ultimately led the company to success. Six years later, the Albrechts were able to buy a house in the neighborhood and significantly expand trade. Soon the couple had sons – Karl Jr. and Theo, who later turned a small family business into a large trading network.

In 1943, the head of the family died, and the company was taken over by the brothers. The post-war currency reform forced them to improve the mother concept and refurbish the store. The Albrechts relied on basic foodstuffs and a limited assortment, which allowed them to reduce margins and increase turnover. In 1954, the brothers opened the first store outside of Essen and converted it to a self-service system. By that time, both had already become millionaires. Soon the network consisted of more than 100 outlets that operated throughout Germany.

In 1962, Carl and Theo had a big fight and divided the business. The official reason for the dispute was disagreement over the sale of tobacco products, but it is believed that the conflict between the brothers occurred due to different views on business management. The stores were divided by territory, so today you can see different logos at the company’s outlets. The border between Aldi Nord (north) and Aldi Süd (south) is in Essen. The total sales network includes more than 11 thousand stores located on different continents.

Features of Aldi Mummelmann Jagdbitter liqueur

Like many grocery discounters, Aldi produces alcohol under its own brands, and Mummelmann Jagdbitter is one such brand. The company’s products are little known due to the traditional concept of the company, which does not provide for large-scale advertising. However, Aldi drinks sometimes make sensational appearances in The Spirit Business magazine’s blind tasting competitions. In 2018, the jury awarded the gold medal to the eight-year-old Highland Black whiskey, which the company produces in Scotland. Tellingly, the cost of a bottle of scotch is only 15 euros.

Mummelmann Jagdbitter liqueur is a Bavarian bitter based on 20 herbal ingredients, including herbs, roots, spices and citrus fruits. The company produces it at its own production facilities in Rheinberg. The plant is owned by Fr. Nienhaus GmbH is a subsidiary of Aldi Nord. The recipe is classified, but it should be assumed that the liquor is produced in the traditional Bavarian way – a set of herbs is macerated in an alcohol solution, and then the drink is poured into oak barrels or ceramic aging tanks. As a rule, the composition of Bavarian bitters includes bearroot – a plant with a spicy aroma reminiscent of celery and parsley.

With regard to bitter, the company adheres to its usual policy and does not promote it. The Aldi concept is simplicity and efficiency. By reducing marketing costs, the discounter manages to keep prices low. There are no showcases on the trading floor, and buyers take goods directly from boxes or large containers.

As a result, the cost of a bottle of Mummelmann Jagdbitter with a volume of 0,7 liters is only 4,99 euros, which is half the price of more popular brands. Only regular visitors to Aldi Nord outlets are familiar with the liqueur; bitters are not sold in Russia.

Not too much fame is not reflected in the quality of the drink. In 2017, visitors to the Cocktails & Dreams portal held a blind tasting where participants compared different brands of liqueurs with Jagermeister bitters. The vast majority rated the taste of Mummelmann above the famous brand, noting the rich bouquet, softness and lack of pronounced herbal bitterness. Only one drawback was named – an unremarkable bottle with a simple label.

Interesting fact number 1

In 2017, one of the active users of the thematic resource Cocktails & Dreams held a blind mini-tasting in preparation for the competition. He invited seven of his acquaintances to try two different bitters: Mummelmann Jagdbitter and Jägermeister. The participants of the experiment did not know what kind of drinks were poured into the shots, however, 6 out of 7 people found Mümmelmann to be tastier and of better quality.

Interesting fact number 2

The Aldi Süd chain has its own analogue of Mümmelmann – Wildbrunner Jagdbitter. The drink has the same manufacturer, the same price, and even the shape of the bottle is identical.

How to drink Mummelmann Jagdbitter liqueur

Fortress Mummelmann Jagdbitter – 35%, and use it in the standard way for bitters. The bottle, together with glasses for shots, is cooled at a temperature of -18 ° C, poured and immediately served to the table. Drink liquor in one gulp. Bitter is good as a prophylactic against seasonal diseases and helps with insomnia. 20-30 ml of liquor can be added to tea and drunk at night.

Thanks to its mild taste, Mummelmann Jagdbitter is an excellent substitute for Jägermeister cocktails. The Jager Bomb mix combines 50 ml of herbal liqueur and 100 ml of Red Bull energy drink in one glass, and then ice is added. Shots of 10 ml of bitter and 10 ml of bourbon are recommended to drink at dance parties, to improve the taste, glasses are rubbed with lemon zest, and then the peel is used as a decoration.

German herbal bitters are usually eaten with cold ham, game, jerky or citrus fruits.