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BITTERS, OLD MEN – Isaan Another Level Bitters

  • Rating: 9
  • Value: 8
Type:
Classification:
Ingredients: , , , , , , , , , ,
Distillery:
Importer:
Proof: 88 (44 %)
Age: Not Applicable
Price: $10.00 1 oz.
Price Range:

A very unique and idiosyncratic bitter that is fun to play with.

Notes: One of a series of bitters from a relatively new company in New York City (although truth be told anyone other than FeeAngosturaUnderberg and Peychauds – all in business for over 100 years – is a relative newcomer). The company was started by by Zach Feldman a couple years ago after making homemade bitters as a project for a magazine article: he got bitten by the bitters bug. He went commercial almost one year ago – and hasn’t looked back since.

The other bitters in the series are: Bitters,Old Men Gangster Lee’n Bitters,Bitters,Old Men Great in ’28 Bitters,Bitters, Old Men Krangostura Bitters,Bitters, Old Men Papaya BittersBitters, Old Men Prickled Pink BittersBitters, Old Men, Roasted Macadamia Bitters , Bitters Old Men Peach Basil Bitters, Bitters,Old Men Smoke Gets In Your Bitters Bitters and a Bitters, Old Men Restorative Tonic

*As a sidebar we are going to coin a new phrase (as of Sept 7, 2011) and use the term New World Bitters to describe bitters that are not a traditional company, style of flavor such as Angostura (the brand named after a town) , Angustura (the actual ingredient in some bitters), Abbots, Bokers, Peychauds, Bitter Orange, Mint, Grapefruit etc., and are usually a new blend or hybrid of ingredients to distinguish them from the more traditional ones.

AppearanceClear amber gold, slightly oily body to it. Does not have the dyes others use to color to darken their bitters.

First Impression: Citrus, kaffir lime,spicesAll the aromas are suggestive of Northern Thai cooking (of which I am a unabashed fan).

Taste
First real hot and spicy bitter we have come across. The primary first tastes are citrus, lime and sweetness backstopped by heat and savory with a slightly oily component

Drinks: Pairs well with lighter brown spirits (i.e. not Islay Scotch),gin, vodka, and possibly beer in some cases . Also a interesting bitter to add to your tequila. We are going to spend some time with this family of bitters and try to tease out some new creations.

Bottle: Clear glass old-style bottle with built in glass eyedropper with attractive graphics on paper labels (which are rather difficult  to read – tiny fonts).

Other: They use local ingredients whenever possible. . .

Final Thoughts: This is a a very unique blend of flavors that should challenge and delight any bartender or mixologist who chooses to use them to create a new family of cocktails. Rather idiosyncratic but overall harmonious blend of disparate elements that creates a bitter that is greater than the sum of its parts – just like a good cocktail.

Website: http://bittersoldmen.com

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