ContemplativeFox
Bärenjäger Honey Liqueur
Other Liqueurs — Germany
Reviewed
June 7, 2020 (edited August 17, 2021)
This clearly tastes like honey mixed with bourbon. The unfortunate element of this is that while the honey is quite sweet, it's subtle bitter side brings out the woodiness of the bourbon to an unpleasant degree. Under the right circumstances, the flavors balance out in a nice way that punctuates the richness and sweetness with a bitter-tart kick of 70% dark chocolate and leaves a rich toffee flavor at the back of the mouth. Under the wrong circumstances, the flavor is remeniscent of Jagermeister, but lacks the subtlety and is plain gross. At 35% ABV, the slightly smoky wood makes this a bit harsh.
There is definitely an element of this that is an aquired taste. The sharp wood and sweet flavors stand in stark contrast, but with enough focus and experience, it becomes apparent that the apparent wood's sharpness also includes spice and tartness from the bourbon, as well as the bitter edge of the honey. Vanilla and fruit come through, and the honey is obviously present too. There is clearly depth here, but considering that the flavors don't fit together cleanly, this is more of an interesting quirk than an enjoyable staple or good mixer.
On the heels of something more butter, the sweet honey notes become more mellow and it is a bit reminiscent of alcoholic baklava. Not bad in the right circumstances, but otherwise worth missing. Small quantities only.
16.0
USD
per
Bottle
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I don't think you are reviewing the correct liqueur here. This is the original Barenjager, not the Honey and Bourbon version.