Expert: Paul Wagner - 8/8/2004

Question
Hi Paul.
 Have you ever tried the German liquor, Jagermeister? It has a licorice taste and I read where it has 40 some odd herbs, roots, and bark in it and takes a year to age before hitting the stores.
 I also read where it would calm an upset stomach and tried a half shot during an episode of burning "gastric reflux". Amazingly, after the Jagermeister also burned for about 30 seconds, the reflux and stomach trouble abruptly came to a halt. I've also heard it called "liquid valium".
 Could you share any information on this liquor that you may have experienced or heard of. Thanks a lot!

 Mike Eidson

Answer
Dear Mike:

Jaegermeister is an anise flavored Liquor that is similar to Pernod, Anise, Anisette, Chinchon, Elixir of Dr. Roux, and other concoctions that trace their history back to religious orders that made special wines and liquors as medicine.  I'm not a doctor, and can't comment on the effectiveness of the cure, but these are all very tasty beverages....and are often served after dinner in Europe to "settle the stomach."  I had the same experience after an enormous meal in Germany once, about 8 years ago.

Paul Wagner