Another forgotten bitter brought back to life by the Brothers Fee
Notes: Fee Brothers has been in business since April 1,1864 in Rochester, New York. Along with being one of the few remaining manufacturers of bitters, they also are one of the largest bar mixes and supply firms in the U.S. and produce flavorings and syrups for coffee shops, restaurants, etc. This particular bitters is a recreation or revival of a forgotten bitter.
First Impression: Very peppermint, créme de menthe with a touch of dryness to it.
Appearance: Bright viridian green.
Taste: A dry version of créme de menthe would best sum this one up. Mint with quinine and gentian.
Drinks: Used in a Glad Eye (Bitters with Absinthe, or Anisette), Mint Julep, Mojito, or Smash (think Julep using brandy, gin or rum). While fresh mint is far superior for Juleps or Mojitos, it does serve a purpose providing a heavy duty mint accent without leaves, stems etc.
Bottle: Simple paper wrapped clear glass bottle, with a flip top closure. It is distinguished from the other bottles by the bright green color of the printing and green colored shrink wrap around the top and neck.
Other: Other varieties of bitters include: Aztec Chocolate, Cherry, Celery,Cranberry, Grapefruit, Lemon, Mint, Old Fashioned Aromatic (Angostura),(West Indian) Orange, Peach, Plum, Rhubarb, Black Walnut , and the Whisky Barrel series : Whiskey Barrel Aged 1 (2007) , Whiskey Barrel Aged 2 (2008),Whiskey Barrel Aged 3 (2009), Whiskey Barrel Aged 4, (2010), and Whiskey Barrel Aged 5 (2011)
Final Thoughts: An interesting addition to any Cocktailian’s bar supplies and necessary for a number of vintage cocktails calling for mint bitters (a number of which are on their website). This product is the *only* mint bitters commercially available in U.S.
Website: http://www.feebrothers.com