Token Bitters - Calder Chai

Token Bitters is a Canadian craft bitters producer known for creating small-batch bitters inspired by culinary techniques, global flavours, and contemporary cocktail culture. The brand focuses on carefully balanced botanical formulations that bring depth, structure, and aromatic complexity to drinks without overwhelming the base spirit.

Calder Chaibitters draws inspiration from traditional masala chai, incorporating warming spices and tea-driven aromatics into a concentrated bitters format. Ingredients commonly associated with chai — including cardamom, cinnamon, clove, ginger, black tea, and pepper spice — are carefully infused and blended to create layered warmth and complexity.

The production process emphasizes precision extraction and balance, allowing spice intensity, herbal bitterness, and aromatic lift to integrate seamlessly. The result is a versatile bitters expression that works equally well in whisky cocktails, coffee drinks, dessert applications, and modern mixology.

Tasting Notes

Colour
Deep amber-brown with copper highlights.

Nose
Highly aromatic with notes of cardamom, cinnamon, black tea, clove, ginger, vanilla, and subtle citrus spice.

Palate
Layered and warming with flavours of chai spice, steeped black tea, baking spice, herbal botanicals, and gentle bitterness balanced by rich aromatic depth.

Finish
Long, spiced, and aromatic with lingering tea tannin, cardamom, and warming spice notes.

Serving & Pairings

Serving Suggestions
Use in Old Fashioneds, Manhattans, hot toddies, espresso cocktails, or stirred into coffee and tea-based drinks. Also excellent in baking and dessert applications.

Pairings
Pairs beautifully with dark chocolate, carrot cake, ginger cookies, roasted nuts, spiced desserts, and rich pastries. Its warming spice profile also complements whisky-based cocktails and autumn-inspired cuisine.