Peychaud's and Angostura are both types of bitters that are commonly used in cocktails and other mixed drinks. While they may seem similar at first glance, there are some key differences between the two.
1. Flavor Profile:
– Peychaud's: It has a lighter and sweeter flavor profile compared to Angostura. The dominant flavors in Peychaud's include candied cherry, clove, and orange. It also has a distinct bitter finish.
– Angostura: On the other hand, Angostura is deeper and more savory in flavor. It has a complex blend of spices, herbs, and botanicals that give it a rich and robust taste. While it does have some sweetness, it is not as pronounced as in Peychaud's.
2. Origin and History:
– Peychaud's: Peychaud's bitters were created by Antoine Amédée Peychaud, a pharmacist from New Orleans, in the early 19th century. They were originally used as a medicinal tonic before finding their way into cocktails like the Sazerac, a classic New Orleans drink.
– Angostura: Angostura bitters, on the other hand, were created by Dr. Johann Siegert in the town of Angostura, Venezuela, in the early 19th century. Originally used to treat stomach ailments, Angostura bitters gained popularity in the cocktail world and became a staple ingredient in many classic recipes.
3. Color and Appearance:
– Peychaud's: Peychaud's bitters have a bright red color, almost reminiscent of red food coloring. This vibrant hue adds a visually appealing element to cocktails.
– Angostura: Angostura bitters are dark brown in color, almost bordering on black. They have a more intense and mysterious appearance, which can add depth to a drink.
4. Versatility:
– Peychaud's: While Peychaud's is often associated with the Sazerac cocktail, it can be used in a variety of other drinks as well. Its sweeter and lighter flavor profile makes it a versatile choice for adding a touch of complexity to cocktails.
– Angostura: Angostura bitters, with their bold and savory flavor, are widely used in classic cocktails such as the Old Fashioned and Manhattan. They can add depth and balance to drinks, especially those that contain whiskey or other dark spirits.
5. Availability and Usage:
– Peychaud's: Peychaud's bitters are relatively easy to find in most liquor stores and are commonly used in bars and restaurants that serve classic cocktails. They are a staple ingredient in New Orleans-style cocktails.
– Angostura: Angostura bitters are one of the most widely available bitters in the world. They can be found in almost any liquor store and are used in countless cocktail recipes across the globe.
While both Peychaud's and Angostura bitters serve a similar purpose in cocktails, they have distinct differences in flavor, origin, color, and usage. Peychaud's offers a lighter and sweeter profile with notes of candied cherry and orange, while Angostura is deeper and more savory. Understanding these differences can help bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts choose the right bitters for their desired flavor profile and cocktail recipes.