Angostura Aromatic Bitters

This is the backbone of the cocktail canon. Angostura Aromatic Bitters doesn’t ask for attention, yet everything tastes sharper when it’s around. Produced in Trinidad since the 19th century, it blends roots, bark, herbs, and warm spice into a concentrated, unmistakable signature. One dash can steady a drink. Two can transform it entirely. It’s assertive without being aggressive. Complex, but never muddled. Behind the label sits quiet authority—the kind bartenders trust instinctively, even when they can’t explain why the drink suddenly works.

Nose: Dense aromas of clove, cinnamon, and allspice rise first, followed by dried orange peel, cola nut, and a shadowy herbal depth.

Palate: Intensely bitter at the core, then unfolding layers of baking spice, gentian root, and dark botanicals with a faint molasses undertone.

Finish: Long and drying. Spice and bitterness cling, leaving a warming echo that sharpens the senses rather than dulling them.

Excellent in Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, and Champagne cocktails. Try a few drops on vanilla ice cream, grilled pineapple, or rich chocolate desserts.