My initial two reviews were unsatisfactory. I contemplated abstaining from consuming all this root beer unless I discovered an enjoyable beverage soon. I examined the remaining 49 bottles and selected the Christmas-themed Saint Arnold Root Beer.
Saint Arnold Brewing Company, named after the patron saint of brewing, Saint Arnulf of Metz, is situated in Houston, Texas, and holds the distinction of being Texas’s Oldest Craft Brewery. The company commenced operations in 1994 and was established by Brock Wagner and Kevin Bartol, although Kevin has since departed the company.
Brock Wagner has a longstanding history with beer, predating his birth. His great-great-great-grandfather hailed from Alsace in the mid-19th century and established Wagner’s Beer Hall in San Francisco (currently the oldest extant establishment in the city, subsequently renamed The Saloon). Brock’s upbringing in Cincinnati and Brussels, both prominent brewing cities, exposed him to a diverse array of global beer styles. Subsequently, during his collegiate years at Rice University, fate (and a friend) introduced him to home brewing. This passion for beer and brewing ultimately led him to establish a microbrewery.
Before commencing the brewery, Brock spent six years in investment banking, specializing in corporate finance, mergers, and acquisitions, with a combined value exceeding $4 billion. Brock earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Rice University in 1987.
The founders resided in Houston, Texas, and establishing a brewery there was a logical decision, as it was the largest city in the United States without a microbrewery at the time. Brock, a seasoned homebrewer, had contemplated opening a brewery since college, although that notion was initially dismissed as impractical. However, seven years after graduation, Brock revisited the idea and sought Kevin’s assistance, leading to the successful launch of the brewery.
Initially situated on the far northwest side of Houston, the company operated from that location for over fifteen years. In 2008, St. Arnold announced its intention to relocate from its current northwest Houston facility to a new facility in the Northside district, situated north of Downtown Houston. By 2009, the company had acquired a three-story, 104,000-square-foot brick building constructed in 1914, which had previously served as a food service facility for the Houston Independent School District. The new brewery's strategic location on the highway was a pivotal factor in its selection. The redevelopment endeavor was anticipated to conclude within a year and incur nearly $6 million in expenses. However, unforeseen circumstances, such as the theft of copper pipes from the building, delayed the move, which was not finalized until 2010.
Since it was from Texas, where parents could once give their children beer, why did they make root beer? The brewer believed this was not a supported practice, so they created a root beer alternative. According to their
website, they state:
"Making root beer is much
more of an immediate gratification process compared to beer. You heat some water to dissolve the sugar, then cool it and add the root extracts.
Most of the extracts are from real plants, but some, such as sassafras, contain potentially carcinogenic compounds, so we opted to replace them with artificial
flavors. We developed a good root beer base, but wanted a great root beer, so
we started playing around with small amounts of other natural flavors. We
finally found one that worked great and went with that. We actually make no
money on our root beer. We make it for fun and put no effort into selling it.
Sales continue to climb on it even without our trying, though. Oh well."
Ingredients:
Water,
cane sugar, caramel color, natural and artificial flavor, vanilla extract,
citric acid, and sodium benzoate as a preservative.
Aroma
and Flavor - 2.25 out of 3 mugs
The aroma is a pure root beer with a subtle hint of vanilla, complemented by faint notes of wintergreen and licorice. The initial sip was enjoyable, but the finish lacked the full-bodied richness of a traditional brew.
This root beer evoked memories of my Taco Bell experiences. I frequently crave Taco Bell, and the first bite is always delightful. However, by the second bite, the enjoyment diminishes. For the third bite, I notice the beverage's low quality and realize it is not the same as the enjoyable experience I had before. Saint Arnold’s initially offers an exceptional root beer, but the enjoyment gradually declines.
Don't get me wrong, this is a
delicious root beer. It has a rich, dark, root-like body that is very creamy. The bite boldly hits me as soon as the brew enters my mouth and lingers. It needs more staying power. That score is the average of 2.8 at the start and 1.6 at the finish.
Head - 1.75 out of 3 mugs
A medium-sized, foamy, and long-lasting root beer would be an ideal choice for a float. The ice cream would maintain the inviting flavor throughout the experience.
Zip - 2 out of 3 mugs
The medium-level carbonation provided an enjoyable experience, despite the flavor punch suggesting a significantly higher level. The flavor combination created a pleasant zing throughout the beverage without overpowering it at the outset.
Post Consumption Impression - 2.0 out of 3 mugs
This beverage is minimally transparent and has a dark brown hue. As mentioned in the flavor/aroma section, the beverage's pleasantness varied throughout consumption. The overall impression after consumption is mixed due to the unique flavor combination. While I found the beverage uninteresting towards the end, I still yearn for the seasoning used to make it. The aftertaste is notably creamy and lingers, a characteristic ideal for a well-crafted beverage.
I would repurchase it but share it with a friend, so I only get the great half of this drink.
Would I recommend this at 8.0 out of 12 mugs (6.25 out of 9 mugs without head)?
Indeed, I would recommend this root beer. It is a traditional beverage with a well-balanced flavor profile. The harmonious blend of flavors ensures that anyone can appreciate the taste. The brew is smooth, with no unpleasant aftertaste. The vanilla extract is the dominant aftertaste, and I am a fan of vanilla. I would classify this as a “full-flavored” root beer. If you prefer a potent brew that you enjoy over an extended period, you will likely find this one to your liking.
The overall score is 8.25 out of 12 mugs, which aligns more closely with my preference for a bolder carbonation and a stronger vanilla flavor. Additionally, for the initial five minutes, the score was closer to 11, but it gradually diminished towards the end.
Nutrition 12 oz. serving (from the bottle)
