The Bitter Truth, a German brand established in 2006, is a pioneering force in the resurgence of cocktail bitters. Founded by Munich bartenders Stephan Berg and Alexander Hauck, the company emerged from a pressing need for high-quality bitters, which were increasingly hard to find. Berg and Hauck, both seasoned bartenders, were driven by a passion to revive and reinvent bitters for modern cocktail culture.
Their journey began at the London Bar Show in June 2006, where the idea of creating a line of premium cocktail bitters took root. Berg, with his extensive collection of current and historical bitters, was instrumental in shaping their vision. His expertise and collection, which included bitters no longer in production, provided invaluable insights into the diverse flavors essential for authentic cocktail creation. This knowledge allowed them to recreate bitters that were key to classic cocktails but had become scarce or disappeared entirely.
The Bitter Truth's inaugural products were released in August 2006, featuring Orange Bitters and Old Time Aromatic Bitters, followed by Lemon Bitters. This marked the beginning of an extensive portfolio that now includes a broad range of flavors such as Jerry Thomas Bitters, Creole Bitters, Celery Bitters, Grapefruit Bitters, Chocolate Bitters, Tonic Bitters, Peach Bitters, Cucumber Bitters, and Olive Bitters. The brand also offers liqueurs and flavored spirits, including Apricot Liqueur, Violet Liqueur, Elderflower Liqueur, Golden Falernum, Pimento Dram, and Pink Gin.
The Bitter Truth has not only revitalized the role of bitters in modern cocktails but has also achieved significant acclaim. At the Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans in 2010, their Celery Bitters won the top prize for "Best New Product." The brand’s dedication to quality and innovation continues to be recognized, with numerous awards highlighting their exceptional contributions to the cocktail world.
The Bitter Truth's mission to restore and celebrate the legacy of bitters has firmly established them as a vital player in the industry, transforming the once-overlooked ingredient into a celebrated staple in bars and kitchens worldwide.
