Aromatic Bitters

Core

Trinidad (Angostura), New Orleans (Peychaud's), New York (craft bitters epicenter), Portland / Oregon (craft bitters)

ABV35-47%

Sub-styles

Classic aromatic (Angostura template)Creole-style (Peychaud's template — lighter / fruitier)Craft/artisanal (Bittermens / Scrappy's / etc.)Glycerine-based (Fee Brothers — lower ABV)

Tasting Notes

Gentian root bitterness, warm baking spice (cinnamon, clove, allspice), citrus peel, dried bark, dark chocolate, cola nut, dried cherry. Each brand has a distinct profile — Angostura is spice-dominant, Scrappy's is brighter and more citrus-forward, Fee Brothers is sweeter and lighter. The category descriptor is 'Christmas spice with a bitter backbone.' That's the aromatic bitters family in one phrase.

Brand Guide

Essential: Angostura ($10-14/4oz). Alternative: Fee Brothers Old Fashion ($8-10/4oz — glycerine base, no alcohol). Craft: Scrappy's Aromatic ($16-20/4oz), Bittermens Xocolatl Mole ($16-20/4oz), Bitter Truth Aromatic ($14-18).

Premium

Dashfire Vintage Orange & Fig ($20-25). The craft bitters market is huge now. Start with Angostura, then add one craft aromatic and one specialty flavor. Three bitters bottles cover 95% of cocktails

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The Story

The seasoning of the cocktail world, essential as salt is to cooking.