Tivoli Bitter Essence 20 ml

Tivoli Bitter Essence 20 ml

There is a tradition of bitters that has nothing whatsoever to do with the medicine cabinet and everything to do with enjoying life. The little dark dram raised in a toast at a birthday breakfast, taken along on the morning of the hunt and set out beside the coffee cup when the family gathers – a bitter that is more companion than cure. Tivoli Bitter is built in that spirit.

The recipe rests on a large number of herbs, berries and spices, with no single flavour taking over. The bitterness is mild and dry rather than harsh, which makes the drink surprisingly approachable even for those who usually wrinkle their nose at bitters. It is a taste you grow into and are then reluctant to be without.

Colour & Appearance

Once mixed, the bitter is dark brown, like strong tea or oiled walnut, with a reddish glow when the light falls through it. It looks solid and old-fashioned, exactly as it should.

Nose

The nose is spicy and many-layered. Star anise and ginger come first, warm and a little sweet, followed by the bitter orange tone of bitter-orange peel. Then the herbal side: wormwood, a little cinnamon and clove, and the tart, bitter fruitiness of rowanberries. At the very bottom, an earthy note of roots and liquorice.

Palate

The palate is dry, soft and well balanced. The bitterness from wormwood and rowanberry is there from the start but stays composed – it frames the flavour instead of dominating it. Ginger and star anise bring warmth, bitter orange brings freshness, and cinnamon, clove and liquorice root fill in with depth. The bitter has almost no sweetness, so the spices stand out clearly, each in its own right. Set beside more forceful herbal bitters, Tivoli is a calmer, more sociable glass.

Finish

The finish is long, dry and warming. Bitter orange, ginger and a fine wormwood bitterness linger, making the next sip of beer or coffee even better.

How to Use

The essence is mixed with vodka or neutral spirit and can be enjoyed straight away. 20 ml makes 750 ml of finished bitter. Instructions are on the label.

Serving Suggestions

• At room temperature in a small glass at celebration breakfasts – birthdays, anniversaries and holiday mornings.
• Beside a cold beer, as a small dram to sip.
• With coffee after the meal in place of a liqueur or brandy.
• With a cold buffet of pickled herring, liver pâté and strong cheese.
• A couple of dashes in a drink with dark rum or whisky as a spicy bitter note.

About the Essence

Tivoli Bitter is one of the true classics in our range, well liked by those who want a bitter to keep company with rather than one to conquer.

The bottle lasts a long time, since bitters are drunk from small glasses, and a batch in the cupboard is a pleasant tradition to bring out whenever there is something to celebrate. The essence is also available in 25 litres for professional use.