you lucky duck! You have a sample of our Bitters collab with multnomah whiskey library in portland, ore.!

Goal: a super-dry bespoke bitters, heavy on italian influence: Rhubarb root and gentian. must play well in a manhattan scenario.

Some variations were more citrusy, others leaned hard into the aroma of wild cherry bark. The one we settled on is centered just right and will snap any cocktail into balance.

But you may be asking yourself, what are we talking about here, anyway? (If you already know and just want to put them in a drink already, scroll to the bottom.)

Bitters are blended tinctures (alcohol-based extracts) of herbs, barks and spices. They’re all about upping the sensory experience of cocktails and beverages (although Bitters 201 is cooking with them).

Whiskey + sugar is just sweet whiskey. Whiskey + sugar + bitters is an Old Fashioned - deeply aromatic, smooth, flavorful and, dare I say, comforting. It’s a drink you can think on, that can ignite your imagination, trying to figure out why it’s so good. It’s not sweet whiskey.

Our bitters are made with organic botanicals for the truest flavor, no funny business.

• Each botanical is processed individually. It’s not the easiest or the cheapest way, but we know from experience: this is how our flavors stay clear and sparkling

• We use organic, non-GMO cane spirits for a soft, round mouthfeel and no extra pesticides or fertilizers in your day

• Every flavor is layered for depth and complexity and to integrate into your cocktails and no-proof beverages seamlessly

• A small amount of organic sugar helps all the herbs shine through on your palate

We put the best stuff into our bitters because we are snobs. Making bitters is complicated and challenging, so why go through all that effort if you’re not going to start with the best stuff? We started this line because we couldn’t find the flavors we wanted out in the world. That was NINE years ago! We want to drink only the best and you deserve to, too.

• Every bottle is made from amber glass to block UV light and keep your bitters tasting great for years

• Every bottle has a dropper top, so you can customize every drink with *your* perfect amount of bitters and repeat your favorite recipes

• Our labels are waterproof, so no matter how crazy the party/camping trip/movie night gets, your bitters will still look great on the bar in the morning

Our bitters are more concentrated so you can get dozens of cocktails from each mini bottle. Try that with your common mixer. While we’re on the subject, that bottle of whiskey you just bought will make you maaaaybe one dozen cocktails. Your new favorite bitters will be around a lot longer than that! They’re made from better stuff than the big brands, and most of the small brands, too.

Try the MWL Bitters in this delectable dram:

Librarian’s Manhattan

2 oz rye whiskey

1/2 oz Cap Corse Mattei Rouge or your favorite sweet vermouth

1/2 oz Cappelletti Apertivo or another bittersweet lower proof aperitif

1/2-1 full mini dropper PBP MWL Custom Bitters

1 thick orange twist

If you’re perfect, chill a coupe glass. If not, the cocktail should help and you can use any room-temp glass you have. Pour all but orange twist into a mixing glass, add plenty of ice and stir until well-chilled. Strain into chilled coupe, express orange twist over surface. Kiss rim of and base of glass with twist, roll into a curlicue and drop into cocktail. Breathe deep, raise a toast to someone you love, and sip.

ICYMI, you have a promo code available, should you want to add to your bitters collection: BOURBONMOTH. It’s good until Valentine’s Day 2024.