The guys at The Bitter Truth are two of the busiest people in the spirits industry. In just seven years, they have increased their product line to include not only several classic bitters styles, but also spirits, liqueurs and flower waters. Every bottle feels just right, looks sharp and holds some amazing flavors. GSN recently received a “care package” which contained samples of their latest offerings. I in turn, offer my reviews to you dear reader.
Spiced Navy Pink Gin (80 proof)
Visual: Delicate rose quartz.
Nose: Light juniper floral scent with subtle overtones of classic aromatic bitters.
Taste: Quite delicate and almost feminine in character. The juniper is gentle and the bitters add a deeper and darker herbality which plays well with the gin base. There is a slightly sweet and creamy mouthfeel not unlike Plymouth gin.
Finish: A lively and elegant finish which leaves you wanting more.
Overall: A lovely gin for classic martinis and G&T’s. Very, very well done.
GSN Rating: A
Elderflower Liqueur (44 proof)
Visual: Very light pale yellow.
Nose: Sweet, almost grape-like character.
Taste: Very sweet and fruity. The elderflower dominates the spirit and sugar base. The mouthfeel is light and not too thick and syrupy.
Finish: Lasting sweetness with slight spicy notes that add intrigue.
Overall: A great and versatile liqueur that will add wonderful fruity notes to any cocktail. The essence of summer in a bottle.
GSN Rating: A
Golden Falernum (36 proof)
Visual: Warm sunny gold.
Nose: Intriguingly fruity like tropical punch with brief high notes of baking spices.
Taste: Quite sweet with a limeade overtone. The spice plays a role in the background, but grows in strength as time goes on. The ginger is particularly warming and yet doesn’t add too much heat. I don’t pick up much in the way of almond.
Finish: Medium long with a lasting presence of having just eaten key lime pie.
Overall: Definitely a more subtle and refined version of the few alcoholic falernums I’ve had. Worthy of craft tiki cocktails.
GSN Rating: B+
Elixier Digestive Liqueur (60 proof)
Visual: Very dark chocolate-brown.
Nose: Herbal and vegetal, but not unpleasant.
Taste: Slightly bitter, but not to extremes. There’s a nice balance of sweetness to offset any potential bitter intensity.
Finish: Fairly long with a flavor reminiscent of root beer barrel or horehound candies.
Overall: Very much in keeping with traditional digestives, and one that is infinitely more pleasant to taste than many other German herbal liquors. No need to chill, unless you so desire.
GSN Rating: A-
For more information go to: The Bitter Truth
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It seems as if this drink was originally created in 2006 by Simon Difford. However, it’s original name was the Elder Fashioned. Much classier, don’t you think?
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