BIG SHOCK BITTER for [wo]man

Posted on February 20, 2021 | Last updated February 5, 2025

This is the BIG SHOCK BITTER for [wo]man, released in 2008, specifically designed for women. The contents differ from the original BIG SHOCK BITTER. In this review, I’ll also compare the 2008 Bitter Woman with the 2011 Bitter.

BIG SHOCK BITTER for [wo]man

Manufacturer	BIG SHOCK
Country of Origin	Czech Republic
Price	19 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.

The intense bitterness is clearly not a flavor suited for women

Upon opening, a fruity, tonic water-like aroma wafts from the drink, and the pale, transparent yellow liquid gives the impression that it might be pink inside based on the can color.
BIG SHOCK BITTER for [wo]man flavor
The taste is incredibly bitter—so much so that it feels almost unbearable. The strong bitterness of quinine, reminiscent of tonic water, is accompanied by a tart, sweet-sour grapefruit-like flavor that spreads out with fruity notes.

However, the bitterness is overpowering. As I continue drinking, the grapefruit's umami becomes more apparent, and I find it delicious enough to finish the can. But whether this can be considered a "woman's" flavor is debatable. Personally, I enjoy the bitterness and the refreshing flavor of tonic water, so I can drink BITTER for [wo]man with pleasure, but those who find grapefruit's bitterness and acidity too strong may not even manage a single sip. The bitter taste is that intense.

Comparing BIG SHOCK BITTER and BIG SHOCK BITTER for [wo]man

Now, I'll compare the BITTER for [wo]man (2008) with the original BITTER (2011). You can check the separate review for BITTER as well.
BIG SHOCK BITTER for [wo]man comparison
On the left is BITTER for [wo]man, and on the right is BITTER.

Just by looking at the colors, you might think I swapped them. The BITTER can has a bright red and pink color that seems more fitting for BIG SHOCK BITTER for [wo]man.

I honestly thought both would have similar bitter flavors, but the fruitiness was clearly different.

The original BITTER has an extremely strong quinine bitterness, which is the essence of the name "BITTER." On the other hand, BITTER for [wo]man has a mix of grapefruit-like citrus fruits, so it's not just bitter—there's more to the flavor.

It's interesting to see the flavor differences based on gender. Both are bitter, so those who dislike bitterness will definitely not be able to drink either of them. (^_^;)

Energy Ingredients in BIG SHOCK BITTER for [wo]man

BIG SHOCK BITTER for [wo]man energy ingredients
This drink contains 80mg of caffeine, 1000mg of taurine, guarana, and ginseng. The base energy ingredients are the same as BITTER, but it also includes coenzyme Q10 and ginkgo biloba—ingredients that seem more tailored for women.

It seems that quinine was also used to adjust the bitterness. A delight for bitterness lovers!

Design of BIG SHOCK BITTER for [wo]man

BIG SHOCK BITTER for [wo]man design
The small 250ml pink can is adorned with feminine silhouettes. BIG SHOCK BITTER for [wo]man is available only in this 250ml size, which differentiates it from the male-oriented version.

BIG SHOCK BITTER for [wo]man design
The list of ingredients at the top of the can features flowers, making it entirely designed for women. This probably stood out quite a bit on store shelves, as the typical BIG SHOCK image was a more striking yellow.

Let's compare the design with BITTER.
BIG SHOCK BITTER for [wo]man design
The atmosphere is completely different! Both cans feel like they're from a separate line from the regular BIG SHOCK series. These two have already been discontinued, likely because the bitterness was too strong for mass appeal. Even I, as someone who enjoys tonic water's bitterness, found the first sip to be incredibly bitter...