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Angostura Bitters
Ranking among the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago’s best known exports is the aromatic ‘Angostura Bitters’, the essence of colonial ‘Pink Gins’ – the lifeblood of the sahibs who held the British Empire together. This world renowned flavoring was originally developed from local herbs as a cure for the fevers endemic to the tropical rainforests in Venezuela. The inventor of this ‘aromatic cure’ in 1824 was none other than a German doctor of medicine who, at the time, was Surgeon General of the Military Hospital in the town of Angostura on the banks of the Orinoco River. While this concoction had little effect on fevers, it proved to be more effective at warding off seasickness. The concentrated extract became popular with itinerant seafarers who first introduced Angostura Bitters to the world as a curative rather than a cocktail ingredient. By 1830 the product was exported to England. The English found a more useful application when added to gin which gave the drink a fragrant essence and a delicately pink color. And so the ‘Pink Gin’ was born. Originally named ‘Amargo Aromatico’, the name soon changed to ‘Angostura Bitters’ as it is known globally today. Because of political instability, the inventor left Venezuela for the island of Trinidad where he continued to manufacture his now-popular invention. Though an export of the Republic, it continues to be made in Trinidad by the House of Angostura.
The Tobago Jazz Experience
Tobago, the smaller of the two islands in the Republic is hosting the ‘Tobago Jazz Experience’ from April 23 to May 1, 2011. This festival has become a bookmark event on the international Jazz calendar. Well known artistes from Europe and North America will perform during the 9 day carnival. The Bacolet Beach Club will host many international performers who prefer the ambience of the island’s best boutique hotel. During the festival the Bacolet Beach Club has a special offer for guests who book for a whole week while the festival is on. It offers a full American Breakfast plus 20% discount on accommodation and 20% discount on cars/jeeps from Le Mans Car Rental Ltd. The offer applies to all bookings made before January 31, 2011. To make a booking and benefit from this offer, email info@bacoletbeachclub.com or log on to www.bacoletbeachclub.com. Call +1 868 639 2357 to make your bookings.