Bitters can be described as alcohol flavoured with botanicals, predominantly bittering agents, that results in a bitter taste. Originally bitters were made as medicine. The human palate instinctively reacts to bitter tastes as something that is either a)poison or b)medicine. In any case it isn’t something an “untrained” palate takes an immediate liking to.
Digestive bitters
Cocktail bitters
Fernet-Branca (39% ABV)
A brand of Italian “amaro” or bitter. Intensely bitter since its inception in 1845, Fernet-Branca has been produced according to the original recipe that has been handed down from generation to generation. The bitters are made from 27 herbs and other ingredients. The exact formula is a trade secret known only to the Fernet-Branca president, Niccolò Branca, who personally measures out the aromatics during the production process.
Branca Menta (28% ABV)
Fernet (mentioned later) flavoured with peppermint and menthol.