Jagermeister (1960s) - 35%
What started as a blue collar German digestif got transformed into a 1980s right of passage shot for binge drinking college kids. Sidney Frank gets the credit for that rebrand (and Grey Goose), and while Jagermeister claims that the recipe containing 56 herbs and spices hasn't changed since its creation in 1934. These older versions bear only a passing resemblance to the chilled Jager I was drinking in the 1990s-early 2000s.
Notes: Rooty cherry cola. Flat Dr. Pepper vibes on the nose - black licorice is dialed back. Faint char/smoke. On the palate, the light licorice that's coming through is of the gourmet variety. Dr. Pepper again - vanilla, cherry, allspice. Dark chocolate. Bitterness is medium in intensity and length. Structure is rich and slow up front, lively mid. The finish pops off nicely with a run of fruit and spice - most active there.
Score: 8 (Stash One) Tastes great at room temperature and drinks like a traditional amaro. Much less sweet and licorice driven than the contemporary.
Rating System
10 - Reevaluate The Budget
9 - Stash Two (If Able)
8 - Stash One (At The Right Price)
7 - Highly Recommend It To Strangers
6 - Solid - Above Average
5 - Acceptable For The Situation
4 - Not Vocally Complaining
3 - Anything Else To Drink?
2 - Nothing Nice To Say
1 - Drain Pour