After a global shortage of Angostura a few years ago, cocktail aficionados have always been on the lookout for new sources to horde this elixir of cocktails. A chance drink with a restaurateur led me to Mr. Valentine Barboza. Valentine has been a bar consultant for several years and in addition has been making bitters in his Vasai home which he has been exporting for a while now.
He doesn't have a store in India and doesn't retail or sell commercially, if you ask nicely though, he might just share (:
His bitters stack up really well against some of the better known brands from across the world - Angostura, Peychaud, Burlesque, Bitter End etc.
Given how well they're priced, this is a must have for anyone who likes cocktails or is otherwise setting up a home bar.
For those who haven't tried out bitters in their cocktails, I'd suggest you start out with a simple Whiskey / Vodka / Gin with Tonic, a splash of lemon juice with a 3-4 dashes of bitters. Yes, Whisky (read Bourbon Tonic and lemon juice is a real thing). Most bars stock Angostura so order it the next time your at a bar to try them out. It's a subtle flavour change, that you'll be able to notice immediately.
Now if only we could get regular access to good Tonic water in India.
Reach out to Valentine on WhatsApp at +91 95520 02530.
P.S: My personal favourites are the pecan coffee with a a Negroni, grapefruit in an Old Fashioned and the Floral Sencha bitters with a Gin and Tonic.
P.P.S: The small set which comes in its own box makes for a great Diwali / House Warming gift.
He doesn't have a store in India and doesn't retail or sell commercially, if you ask nicely though, he might just share (:
His bitters stack up really well against some of the better known brands from across the world - Angostura, Peychaud, Burlesque, Bitter End etc.
Given how well they're priced, this is a must have for anyone who likes cocktails or is otherwise setting up a home bar.
For those who haven't tried out bitters in their cocktails, I'd suggest you start out with a simple Whiskey / Vodka / Gin with Tonic, a splash of lemon juice with a 3-4 dashes of bitters. Yes, Whisky (read Bourbon Tonic and lemon juice is a real thing). Most bars stock Angostura so order it the next time your at a bar to try them out. It's a subtle flavour change, that you'll be able to notice immediately.
Now if only we could get regular access to good Tonic water in India.
Reach out to Valentine on WhatsApp at +91 95520 02530.
P.S: My personal favourites are the pecan coffee with a a Negroni, grapefruit in an Old Fashioned and the Floral Sencha bitters with a Gin and Tonic.
P.P.S: The small set which comes in its own box makes for a great Diwali / House Warming gift.
