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The story of Albert Heinrich Riise
Get the full overview of the adventurer A.H. Riise, the discoveries, and his relentless search for new knowledge.
celebration of the accomplishments of
A true adventurer
In June 1838, the Danish Government officially appointed Albert Heinrich Riise as the exclusive pharmacist for the island of Saint Thomas, in the Caribbean, and granted him monopoly status to produce alcohol in his pharmacy. Initially, Albert developed rum and bitters as medicine for stomach ills. However, his rum soon gained in popularity beyond its medical function, and in 1893 The A.H. Riise Company received its first International Medal at the World Exhibition in Chicago.
Today every bottle is a celebration of the accomplishments of the past – and a promise of new adventures.
Timeline
1832
Original pharmaceutical exam certificate for Albert H. Riise, dated 21st October 1832.
1838
In June 1838, the Danish Government officially appointed A.H. Riise as the exclusive pharmacist for the island of Saint Thomas, in the West Indies, and granted him monopoly status to produce alcohol in his pharmacy.
1850
Copy of one of the original advertising posters promoting A. H. Riise’s pharmacy, or ‘Druggist and Apothecary’ as it is called here. These posters would not have been purely for promotion on the island of Saint Thomas, but would have been posted on islands throughout the Caribbean.
1862
Riise’s famous Bay Rum double distilled on the basis of West Indian rum.
1879
A.H. Riise’s son Valdemar Riise established a close friendship with Prince Carl. The friendship began when Prince Carl served on the frigate Jutland who visited the Danish West Indies 5 times. Later in life, Prince Carl became King Haakon of Norway and appointed Valdemar Riise as Norwegian consul in the Danish West Indies.
1880
One of the first real trademarks, Old. St. Croix, is registered in the USA with A.H. Riise’s signature.
1883
Denmark’s HRH Prince Carl was fourteen years old when he participated in the frigate Jylland’s trip to the Danish West Indies. In 1905, Prince Carl became King of Norway, under name Haakon VII.
Photo credit royalcourt.no
1887
Fregatten Jylland, was, in its prime, a central part of the Royal Danish Navy and sailed to the West Indies and St. Thomas. It was a part of the efforts to enforce Danish sovereignty, for which the sailors were rewarded with daily rations of A.H. Riise’s Navy Rum. Even though Fregatten Jylland is now permanently docked in Denmark, the chance to sample a rum from this important era should not be missed.
1888
A.H. Riise participated in the great Nordic Exhibition in Copenhagen. His products were showcased in the West Indian pavilion and he was awarded a medal for winning the category.
1893
Awarded at the World’s Columbian Exposition, fair held in 1893 in Chicago, Illinois, to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s voyage to America.
1895
During the Christmas of 1895 the pharmacy on St. Thomas burned to the ground. A candle had ignited a dry Christmas tree and the fire had caught on to the wooden ceiling, impregnated with resin. Valdemar Riise – the son of A.H. Riise whom took over the pharmacy after his father left the Virgin Islands in 1868, quickly managed to reestablish the business.
1924
A.H. Riise hair products were sold up until the 1960s – here is a rare 1924 add targeting both men and women.
1955
Old St. Croix Rum ~ 1955 bearing A.H. Riise’s signature. A.H Riise rum has been marketed under various trademarks including Old St. Croix Brand, Riise’s Guava rum and A.H. Riise rum, all now under the umbrella of A.H. Riise Spirits in Denmark.
1988
The trademark A.H. Riise is registered in the USA
2005
New commercial launch of A.H. Riise and the Royal Danish Navy brand.
2015
Family Reserve is introduced and served at the Riise Family gathering.
2016
Royal Danish Navy Frogman Introduced.
2017
Thin Blue Line XO is introduced. A blend that honors and supports the Danish police force.
2018
A.H. Riise presents a new logo.
2020
In 1701, the Royal Naval Academy was established in Copenhagen. Ever since the Academy has educated officers for the Danish-Norwegian and later the Danish Navy. Royal Danish Navy “Naval Cadet” is a blend made in collaboration with the Association of Naval Cadets.