Sadly, I only recall having this almost 20 years ago. I probably wasn't old enough to appreciate it then. As I get older, I tend to appreciate the depth of flavour and savour these things so such more.
Apparently our sensitivity to bitterness decreases as we age. It explains kids' aversion to cruciferous vegetables and coffee, among others, although I think most of us grow to appreciate those things by our twenties at least.