Why We Crafted West 509 Bitters and Why They Belong in Your Bar
Warn Reserve started quietly, in our Idaho kitchen, mixing drinks for friends and realizing they never quite landed. The ingredients were right, the recipes sound, yet the cocktails fell short of the balance found behind a great cocktail bar. That unanswered question drew us into crafting our own bitters, first at home and then for the community we love.
We looked to the bartenders in our community who live behind the bar and understand balance. Collaborating with like-minded cocktail enthusiasts felt necessary. Partnering with a local Idaho bartender helped us refine our signature flavor, keeping our focus on complexity and structure that works once the drink is poured.
West 509 centers on pure almond aroma. Built as a spiced almond orgeat bitters, it layers warm nutmeg, hints of cherry, and orange blossom to create a flavor that pairs effortlessly with rich bourbons and whiskeys, adding depth and aromatic presence.
When paired with our rich and toasty Burnt Sugar Syrup, West 509 Bitters bring elegance and balance, creating an Old-Fashioned Cocktail that feels polished, aromatic, and intentionally crafted. It quickly earned its place as a favorite among cocktail purists.
From there, West 509 Bitters found a natural home in tiki drinks, where almond pairs beautifully with rum, coconut, and citrus. Even mocktails benefit from bitters. Just a dash adds aroma and complexity, turning a simple drink into something intentional.
Bitters are the seasoning of cocktails, subtle by design and essential to balance. That philosophy guides everything we do and is why West 509 Bitters was recognized with Gold at the SIP Awards and San Francisco RTD Competition, and Silver at the 2025 Bartender Spirit Awards.
Rooted in Idaho and made by hand, we believe better cocktails should be within reach. You’ll find West 509 Bitters in over 75 Albertsons stores across the Intermountain West, right in the mixers aisle.
When balance is only a few dashes away, it’s worth slowing down to experience your cocktail!
