Blood in Jagermeister
Did a 1993 instance of product tampering result in syringes in cans of Pepsi?
Claim: Jägermeister contains deer or elk blood.
FALSE
Origins: Once again, another popular darkish beverage has attracted a “something noxious lurking in its depths” rumor. In this case, the liquid in question is Jägermeister, a
(Jägermeister is German for “master hunter,” hence the stag head on the label.) Folks recall hearing the rumor about this potable containing elk or deer blood at least as far back as 1992.
Jägermeister is made from
bottling.
Were blood one of the ingredients, Jägermeister would not be able to control the brewing results as accurately as it does. Blood would break down during processing, rendering one batch of formula after another unsuitable for use.
Jägermeister has attracted the blood rumor primarily through two factors: the darkness of the resultant drink and the logo on the bottle. Popular lore is rife with examples of dark-hued liquids that are rumored to hide noisome ingredients, such as schoolyard scuttlebutt that
Jägermeister inadvertently contributes to the believability of the blood rumor by claiming to use “one or two secret spices” in its formula. This coyness is a common ploy used by products looking to build market share through fostering belief their offerings are so special their recipes must be jealously guarded lest competitors steal their thunder. (Witness how well this has worked for
Barbara “secrete formula” Mikkelson
Last updated: 26 May 2011
![]() | Sources: |
Off Licence News. “Wine Cellar Web Site.” 27 November 1998 (Last Orders; p. 20).