Origin: Angostura bitters were first produced in 1824 in the town of Angostura, Venezuela (now Ciudad Bolívar) by Dr. Johann Siegert, a German surgeon general in Simón Bolívar's army.
Initial use: Siegert originally created the aromatic bitters as a medicinal tonic to help with stomach ailments and fevers.
Relocation and expansion: After Siegert's death, his sons moved the business to Port of Spain, Trinidad, in 1875 due to political unrest in Venezuela. From there, the company expanded the product's reach internationally.
Cocktail popularity: Angostura became a key ingredient during the Golden Age of the Cocktail in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with bartenders adding a few dashes to enhance the flavor of drinks.
The oversized label: The product's iconic oversized label is rumored to have been a mistake during a competition entry, but the unique look was kept and became a signature design element.