Bawls (#13 - Rated 6.25 out of 12)

Initially conceived as a beverage for gamers, Bawls Guarana was developed as a caffeine-rich alternative to coffee. Created by Hoby Buppert during a college class project in 1997, the beverage is a carbonated, non-alcoholic concoction made with Guarana, a highly caffeinated berry native to the Amazonian rainforest. This root beer stands out as a unique offering in the market.

The original variant, Bawls Guarana, is packaged in a cobalt blue, non-slip glass bottle, while Bawls EXXtra is available in a clear bottle. Both containers feature approximately 104 raised bumps for enhanced grip.

Introduced in 2008, Bawls Guarana contains approximately 64 mg of caffeine per 10 ounces. This caffeine content surpasses that of Mountain Dew Game Fuel. Notably, it is nearly double the caffeine found in Dr. Pepper or Coca-Cola, as indicated by caffeineinformer.com. The bottle prominently displays a warning label stating, “Warning: This product contains high levels of caffeine.”

In comparison, Bawls contains 6.4 mg of caffeine per fluid ounce, while Barq’s has 1.9 mg per fluid ounce. Regarding energy drinks, KickStart offers a lower caffeine content of 6.0 mg per fluid ounce, whereas Monster boasts a higher caffeine content of 9.4 mg per fluid ounce.

Click here for the rating criteria and a summary table of all the root beer brands tested.)

Ingredients: 

Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Caramel Color, Citric Acid, Natural Guarana Extract, Sodium Benzoate (preservative), Caffeine, Natural & Artificial

Nutrition information from the label (per 10 oz): 

• 130 Calories (13 per oz)
• 35mg Sodium.  (3.5 mg per oz)
• 36g Sugar (12%) of Daily Carbohydrates  (3.6 per oz)
• 64mg Caffeine  (6.4 mg per oz)

Aroma and Flavor – 1.25 out of  3 mugs

Using high fructose corn syrup caused me to lower the score by 0.5.

When I opened the beverage, the aroma was outstanding!  The taste was nothing special but good.  It has the commercial root beer taste (like A&W) and carbonization with an unidentified fruity aftertaste.  That may be the caffeine and Guarana? It left my mouth a little dry.  

Head -- 2.25 out of  3 mugs

The head is one of the best I have tested.  Full and frothy and lasted to the last drop.  Its only negative effect is that it impacts overall enjoyment.  

Zip -- 1 out of  3 mugs  

The zip is actually strange.  It has a peculiar sensation that leaves the mouth feeling a little dry.  While not disappointing, it is nothing special either. 

Post Consumption Impression – 1 out of 3 mugs

This is a typical root beer. I would consider drinking it again, but only for breakfast. The caffeine content was quite noticeable. When I experience this type of caffeine buzz, I usually feel it when the effects are absorbed by my internal organs. In fact, the buzz was so intense that I actually became dizzy and felt unwell for several hours. In reality, this is a solid energy drink that lacks the necessary vitamins. While I enjoy energy drinks, I typically take 6-8 hours to consume one, and I could not imagine that with a root beer.

Would I recommend this at 6.25 out of 12 mugs?

Although not the most exceptional, based on its impact on my internal organs and its unremarkable taste, I am contemplating whether it would be the preferred root beer for me. While it would likely be ranked at the bottom of my preferences, its strong initial impression was noteworthy.

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Cosmo’s Root Beer Review – 5 out of 10

Edrinkblog - 6 out of 10

The Impulsive Buy - 7 out of 10

Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer –  2.5 of 5 barrels

Rob’s Root Beer Reviews –  8 out of 10

Steve’s Root Beer – 4.5 out of 10      

Thirsty Dudes – 4 out of 5   

Kyle’s Root Beer Galacticus - B