The Bitter Truth is a producer of [ingredient=bitters cocktail bitters] based in Germany. Started in 2006 by bartenders Stephan Berg and Alexander Hauck, The Bitter Truth has grown quickly, and they now producer a line of bitters and spirits. Because The Bitter Truth bitters were not originally registered in the U.S. as non-potable, the company has created a parallel line of bitters, Berg & Hauck, which is believed to be essentially identical, but registered as non-potable so that it can be sold in grocery stores.

In the bitters line, there are:

  • Aromatic Bitters,
  • Orange Bitters,
  • Lemon Bitters,
  • Original Celery Bitters is 88 proof and flavored with celery, lemongrass, citrus, and ginger,
  • Jerry Thomas' Own Decanter Bitters,
  • Grapefruit Bitters,
  • Chocolate Bitters and
  • Creole Bitters. Made as an homage to a bottle of pre-Prohibition [ingredient=peychauds-bitters Peychaud's], Creole Bitters are bright red in color, with aromas of fruit, flowers and spice. They are flavored with licorice notes from anise, caraway and fennel. Creole Bitters are 78 proof.

In addition to those eight, there are three rare types:

  • Dried Fruit Bitters, made for the Burj Al-Arab Hotel in Dubai, 
  • Repeal Day Bitters, released on December 5th, 2008 to mark the 75th anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition in the United States (and slated for a second release in 2033, for the 100th anniversary of Repeal Day), and
  • Berlin Capital Bitters, made for a trade show in 2010.

FInally, The Bitter Truth makes liqueurs (Violet, Apricot, Elderflower and [ingredient=allspice-dram Pimiento Dram]), spirits (Rye Whiskey and [ingredient=sloe-gin Sloe Gin]) and Amari (Elixier and E**x**R).

The Bitter Truth website
Berg & Hauck website

Some popular cocktails containing Bitter Truth Celery

  • King's Elixir — Gin, Bianco Vermouth, Goldwasser, Celery bitters, Lemon peel
  • The Lady Chesdin — Gin, Dry vermouth, Orange bitters, Peychaud's Bitters, Bitters, Celery bitters, Cucumber, Onion, Sugar cube, Lime
  • The Monte Press — Amaro Montenegro, Bitters, Soda water, Lemon-lime soda
  • Off The Vine — Gin, Vodka, Aromatized wine, Celery bitters, Lemon juice
  • VALENCIA COBBLER — Amontillado Sherry, Triple sec, Celery bitters, Cherry tomato
  • The Fleet Street — Gin, Herbal liqueur, Bitters, Orange bitters, Lemon juice, Simple syrup, Lemon peel
  • Swamp Water Fix — Herbal liqueur, Batavia Arrack, Celery bitters, Lime juice, Pineapple syrup, Pineapple juice
  • The Only Word — Blanco tequila, Herbal liqueur, Maraschino Liqueur, Mezcal, Celery bitters, Lime juice
  • Stay Gold — Rum, Melon liqueur, Yuzu juice, Pineapple juice, Salt Solution, Bitters
  • Rhapsody in Blue — Rye, Bianco Vermouth, Amaro, Bitters, Blueberry
The Bitter Truth offerings
©2010 The Bitter Truth