Review: Dashfire Bitters – Spiced Apple, Sichuan, and Cardamom
Remember Dashfire’s sextet of canned cocktails we recently reviewed? Well now we’re taking a step back to look at the products that got the Minnesota-based company started: the bitters that are used in the creation of all those ready-to-drink cocktails. The company produces more than a dozen bitters varieties, but we’ll get things going with this trio from the so-called Single Flavor Family (which is to say, they’re far more monochromatic than your typical “aromatic” bitters). All come conveniently packaged in tall bottles with built-in eyedroppers for precise dosing.
Dashfire Bitters Spiced Apple – No big surprises here. These bitters exude apple pie on the nose, with fresh apple and cinnamon notes, then fade into a more sultry bitterness on the tongue, with cloves and allspice prominent. An easy way to give any cocktail a seasonal kick in the direction of fall. 35% abv. A- [BUY IT NOW FROM AMAZON]
Dashfire Bitters Sichuan – Extremely bitter and spicy, these are made with Sichuan peppercorns, so don’t go expecting a sweet-and-sour experience. The impact of the pepper is immediate and powerful, and can be overwhelming in even moderate quantities. Play it conservative with these puppies, and use sparingly to bring out the spice and heat in your drink. 38% abv. B [BUY IT NOW FROM AMAZON]
Dashfire Bitters Cardamom – Again, this shouldn’t be surprising. The nose is heavy with the fresh essence of Indian cuisine, with a sultry, semi-sweet, chai-like character. On the palate, the bitters are indeed remarkably powerful with bitterness, and the essence of the spice gets a bit lost amidst the strong gentian character. For an aromatic boost, though, they work quite well. B+ [BUY IT NOW FROM AMAZON]
each $17 per 100ml bottle / dashfirebitters.com
Dashfire Bitters Spiced Apple
$17
