Here's some exciting news for bitter enthusiasts... Angostura has released their very own orange bitters. Yes, the company who has been producing the popular aromatic for what seems like an eternity has branched out into citrus. So, when I first heard of the pending release I was on the edge of my seat - have to try that one, when will it be out, is it as good as I'm expecting. Tried it, it's now available in many markets and yes, it's everything it should be.

The big question I had for Angostura was if they were going to stop here or are they going to expand to something like the line of flavors of Fee Brothers. The answer I received was no. The company felt like producing an orange-flavored bitters was essential to compliment their aromatic bitters as well as make available a product which has a need in many of the classic cocktails (remember the original Martini called for orange bitters). That makes sense coming from a such an esteemed, classic company and you have to respect them for not going for it all.

So where does this new addition stand in my bitters collection. Basically I've added it to my essentials to keep in stock and it will now sit beside Angostura Aromatic, Regans' Orange No.6 and Peychaud. Why two orange bitters? I like both of them and I think each will find a place in different cocktails. I haven't had the opportunity to test that theory because I'm still enjoying the newbie too much, but I'm sure this will be the case.

The best cocktail with Angostura Orange Bitters so far: Orange Martini. I prefer this one with gin and equal parts vermouth and triple sec.