We're diving into the big issues this week on Kaddy Community, trawling through the drinks web to find answers to those questions we've all been thinking about.

First, it's a simple one - how long does an open bottle of legendary bar essential Angostura bitters last?

The common saying in the industry is that it's one product that never goes off, forever sitting on a shelf just waiting for someone after a Singapore Sling. Yet as this VinePair article notes, Angostura doesn't go off - mainly due to the 45% alcohol content - but the flavours change over time, with a pronounced metallic taste as the liquid oxidises and the alcohol evaporates.

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Interestingly enough, some of the less alcoholic bitters tend to expire relatively quickly, with an expectation for most that they should be consumed within a month of opening - much like vermouth.

Meanwhile, in other key mixed drink news, the latest IWSR industry insights report highlights how saline (salty) flavours enjoy increased focus in the drinks industry. Salted gins, whiskies and even beer embrace it as an adjunct, with particular success in cocktails.

On Kaddy Marketplace, we've seen this saline explosion first-hand with a plethora of salty drinks lobbing up, including Melbourne Martini's popular Salted Caramel Espresso Martini, the mind-bending Toasted Marshmallow & Salted Caramel Pecan Mudcake Imperial Pastry Stout from One Drop Brewing, Badlands' Eclypso Citrus salted IPA & Hellfire's Salted Caramel Coffee Liqueur (among others).

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Then again, is this a new trend, or is it just having a moment? As this Forbes article details, salted beer already had a moment before the pandemic kicked off. And salted cocktails were having a moment locally at the same time as this Gourmet Traveller feature notes.

Tell the Community - are salted drinks popular at your venue?