BIG SHOCK Bitter

Posted on October 27, 2015 | Last updated February 12, 2025

BIG SHOCK ENERGY Bitter, released in the Czech Republic in 2009. It was a long-selling product that had been available for nearly 10 years, but production has ended following a package design renewal.

Personally, I loved the strong bitterness of this flavor. It was truly exceptional. This one should have been kept... (ヽ´ω`)

BIG SHOCK Bitter

Manufacturer	BIG SHOCK
Country of Origin	Czech Republic
Price	25 CZK
Flavor	Grapefruit、Bitter
Total rating	★★★★★

Author information Author: Energy Drink-kun

In 2001, while living in the United States, I encountered energy drinks through the dance scene and was deeply impressed. After returning to Japan, I found that energy drinks were considered novelty beverages, so I established a comprehensive website in 2013 to share the true appeal of energy drinks. As an energy drink enthusiast, I began drinking them seriously again, collecting over 8,000 varieties of energy drinks from various countries. I am also active as a critic and expert, receiving media interviews.

Flavor of BIG SHOCK Bitter

BIG SHOCK ENERGY Bitter
When poured into a glass, it has an unexpected clear pinkish bright red color. I had imagined it would be a cloudy lime-like color, given that it's a bitter flavor, so I was quite surprised.

Upon tasting it, the bitterness is quite strong, and the name "Bitter" is perfect for it! It's so delicious that I can’t stop writing this review (*´艸｀*)

The bitterness is similar to tonic water, with the sweetness and bitterness of grapefruit combined. The distinctive, strong bitterness made me think it probably contains quinine, and sure enough, it does (*´艸｀*). I just can’t get enough of that bitterness.

The aftertaste leaves a bit of tonic water bitterness and pink grapefruit sweetness, gradually evolving into a cherry-like astringency, which is interesting. Personally, I think it would still taste great if the bitterness were even more intense.

This is a rare bitter taste for an energy drink, and although I'm not sure why it didn’t become popular, it was discontinued around 2017. Such a shame.

Energy Ingredients of BIG SHOCK ENERGY Bitter

It contains a simple composition of 160mg caffeine and 2000mg taurine. It also contains quinine, which is banned in Japan due to its bitterness.
BIG SHOCK ENERGY Bitter
I think there are ingredients that can replicate a similar bitterness to quinine, but I personally love the bitterness of quinine. Whenever I travel abroad, it’s become a habit for me to drink several bottles of tonic water (*´艸｀*)

Design of BIG SHOCK ENERGY Bitter

BIG SHOCK ENERGY Bitter was released in 2009 in the Czech Republic. Initially, it didn’t come in the usual BIG SHOCK yellow can, but rather a silver can with a striking design featuring a brain and headphones with speakers.

After becoming a regular product, the can was changed to the yellow BIG SHOCK color, and the brain was removed for a softer impression. Even after the switch to the yellow can, elements of the original silver design were retained, allowing you to enjoy the evolution of the design.

The top of the early Bitter can had a silver color with a red line.
BIG SHOCK ENERGY Bitter
The slogan "Taurine♪ Caffeine♪" was so lighthearted that it made me laugh XD

The tab is the BIG SHOCK yellow tab.
BIG SHOCK ENERGY Bitter
The original silver cans from 2009 had a red tab. Bitter had a sense of specialness, with a grown-up flavor that contrasted with the sweet tastes preferred by most energy drink consumers. I loved how it incorporated a unique design different from the regular products. It’s such a shame that it’s no longer available.