Elevate Your Cocktails: A Detailed Tasting Note on Fee Brothers Whisky Barrel Aged Bitters 150ml

At The General Wine Company, we understand the importance of the perfect cocktail. A splash of bitters can be the magic touch, transforming a good drink into a masterpiece. Today, we're delving into the world of Fee Brothers Whisky Barrel Aged Bitters, a unique ingredient that adds depth and complexity to your favourite tipples.

A Bitters with Bite: The Fee Brothers Legacy

Fee Brothers has been a trusted name in the bitters industry since 1864. Their dedication to using high-quality ingredients and innovative ageing techniques shines through in their Whisky Barrel Aged Bitters. This 150ml bottle packs a powerful punch of flavour, perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to your home bar creations.

Aged to Perfection: The Flavour Profile

The magic of Fee Brothers Whisky Barrel Aged Bitters lies in its unique ageing process. Freshly emptied oak barrels, once used by America's finest distilleries, are given a new lease on life. These charred and flavour-infused casks become the resting place for Fee Brothers' aromatic bitters recipe. The result? A complex and nuanced flavour profile unlike any other bitters on the market.

On the Nose:

The first impression is undeniably enticing. As you uncork the bottle, a warm wave of aromas washes over you. The rich, oaky notes characteristic of aged whiskey are immediately apparent. Hints of vanilla and caramel, picked up from the charred barrels, add a touch of sweetness. Beneath this lies a subtle layer of spice, with whispers of cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. The citrus element, a cornerstone of Fee Brothers bitters, peeks through with a refreshing zestiness.

On the Palate:

The initial burst of flavour is a delightful surprise. The expected bitterness is present, but it's beautifully balanced by the sweetness of the whiskey barrel influence. The oaky character translates seamlessly onto the tongue, offering a smooth and slightly tannic sensation. The promised spices emerge, warming the palate with a gentle heat. The citrus notes, more subdued than on the nose, provide a refreshing counterpoint and prevent the bitters from becoming cloying. The finish is long and lingering, leaving you with a pleasant aftertaste of oak, vanilla, and spice.

Unleashing the Potential: Serving Suggestions for Whisky Barrel Aged Bitters

The beauty of Fee Brothers Whisky Barrel Aged Bitters lies in its versatility. It can elevate both classic and contemporary cocktails, adding a touch of complexity and intrigue. Here are a few serving suggestions to inspire your mixology adventures:

• The Old Fashioned, Remastered:  This timeless drink gets a makeover with a dash of Whisky Barrel Aged Bitters.  Combine 50ml of your favourite bourbon with 10ml simple syrup, 2 dashes of bitters, and a generous orange peel expressed over the glass. Stir with ice and strain into a rocks glass filled with a large ice cube. Garnish with a luxurious maraschino cherry.
• The Manhattan with a Twist:  For a touch of smoky depth, add a dash of Whisky Barrel Aged Bitters to your Manhattan recipe. Combine 50ml rye whiskey, 25ml sweet vermouth, and 1 dash of bitters. Stir with ice and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a cherry or a maraschino luxardo.
• The Boulevardier Upgrade:  This Negroni variation gets a delightful twist with the addition of Whisky Barrel Aged Bitters.  Combine equal parts (25ml each) of rye whiskey, Campari, and sweet vermouth with a dash of bitters. Stir with ice and strain into a rocks glass filled with a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange twist.
• The Smoky Negroni:  For a truly unique experience, try a smoky Negroni featuring Whisky Barrel Aged Bitters. Combine 25ml  peated scotch, 25ml Campari, 25ml sweet vermouth, and a dash of bitters. Stir with ice and strain into a rocks glass filled with a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange twist.
• The Bespoke Cocktail:  Don't be afraid to experiment! Fee Brothers Whisky Barrel Aged Bitters pairs beautifully with a variety of spirits.  Try it in your next Old Tom gin cocktail, a whiskey sour, or even a spritz with sparkling wine and a citrus liqueur.

Beyond the Cocktail: Culinary Applications

The wonderful flavour profile of Fee Brothers Whisky Barrel Aged Bitters extends beyond the cocktail shaker. Here are a few creative ways to incorporate it into your culinary creations:

• Desserts:  A dash of bitters can add depth and complexity to chocolate desserts, glazes, and mousses.
• Marinades:  Elevate your meat marinades by adding a touch of bitters for a subtle smoky and spicy character.