POINT Premium (#4 reviewed - Rated 9.4 out of 12)

My girlfriend is visiting her parents, leaving me with an overactive dog and extra time. So, today, I decided to do a second root beer review for the weekend. My son may be unhappy, as he tells me I must limit my root beer intake, but this day was not disappointing. I selected a Wisconsin root beer named Point Premium Root Beer, made in Stevens Point.

Stevens Point Brewery is honored to be the country's fifth largest privately owned brewery. The company was founded in 1857 by George Ruder and Frank Wahle. 1864, the company provided its beer to the troops during the American Civil War. The brewery was subsequently sold to Andrew and Jacob Lutz in 1867. The Lutz family continued operations until it was sold to Gustav Kuenzel in 1897.  Various other sales occurred until the current owners, real estate developers Joe Martino and Jim Wiechmann, in 2002.  They started making soda.  This brew was officially an award winner, having secured a Gold Medal from the Beverage Testing Institute in 2003.

Steven's Point Brewery has a unique mascot: an older guy with a pointy head that would make the Coneheads jealous. The cap displays the image of the extraterrestrial brew maker.

(Click here for rating criteria information and a summary chart of root beers rated)

Ingredients: Carbonated Water, pure cane sugar, high fructose corn syrup, maltodextrin, Wisconsin honey, caramel color, natural and artificial flavor, vanilla, phosphoric acid, and sodium benzoate as preservative.  

Nutrition 12 oz. serving (from the bottle)

180 Calories

40 mg Sodium.

45 g Sugar

0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor - 2 out of 3 mugs - deducted 0.5 for HFCS

The brew starts with a solid root beer aroma, with a hint of vanilla and spices. The first drink is a creamy (or dreamy) introduction, quickly followed by a splash of Wisconsin Honey. This well-balanced mix of cane sugar provides a mildly sweet and distinct flavor that is well supported by a certain root beer extract flavor.  The amber bottle emptied quickly.  This is the best Root Beer I have had to date, at least for aroma and flavor.

Head - 2.5 out of 3 mugs

Point has a medium frothy head that sticks around for a while.  The overall balance is the best I have seen in a long time.  The score is 2.5 out of 3 for the head, as I recall a few that were better in my younger days.

Zip - 2.4 out of 3 mugs

The "point" of this root beer is its delicious, sweet Body with all the right stuff. The carbonation is medium or slightly higher (which I prefer). It has a nice but not very spicy zip and a pleasant vanilla and honey aftertaste.  

Post Consumption Impression - 2.5 out of 3 mugs

When the standards for good root beer were clearly laid down, they got the point. (Pun intended)  The smooth taste throughout, with the moderate carbonation and a hearty head, is one I can’t forget!  

Although I get that notable aftertaste for high fructose corn syrup, it is imperfect.

Would I recommend this at 9.4 out of 12 mugs (6.9 out of 9 mugs without head)?

DEFINITELY WORTH A TRY!  In summary, the head was exceptional and frothy with staying power. The body is a creamy joy consisting of vanilla, honey, caramel, and a hint of sassafras. The finish is rich and delightful!

OTHER REVIEWS
Eric's Gourmet - 4 of 5
Brad's Brew - 9 of 10
Root Beer Rundown - 88 of 100
Thirsty Dudes - 2 of 5