Sunday, June 28, 2015

POINT Premium (#4 reviewed - Rated 9.7 out of 12)

My girlfriend is visiting her parents and left me with the over-active dog and extra time on my hands.  So today, I decided to do a second root beer review for the weekend.  My son may be unhappy, as he tells me I need to limit the 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 holds the honor of being the fifth largest private owned brewery in the country. The company was founded in 1857 by George Ruder and Frank Wahle. In 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.  A variety of 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 unique mascot with an older guy with a pointy-head that would make the Coneheads jealous. The cap displays the image of the extra-terrestrial brew maker.



Ingredients: Carbonated Water, pure cane sugar, high fructose corn syrup, maltodextrine, 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

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

It scores a 2.3 out of 3 for aroma and flavor.  It is the use of high fructose corn syrup that caused me to lower the score 0.5. 

Head

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 in my younger days, I recall a few that were better.

Zip

The "point" of this root beer is a delicious, sweet Body with all the right stuff.  Carbonation is medium or slightly higher (which I prefer).  Overall a nice but not very spicy zip with a pleasant vanilla and honey aftertaste.   The Score is 2.4 out of 3 for zip.  (IT IS HARD TO BE PERFECT!)

Post Consumption Impression

It was clear that when the standards for good root beer were laid down, they didn't miss the point. (Pun intended)  The smooth taste throughout with the moderate carbonation and a hearty head is one I can’t forget!   Although, I do get that high fructose corn syrup notable aftertaste, and for that it is not perfect. It scores a 2.5 out of 3 for post consumption impression.  

Would I recommend this?


DEFINITELY WORTH A TRY!  Overall score is an 9.7 out of 12 mugs.  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




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