Bittermens / Bitter Truth Xocolotl Mole Bitters

Has anyone had any experience with these bitters? Are they really worth the hefty price tag? On a related note, are the Bitter Truth Chocolate Bitters and the Bittermens Xocolotl Mole Bitters the same thing? Upon some research I found that the Bitter Truth and Bittermens work together on the chocolate and grapefruit bitters. I ask because the Bitter Truth is available at Binny's but I'm not sure where to find Bittermens.

fropones wrote:Has anyone had any experience with these bitters? Are they really worth the hefty price tag? On a related note, are the Bitter Truth Chocolate Bitters and the Bittermens Xocolotl Mole Bitters the same thing? Upon some research I found that the Bitter Truth and Bittermens work together on the chocolate and grapefruit bitters. I ask because the Bitter Truth is available at Binny's but I'm not sure where to find Bittermens.

They used to work together, but as the link you provided mentions, that partnership ended. There may still be some cross-branded bottles out there, but what you're likely seeing at Binny's these days is a new formulation of "spicy" Chocolate bitters that The Bitter Truth started making after their relationship with Bittermens ended. I would be surprised if the new Bitter Truth Chocolate didn't work very well in the same sort of drinks as the Xocolotl Mole, but since they no longer have the Bittermens' license they probably aren't indistinguishable from each other.

ETA: For the bang for the buck, the Xocolotl Mole Bitters are terrific. The price might look high, but when you compare the number of drinks you'll make from that bottle compared to any other product it seems much more reasonable. I haven't tried the new formulation Bitter Truth Chocolate.

ETA2: For Bittermens, try West Lakeview Liquors. They appear to carry the full range.

kl1191 wrote:ETA2: For Bittermens, try West Lakeview Liquors. They appear to carry the full range.

Thanks for the heads up. I've been looking for an excuse to head back to West Lakeview Liquors to gawk at their excellent beer selection so I should make a trip out there soon.

Xocolatl bitters work wonderfully in a Tequila Old Fashioned:

2 oz. quality tequila (I use Don Julio Reposado)
~1/4 oz agave nectar
several dashes of Xocolatl bitters
Generous expression of grapefruit oil

stir over large chunk of ice.