Bitters
Bitters are a special category of alcoholic beverage named for their flavor. Bitters are made by steeping aromatic herbs, tree bark, and other elements in alcohol, the result being a very concentrated spirit with intense, bitter flavor. Bitters, often known as aromatic bitters, are intended to be used in small quantities in cocktails, though that has not prevented some enterprising drinkers from consuming them as shots. Bitters should not be confused with so-called “digestive bitters,” which are classified here under the amari category (and which are intended to be consumed solo).
Top Bitters Posts:
Do Bitters Go Bad?
Tasting Comparison: Orange Bitters
The Bitter Truth Bitters Lineup
Fee Brothers Old Fashion Bitters vs. Angostura Bitters
The Bitter Housewife is a fanciful name for a new line of products clearly not being developed by a housewife at all but by a savvy entrepreneur. I met owner Genevieve Brazelton at a recent event and found her to not even be a little bit bitter, but rather quite effusive about her burgeoning product…
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Today we’re dipping back into the bitters of Novato, California-based King Floyd’s, catching up on a few expressions we missed the first time around. Let’s dive in. King Floyd’s Scorched Pear & Ginger Bitters – Heavy on the notes of fresh, pungent ginger, if only because “scorched pear” just doesn’t pack nearly as much punch.…
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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…
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There are wine clubs, cocktail clubs, and spirits clubs… why not bitters clubs? Bitters Lab is the brainchild of a Utah food professional who’s turned her eye to making uniquely flavored bitters: “bitters for everyone; from the novice home-bartender or baker, to seasoned chefs and of course, those in the bar industry.” Bitters lab has…
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Ever wanted to make your own bitters, but didn’t know where to start? Art in the Age (makers of a number of specialty bitter liqueurs) has partnered with Terra Luna, an herbally-oriented company in Philadelphia, to make bitters-making easy at home. This box includes almost everything you need to turn Terra Luna’s herbal blend into…
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Hey, look who’s not breaking his foot this year! Last year’s Whiskies of the World Expo was cut extremely short for me, but this year, safety was the name of the game. (Reminder: Don’t text while on the stairs, kids!) I spent a lot more time than usual on American whiskeys this year, reflecting an…
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My sleepy burg of Novato, California is home to a surprising operation: King Floyd’s, which produces both artisanal bitters as well as a couple of tins of rimming salts. The company was kind enough to send all five of its products our way for review. Thoughts follow. King Floyd’s Orange Bitters – Strong orange notes…
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It’s been said that there is a flavor of bitters for every season, and if you need proof just check out this latest collection from The Bitter Truth, which has been expanding its bitters lineup into some unusual areas. Let’s look at this trinity and see if they merit a home on your bartop. The…
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Like any good bitters brand, Scrappy’s focuses on natural infusions and uses organic ingredients whenever possible. Produced in Seattle, the Scrappy’s line now runs to at least 11 varieties of bitters. We received two of the most popular — orange and chocolate — for review. Thoughts follow. Scrappy’s Bitters Seville Orange – Check out the…
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Reader Sam writes: “Hi Drinkhacker, love your articles. I have a question maybe you can answer. I’ve had a bottle of bitters on my shelf for a while now, and I was wondering if bitters ever go bad. Thanks for reading and keep up the good work.” Sam’s question is a good one. If you’re…
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