Notes: One of a series of bitters from a relatively new company in New York City (although truth be told anyone other than Fee, Angostura, Underberg andPeychauds – 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 two years 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 Isaan Another Level Bitters, Bitters, Old Men Krangostura Bitters, Bitters, Old Men Prickled Pink Bitters, Bitters, 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 or 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.

Appearance:  Light straw gold and slightly translucent/hazy in appearance. Does not have the dyes others use to color to darken or enhance their bitters.

First Impression: Papaya, some other citrus scents and a hint of gentian root and the back giving it a more balanced rather than overly sweet smell.

Taste: Very true to the papaya, papaya and kiss of sweetness folowed by a rapid bitter surge from the gentian. Pleasantly sweet to bitter balance – unlike some bitters that taste like gummi fruit lifesavers and St Joseph aspirin in their pathetic attempts to make a fruit bitter.

Drinks: Suggestions from the maker includes Sake and some brandies, personally I think it also works with pisco, rum, and occasionally gin also.

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: A nice addition to your bitters cabinet . No one else to our knowledge makes a papaya bitters

Website: http://bittersoldmen.com