Angostura Aromatic Bitters - Cocktail Bitters - 44.7% - 20cl

It is clearly not by chance that Angostura's aromatic bitters have achieved such worldwide prominence. For a bitter the taste is relatively sweet, with a fascinating harmony of aromas which is somewhat difficult to describe. In drinks and food dishes the tonic tempers sour flavor, stifles certain aromas and works as a natural flavor enhancer (see recipes with Angostura Aromatic Bitters).

During the course of the last two hundred years of Angostura's history, more and more chefs world-wide have discovered what brilliant possibilities are available when using Angostura bitters in the kitchen. These bitters have earned their reputable spot at the bar as well as on the spice shelf in the kitchen.

Besides using these bitters for pleasure there are still advocates for the medicinal effectiveness of Angostura aromatic bitters, one of the most prominent fans being American author Mark Twain. In January of 1874 he wrote his wife Olivia describing how impressed he was with the wonderful effects his daily consumption of cock-tails (so described by him) with Angostura aromatic bitters had on his digestion. He nursed himself steadily, since he drank a cocktail every day before breakfast, dinner, and right before going to bed.

Johann Siegert actually developed this tonic precisely with this health benefit in mind, to help assist the digestion of the soldiers from Simón Bolívars army. Curiously, some people even use bitters as appropriate medicine to rub on the skin in order to keep mosquitoes away. What would happen if the soldiers on the Orinoco river, known for its monster-sized bugs, knew about this option of using bitters?

Did you know?

- The Blanche de Fougerolles is now known under the name Enigma Blanche. Though the recipe has not changed, the label has, it now displays an Art-Nouveau design, in the vein of 1900 absinthe posters. The Enigma is still the fine wine alcohol-based absinthe that worldwide absintheurs have praised since 2003 under the name Blanche de Fougerolles, no change there, the name Enigma has been adopted in 2010 simply because of the issues for non-French speakers to say the name “Fougerolles”.

- During the Belle Epoque, after Pontarlier, Fougerolles had the highest number of producers of absinthe. Sometimes some of the casks used in Fougerolles were sent to Pontarlier to cover their needs.

- Enigma Blanche participated in the 2007 Absinthiades ; it was awarded 5th place.

Serving Suggestion

- At first, savour Enigma Blanche with half a piece of sugar. Then add more or less according to your taste.

- For one measure of absinthe (3cl), add 2 to 5 measure of fresh water.