The Taste

The fact that Schwartzhog, a German liqueur recently released in the U.S., is known as "hog root" (or at least includes a supposed aphrodisiac called hog root) does not give it a ton of credibility. The idea, clearly, is to drink this Jägermeister-like concoction cold and quick: "Shoot the hog!" if you will.

Inside the dark green bottle lies an even darker, not-too-viscous liquid that looks like flat cola. Caramel color has been added, it smells like cough medicine with scary fruity overtones, and it tastes just as expected: strong, bitter, fruity and unbalanced. The bitterness no doubt comes from ginger and orange peel. Other herbs, fruits and roots have been added, too, including absinthe's notorious ingredient, wormwood -- though it's not especially strong at 36.7 percent proof.

The company plans to market signature shooter drinks like the Hog Shot, Hog Bombs and Hogzilla. Expect to see the stuff at Harley-Davidson rallies and wherever hog-related references are appreciated.

-- James Oliver Cury