No, I’m not referring to how long it’s been since my last post.
Instead, I’m talking about an ingredient that — more than a year after its impending appearance on U.S. shores was announced — finally made it to market.
Initially introduced by KegWorks, and now apparently starting to show up in stores, Angostura Orange Bitters
And y’know, it ain’t bad. Much stronger flavored than the more available Fee’s orange bitters, or the less available Hermes Orange Bitters and The Bitter Truth orange bitters, and sweeter and more citrusy than the more bitter Regan’s orange bitters, the Angostura orange strikes a delicate balance between complex bitterness and citrusy sweetness.
If you’re looking for a very delicate touch, like using orange bitters in a martini, the Angostura orange may be too assertive; for these, The Bitter Truth remain my orange bitters of choice. But when you need the bitters to step up and assert their undeniable citrus complexity, as in a Martinez (my favorite drink thus far in which I’ve used the Angostura), then these will fit the bill.
If I were to compare these to another orange bitters on the market, the closest in terms of complexity and assertiveness would be the Regan’s. But the flavors are still quite different, with the Regan’s having a crisper bitterness, while the Angostura puts the “orange” part of its character right up front. It’ll still take some experimentation to sort out the right cocktail for each bitters, but that’s the kind of work I like.
For everyone else who’s been working with these bitters — and those of you in the UK who’ve had them available for months and months and now yawn about this product can just keep that to yourselves for now — let’s hear how you like ’em. What drinks are you using to mix them in? Any tips or drawbacks you’ve found?
Need some? Buy ’em here
*Yawn* 😉
Completely agree with your assessment Paul, they definitely sit between Fees and Regan’s in terms of sweetness, flavour and bitterness. I find myself using them most in more aromatic drinks where the bright flavour has the power to show through better than some of the others, especially anything with whiskey in it.
Paul,
Where did you end up finding them? I, as well, have been looking for over a year since first announced but here in the Great White North that is Wisconsin, none are to be found.
Any help procuring a bottle would be much appreciated.
Jay – good to know (and yes, I was thinking of you when I wrote the “no gloating” note)
Jean-Marc – I got mine online from Kegworks; I’ve made the link hot for your ease of ordering (though be prepared for sticker shock when the shipping price comes)
UPDATE – I realized Amazon is selling them for Kegworks; changed the link to that.
Indeed, time to test in a round of Martinez!!
The only orange bitters I’ve had are the Fee’s, which have a fake orange taste to me. How do the Angostura compare on that?