Review: Jagermeister Orange

Jagermeister may be known for its impenetrably dark kräuterlikörs, but recently the company took things in an entirely new direction: Jagermeister Orange is exactly what it sounds like, an orange hued and flavored (and considerably lighter) version of its classic bitter sipper.

Per the company:

The liquid stays true to the brand’s heritage while introducing a more radiant, citrus-driven profile. Crafted in Germany using the same meticulous maceration process and attention to detail as the original, Jägermeister Orange owes its distinctive profile to the refinement with oils extracted from orange and mandarin peels. In fact, each bottle includes the oils of three Sicilian oranges delivering vibrant freshness and a modern taste experience at 33% abv.

Like all Jager expressions, Jager Orange is designed to be enjoyed ice cold as a shot, but it can also be used as a mixer in tall drinks. (Lemon-lime soda is suggested.)

Let’s give it a whirl.

Jagermeister Orange Review

The first transparent expression from Jagermeister, this looks nothing like the Jager you know and love, but more like an orange curacao. And on the nose, yes, some of the classic bitter-herbal notes of classic Jagermeister are present, but it’s really nothing like the original. Orange, naturally, dominates, a blend of juice and peel, lanced through with a spear of amaro. More traditional Jager-like notes of root beer, gentian, cloves, and spearmint peek out from around the edges — growing more insistent as it develops in glass.

The palate is equally a blend of the two hemispheres of this spirit’s brain. As with the nose, orange notes, quite juicy and sweet, dominate at first, but the more brooding, intense digestif qualities of Jagermeister come into focus in short order. Here they are not nearly as aggressive as on the nose, offering a more restrained character that is driven by clove and mint, only slightly bitter.

Curiously, the combination of bitterness and citrus gives the spirit a bit of a tiki vibe, and I increasingly wonder how it would fare as an alternative to standard triple sec in all manner of cocktails. Stay tuned.

66 proof.

A- / $23

The post Review: Jagermeister Orange appeared first on Drinkhacker: The Insider’s Guide to Good Drinking.