How do you improve on something that already works beautifully?
For Bob Petrie, the answer came not from reinvention, but refinement. The founder of Bob’s Bitters, a name that’s become quietly iconic behind countless bars, has revisited two of his earliest creations, breathing new life into them for 2025.
The result: Ginseng #2 and Tonka #2. Two bitters that feel less like a reboot and more like a conversation between past and present.
Why Change a Classic?
After years of seeing his bitters in the hands of bartenders around the world, Bob began to notice a shift. Palates were evolving. Drinks were lighter, fresher, more layered. Cocktails weren’t just about punch; they were about balance.
So, he went back to the lab. The goal wasn’t to modernise for the sake of it, but to draw out more depth, more emotion, more versatility. Something that could work just as well in a Martini at dusk as it could in a smoky Old Fashioned after dinner.
Ginseng #2: Grounded, Gentle, and Full of Quiet Energy
There’s something meditative about Ginseng #2. It opens earthy and smooth, a gentle hum rather than a shout, before giving way to a whisper of citrus and floral wood. Beneath it all, that telltale bittersweetness of ginseng lingers, balanced by a light sweetness and a flicker of white pepper warmth.
It’s refreshing in the way a walk through a botanical garden feels refreshing, calm, clear, alive. The kind of bitter that doesn’t just complement a drink; it completes it. Perfect for those who believe a Martini should taste like elegance, not effort.
Tonka #2: Deep, Indulgent, and Unmistakably Bold
If Ginseng #2 is serenity, Tonka #2 is seduction. It’s rich, aromatic, and full of character. That sweet, creamy tonka note entwined with hints of praline, spice, and dried fruit. It’s the scent of old books and caramelized sugar; the flavour of something that lingers long after the glass is empty.
Ideal for Old Fashioneds and Manhattans, it adds a smooth, rounded depth that turns familiar cocktails into something quietly indulgent. It’s not loud; it’s confident.
Small Batches, Big Emotion
Bob’s Bitters has always been about precision. Every bottle is crafted by hand, every batch made in small numbers, and every flavour built with patience. But what makes this release special isn’t just the craftsmanship; it’s the feeling behind it.
Because bitters, as Bob knows, are never the star of the show. They’re the thread that ties everything together. The invisible detail that makes you pause after a sip and think, “That’s perfect!”
To taste the new Ginseng #2 and Tonka #2, visit bobsbitters.com, and discover what happens when a master distiller decides to chase balance, not trends.
