Bittermens is a contemporary bitters company that has made a significant mark on the craft cocktail scene. Established in 2007 by Avery and Janet Glasser during the early renaissance of the American cocktail culture, Bittermens has carved out a niche for itself by providing innovative and high-quality bitters to bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts alike.
The inception of Bittermens can be traced back to a kitchen in San Francisco, where the Glassers started experimenting with making their own bitters because of the limited variety available in the market at that time. What began as a hobby soon turned into a full-fledged business as demand for their unique bitters grew. The couple's commitment to quality and flavour complexity quickly earned Bittermens a place in the pantheon of essential cocktail ingredients.
Bittermens’ range of products has expanded over the years but remains focused on small-batch bitters, each with its own distinctive flavour profile. Unlike traditional bitters that were often limited to familiar tastes, Bittermens bitters often introduce unexpected ingredients and bold flavours. Some of their original creations include Xocolatl Mole Bitters, which draw inspiration from Mexican mole sauce and pair perfectly with aged spirits and Hopped Grapefruit Bitters, which give a citrusy bitterness with a subtle hoppy note, ideal for adding complexity to lighter cocktails.
One of the defining characteristics of Bittermens is their dropper bottles, which set them apart from the typical dasher bottles used by most bitters companies. This packaging choice underscores their philosophy that bitters should be added with precision and care, allowing mixologists to experiment with exacting standards.
The company has also ventured into producing other cocktail enhancers, like shrubs, syrups, and liqueurs, each carrying the hallmark of innovation and high quality. The Bittermens range of liqueurs, for instance, includes some unusual offerings like a New Orleans-inspired coffee liqueur and an amaro.
Moreover, the Glassers are dedicated to sustainable and responsible production. They source ingredients thoughtfully, focusing on quality and flavour above all else, ensuring that their products are all-natural and free of artificial additives.
Education is another crucial part of Bittermens' mission. The founders regularly engage with the cocktail community, offering insights into the use of bitters and the history behind their creations. This educational approach empowers bartenders and home enthusiasts not just to use Bittermens products but to understand the 'why' behind each flavour's contribution to a cocktail.
For cocktail enthusiasts, a few dashes of Bittermens can transform a drink, providing layers of depth and an avenue for creativity. The company’s bitters have become staples behind the bars of the world's best cocktail lounges and have garnered a dedicated following among those who appreciate the craft of mixology.