GSN Review: The Bitter Truth Bitters & Flower Waters

Germany’s The Bitter Truth Company began with just two products; an Orange Bitters and an Old Time Aromatic Bitters. At the time, very few bars carried anything other than Angostura Bitters, and even then there was only an aromatic version (they now also make orange bitters, due in part I believe to the success of entrepreneurs like The Bitter Truth). But, that’s all in the not so distant past, as The Bitter Truth now carries a full range of bitters. They may not cure all, but they certainly make a lovely and welcome addition to your bar’s cocktail arsenal.

Here are my reviews of some of their latest bitters, and two flower waters. A previous GSN review of their other bitters is here.

Peach Bitters – Intensely peach forward with a sour tang that adds just the right amount of acidity and depth. There seems to be an assortment of baking spices as well that linger in the back of the throat. These make quite an interesting alternative to orange bitters, and work wonders with bourbon, rye and gin based cocktails.
GSN Rating: A

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Grapefruit Bitters – Quite bitter with a lot of pith character more than grapefruit juice. Very dry and intense. Not much is needed to add a sharp and noticeable edge to a cocktail. I wish there was more of a fruit flavor in here. That being said, these work well with vodka, blanco tequila and even light rums to bring out a more intriguing character in each of these spirits when used in cocktails.
GSN Rating: B-

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Thomas Henry Tonic Bitters – The flavor of quinoa bark is pronounced along with several citrus botanicals. The overall effect is quite intriguing, with a wide spectrum of flavors that percolate over the tongue. I quite like these as a more apothecarian alternative to other citrus fruit based bitters. An extra dash or two of these in a G&T will lessen the sweetness of the tonic, and in a martini, they shine. Get a bottle while you can!
GSN Rating: A+

Orange Flower Water – There aren’t too many orange flower waters available in my part of the world, but I have three to compare with. The Bitter Truth’s version is amazingly floral and flavorful. Really the best I’ve every had when tasted side by side with the others in my collection. The gentle orange quality is remarkably floral and right on the mark in terms of intensity. Well done!
GSN Rating: A

Rose Water – Rose is one of those flavors that often gets overlooked in cocktails, and yet fits in with many of the aromatic herbal ingredients we don’t give a second thought to. Gin, dry vermouth, Chartreuse, Benedictine, and so on. Not only does the flavor of rise work well with these ingredients, but it also adds real interest to vodka, blanco tequila and champagne. The version by The Bitter Truth is subtle and yet quite natural. Just a few drops added to the top of a drink will give it a sultry nose.
GSN Rating: B