Hosmer Mountain Sarsaparilla (#5 reviewed - Rated 9.9 of 12)

Hosmer Mountain Sarsaparilla Root Beer is produced in Eastern Connecticut.  Homer Mountain Bottling Company was founded in 1912 and specializes in water.  In 1958, it was purchased by Arthur J. Potvin, who tested many flavors through trial and error.  Unlike many, this is not a beer company that dabbles in soda, but all soda.  Hosmer Mountain produces over 30 flavors of soda. 

It is important to note that the company produces more than one root beer variety. Notably, they also manufacture an energy drink called Red Lightning. This demonstrates the company’s diverse product offerings. However, it is crucial to clarify that this is not a traditional root beer. Instead, it is a sarsaparilla root beer.

Click here for rating criteria and a summary table of brews reviewed.

Ingredients: 

Carbonated non-chlorinated water, sugar, brown sugar, caramel color, natural and artificial flavor, citric acid, potassium benzoate, and extract of sarsaparilla root.

Nutrition 12 oz. serving (from the bottle)

170 Calories

7.5 mg Sodium.

43.5 g Sugar

0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor - 2.6 of 3 mugs

Upon opening the bottle, the aroma is not excessively potent. It possesses a subtle caramel popcorn scent. Initially, the brown sugar flavor is discernible. This unique method of incorporating sweetness into the beverage is noteworthy. While it exhibited a slight syrup-like texture, it was relatively small compared to other options and certainly did not resemble water. Instead, it possessed a creamy, exceptionally creamy consistency. The distinctive flavor is enjoyable, though the sweetness is slightly higher than my personal preference. 

Head - 2.5 out of 3 mugs

This is the largest head I have seen, even though only five reviews have been completed! The foam is exceptionally frothy. However, it is not a long-lasting head, which is a preference for me. This is the highest-scoring head to date, as it precisely matches the level of foam I desire in a solid pour.

Zip - 2.2 out of 3 mugs

Carbonization is low to moderate, which may coincide with the creamy feel intensifying. I like moderate to high carbonization. One disappointment is how quickly the beverage went flat. This is not a beverage you want to savor for an hour, but within 30 minutes, it is hard to beat.

Post Consumption Impression - 2.6 out of 3 mugs

Unlike many beverages, this one was exceptionally satisfying and did not leave me wanting a second serving. A subtle hint of wintergreen and vanilla is discernible more after consumption than during the actual drinking experience. While the post-consumption phase may likely curb overconsumption, it did not leave me yearning for another.

Would I recommend this at 9.9 out of 12 mugs (7.4 out of 9 mugs without head)?

Although this is not the first soda I would typically reach for, it is undoubtedly among the top ten. While I would not consume it regularly, it occasionally fills a specific void in terms of overall quality.

Other reviews:

Eric's - 4 of 5
Rob's - 9 of 10
Soda Jerks - A