The Manhattan cocktail has come along way since its debut back in the early 1870s. Its key component other than using a good Rye whisky like George Dickel Rye, is choosing the right Bitters. I had the pleasure of attending a Bitters Seminar with King Cocktail himself, Dale Degroff at Bosscat Kitchen and Libations in Newport Beach, CA.
Dale is a master mixologist who honed his skills by bartending many establishments, most notably the Rainbow Room in New York. We sampled five different kinds of Bitters before adding to the premixed Vermouth and George Dickel filled glasses. It was eye opening to smell and taste the differences each Bitters made from brand to brand.
Dale DeGroff’s Pimento Aromatic Bitters (45% ABV/ 90 proof, $9.99 per 150ml) is made from the pimento berry which is better known as allspice. Some may get confused with the name of these bitters and think that they are made from pimento, which is an entirely different thing from pimento berry. Dale DeGroff’sLouisville, Kentucky Developed by legendary mixologist Dale DeGroff and produced at the historic Combier distillery, these handcrafted allspice bitters provide a delicious compliment to any cocktail, classic or modern.
After meeting renowned absinthe distiller,Ted Breaux in New Orleans, they embarked on a joint venture to produce Dale DeGroff’s Pimento Aromatic Bitters. A raconteur, storyteller, and saloon singer, DeGroff’s entertaining presentations are featured on the cruise lines as. Dale Degroffs Pimento Aromatic Bitters is made by Ted Breaux at Combier from a blend of secret (for the most part) herbs and spices carefully macerated and distilled. It does use all natural and whole spices Appearance: Clear, red brown with hints of gold in color. Dale DeGroff's Pimento Aromatic Bitters ® Best New Product Finalist, Tales of the Cocktail - New Orleans PURCHASE NOW. Dale DeGroff's Pimento Aromatic Bitters ® was created through a collaboration between Dale DeGroff, the godfather of the modern mixology revival, and T.A. Breaux, renowned distiller and founder of Jade Liqueurs ®. Like most of Jade's other fine products, Dale's famous.
Below you will find Dale DeGroff’s personal Manhattan recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 oz. George Dickel Rye
- .25 oz. Dolin Dry Vermouth
- .25 oz. Martini Ross Sweet
- Dash of your Favorite Bitters
Directions: Stir and serve.
If you’re interested in learning more about Dale DeGroff and how to become a Master Bartender, check out his book: The Craft of the Cocktail.
Proof: 90°
Aged: No age statement
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As the brand name suggests, these pimento allspice bitters are the result of Dale DeGroff's enthusiasm for this previously almost forgotten cocktail ingredient. They are made by infusing and distilling a blend of select botanicals with allspice berries and Mediterranean spices.
Beehive Bitters
Appearance:
Clear, chestnut brown with dark golden edges.
Aroma:
Dale Degroff Cocktails
Pungent clove, liquorice and anise with cinnamon.
Taste:
Bitter barky palate with hot black pepper, cinnamon and clove spice. More subtle nutmeg and ginger.
Aftertaste:
Mouth drying lingering clove. As the term 'Aromatic Bitters' on the label suggests, this is stronger and punchier than pimento dram liqueurs.