Orange Bitters No. 6

Craft orange bitters with intense citrus character

commercial bitters 45.0% ABV 150ml

Historical Context

Created by Gary Regan, modern craft bitters pioneer

Tasting Notes

Intense orange peel, cardamom, bitter complexity

Flavor Evolution

Nose

(aroma)
Orange Peel 9/10

Palate

(taste)
Cardamom Pods 7/10

Finish

(aftertaste)
Orange Peel 8/10

Tasting Technique

Allow 30-60 seconds between each stage to experience the flavor evolution.

Aroma Assessment

Before tasting, smell the bitters directly from the bottle or on a spoon. The nose reveals the most volatile compounds and gives you the first impression of the flavor profile.

Palate Evaluation

Take a small sip and let it coat your tongue. The palate shows the immediate flavor impact and primary taste characteristics.

Finish Analysis

After swallowing, pay attention to the lingering flavors. The finish reveals the most complex and lasting impressions.

FAQ

Why is Regans' Orange Bitters No. 6 so popular with bartenders?

Regans' has an intensely concentrated orange peel character with a distinctive cardamom backbone that cuts through spirit-forward cocktails. It was created by cocktail historian Gary Regan to fill a gap in the market and quickly became the professional bartender's standard orange bitter.

How does Regans' compare to Angostura Orange?

Regans' is more assertive and cardamom-forward, while Angostura Orange is sweeter and more approachable. Regans' stands up better in spirit-forward drinks like the Martini. Angostura Orange blends more gently in lighter cocktails. Many bars stock both.

Guides

Orange Bitters GuideHow Cocktail Bitters Are MadeCocktail Bitters vs Bitter Liqueurs: What's the Difference?Essential Bitters Cocktails: The 10 Drinks You Need to Know