Notes: One of a series of bitter tonic, amaro or digestif type bitters (German name is Kruder Liqueur) from a relatively new company in Germany (although truth be told anyone other than Fernet Branca, Campari, and Cynar – all around for over 100 years -is a relative newcomer), Stephan Berg and Alexander Hauck the founders of the company, launched their unique products on the market in Germany in 2006, after making homemade bitters at bars because of the lack of any decent commercial bitters.

They produce another line of bitter tinctures for cocktails some of which in the series are: Bitter Truth Celery Bitters , Bitter Truth Jerry Thomas Bitters, Bitter Truth Lemon Bitters , Bitter Truth Xocolatl Bitters, Bitter Truth Orange Bitters, , and the new Bitter Truth Creole Bitters.

First Impression: Rather dry, herbal, spices and fruity at the same time, dark fruit notes bitter calmondon orange, myrrh, and gentian in particular.

Appearance: Dark reddish brown, fairly thin and free flowing compared to some bitters.

Taste: Some dark fruits (prunes?) , smoke, and a sweet cypress taste overall and berries. Nicely bitter and spicy with interesting sweet fruit notes to balance it out. Reminds one vaguely of 5 Spice Powder in a nice way.

Drinks: Works well in Negronis, Sours, and as a vermouth substitute in some drinks. Makes a lovely variation on a Manhattan. Also good on its own and easy to drink – unlike about most other bitters in it’s class.

Other : Due to it’s higher alcohol content and robust but balanced taste, unlike vermouth it does not need to be refrigerated and is far more stable again making it a superior substitution for (red) vermouth in many drinks.

Bottle: Dark brown bottle with red neckwrap.

Final Thoughts: An interesting alternative the usual bitters you encounter – much easier than Fernet Branca or Campari for novices and deeper flavors than Aperol. Nicely done fairly mellow and interesting. Aromatic but complex ,balanced and interesting a bitter that should be in every mixologists bar. Definitely a bitter that should be versatile and have broad appeal. A bit pricey compared to some other brands, but see our cocktail math table to see how cheap that works out to be.

Website: http://the-bitter-truth.com