Druthers (#8 - Rated 9.9 out of 12)

This is an Illinois-based beverage. Timothy Iwaanicki, the owner of Drutherss Beverage Company in Oglesby, Illinois, was interviewed in June 2013. During the interview, he revealed that, as a child, “Black Cow” was a colloquial term for a root beer float. In approximately 1998, Iwaanicki established the business with the intention of creating a root beer infused with vanilla crème, which led to the creation of the Black Cow Float in a bottle. Subsequently, after obtaining trademark approval for Druthers Black Cow, he introduced Druthers Red Cow, a red crème soda, and Druthers Orange Cow, an orange crème soda.

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Ingredients: 

Carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), caramel color, natural and artificial flavors, phosphoric acid, sodium benzoate, and potassium sorbate as a preservative.

Nutrition information from the label (Per 12 0z):  

• 195 Calories  (13.75 per oz)
• 7.5 mg Sodium.  (0.63 mg per oz)
• 43.5 g sugar  (10%) of Daily Carbohydrates (3.63 g per oz)

Aroma and Flavor - 2 out of 3 mugs - Docked the traditional 0.5 for the use of HFCS 

I would like to express my enthusiasm for the beverage named “Vanilla Cream.” Upon opening the bottle, I was greeted by an inviting aroma of vanilla cream, although it lacked the characteristic sassafras flavor.

The flavor profile is exceptional, with a strong emphasis on vanilla. The body of the beverage is creamy and light, providing a refreshing experience that closely resembles a root beer float. While high fructose corn syrup serves as the sweetener, it is not overly sweet and maintains a subtle sweetness.

Head - 2 out of 3 mugs

The head is tall but vanishes quickly.  If you get distracted for a very short moment, it is gone. 

Zip - 3 out of 3 mugs

Upon anticipating the first sip, the aroma was abundant. The sweetness was notably thicker, accompanied by a subtle hint of licorice after each swallow. Although it falls toward the lower end of the medium carbonation spectrum, it lacks the syrupy texture typically associated with HFCS as the primary ingredient.

Post Consumption Impression - 2.4 out of 3 mugs

This root beer beverage is characterized by its smooth texture and exceptional flavor profile, which is difficult to surpass. Regrettably, it received a lower score due to its use of High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS), a practice that is often criticized. The aftertaste is reminiscent of store-brand vanilla ice cream, providing a lingering sensation.

Would I recommend this at 9.9 out of 12 mugs (7.9 out of 3 mugs without head)?

YES, YES, YES. Even though I try to avoid HFCS, this is not overly sweetened. I do not sense a syrup taste or aroma from the major commercial brands that use excess HFCS.  

Other reviews

• Anthony's Root Beer Barrel - 82 out of 100
• Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer – 3.5 of 5 barrels
• Steve’s Root Beer – 8 out of 10