Frostie Vanilla (#24 - Rated 3.0 out of 12)

Frostie was initially introduced as a root beer beverage in 1939. Over the years, the company expanded its product line to include 10 varieties, three of which are root beer-based. In 1979, Frostie was acquired by Monarch Beverage Company, which also owns Dad’s and Ramblin Root Beer. In 2000, after experiencing declining sales, Frostie was sold to Leading Edge Brands. Subsequently, in 2009, Leading Edge Brands transferred ownership of Frostie to Intrastate Distributors.

Click here for the rating criteria and a summary table of all the root beers tested.

Ingredients: 

Carbonated water, High Fructose Corn Syrup and/or sugar, caramel color, Sodium benzoate, Citric Acid, and natural and artificial flavors

It is assumed that the beverage offers multiple sugar options, allowing the establishment to select the most cost-effective preparation and avoid the need to upgrade the bottle.

Nutrition (from the bottle)

180 Calories 

50 mg Sodium.

46g Sugar (17%) of Daily Carbohydrates

0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor – 1.0 out of 3 mugs

Upon opening, I immediately discerned that frosty vanilla root beer is not a traditional root beer. The initial aroma is reminiscent of opening a heavily scented vanilla candle, evoking the scent of a vanilla-filled cupcake. It was relatively easy to identify that this beverage is corn syrup-based, as it emits the same aroma as opening a corn syrup bottle.

Upon my first drink, I was struck by the intense sweetness of the vanilla, which had been soaked in sugar cubes. However, after a few minutes, I experienced an unpleasant sensation. Consequently, I have decided not to purchase this beverage again. Despite its intense flavor, I only awarded it a 1 star, acknowledging that they may have intended to replicate a poorly executed vanilla ice cream root beer float.

Head – 0.0 out of 3 mugs

The head was virtually absent. Despite employing every available technique, it remained distinctly visible.

Zip – 1.0 out of 3 mugs

This is flat.  At times, I almost thought I was drinking lightly carbonated corn syrup.

Post Consumption Impression – 1.0 out of 3 mugs

While I acknowledge the potential merits of Frostie Vanilla Root Beer, I must rate it 1.0. The drink's overwhelming sweetness and intensity are not to my liking. In fact, I discarded the last portion as I found it challenging to continue consuming this liquid vanilla almond bark.

Would I recommend this at 3 out of 12 mugs?

Upon attempting the beverage at home, one individual described it as akin to drinking an excessively vanilla-flavored frosted birthday cake. It is not suitable for consumption in a soda. Upon reviewing the ingredients, it is evident that this beverage is highly artificial. It is clearly a heavily commercialized product designed to maximize profit by minimizing costs, with a sodium content of 50 mg, the highest I have ever encountered, and a carbohydrate and sugar content of 46 g, which is excessive. If you enjoyed Golden Maple (which I did not), you may find this beverage appealing. Otherwise, I recommend exploring alternative options. 

As you can see below, only a few agree with me.

Other Reviews

Rob’s Root Beer Review 8 out of 10

Root Beer Respect 6 out of 10
Saw-Whet 5 of 10

Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer Review 4 of 5 barrels

Anthony’s Root Beer Barrel 65 out of 100
One Bad Veggie Scored A
Cosmo's Root Beer  5 of 10

Ramblin Root Beer (#23 - Rated 7.5 out of 12)

Based on my research, this is a significant commercial root beer product introduced by Coca-Cola in 1979. Given the availability of established brands such as Hire’s, A & W, Mug, Dad’s, Barq’s, Shasta, Faygo, Nesbitt’s, and various store-brand alternatives, it is intriguing to consider the rationale behind Coca-Cola’s decision to introduce this product. It is plausible that introducing this root beer was a strategic move to increase market share, particularly since Coca-Cola already had a strong presence in the Dad’s brand.

The product gained popularity through memorable advertisements featuring a young Sarah Jessica Parker during my childhood. While I am uncertain whether I personally consumed this root beer, it is evident that I had a fondness for root beer in general.

After Coca-Cola acquired Barq’s Root Beer in 1995, production of the product was limited. Some sources suggest that it had been out of production for over a decade and was recently reintroduced to the market in 2015.

One notable ingredient in this root beer is Quillaia Extract. Upon further research, I discovered that Quillaia Extract serves as a foaming agent, an artificial ingredient designed to create foam in beverages. This discovery surprised me, as I had previously associated foaming agents with detergents.

Click here for the rating criteria and a summary table of all the root beers tested.

Ingredients: 

Carbonated water, sugar, caramel color, Potassium benzoate, natural and artificial flavors, gum Acacia, Quillaia Extract, and Phosphoric Acid.

Nutrition (from the bottle)

160 Calories 

0 mg Sodium

39g Sugar (14%) of Daily Carbohydrates

0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor – 1.8 out of 3 mugs

Upon opening the bottle, the aroma was predominantly of root beer. Upon tasting, I discerned root beer, though with a subtle medicinal undertone. Notably, there was no vanilla flavor. The beverage had a faint sarsaparilla flavor, though it seemed artificial. 

Head – 2.5 out of 3 mugs

The foaming was excessive, verging on ridiculous. Caution is advised when pouring, as it was the most substantial I have ever observed. However, it was not bubble-style foam but rather thick foam, akin to the thickest Afro hairstyle imaginable. Understandably, the foamy texture impacted the overall enjoyment. While the advertisement may have been appealing, consuming this product without considering its foamy nature could lead to disappointment.

Zip – 1.5 out of 3 mugs

The beverage lacks excitement. However, I discovered nothing that provided a substantial sense of enjoyment, yet nothing that deterred me from desiring another sip.

Post Consumption Impression – 1.7 out of 3 mugs

This was an odd review to complete, as I could see loving this like no other or hating it like no other.  It really depends on how I drink the beverage.

Would I recommend this at 7.5 out of 12 mugs?

I am uncertain about the primary motivation behind the significant promotion of this beverage, unless it was solely intended for rapid consumption and subsequent task completion. While I would appreciate this beverage in the event of extreme thirst and a desire for a quick, sugar-containing drink, it would be more suitable for an ultramarathon. Otherwise, I would explore alternatives, though I would not refuse this beverage outright.

Other Reviews

Brad’s Brew Review scored 8/10

Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer Review 3.5 of 5 barrels

Red Ribbon (#22 - Rated 6.25 out of 12)

Red Ribbon Home Brewed Root Beer originates from Pennsylvania and is produced by the Natrona Bottling Company in Natrona, Pennsylvania.

The company, Natrona Bottling Works, was established in 1904 by Ed Welsh. In 1939, the Bowser family acquired the company and renamed it the Natrona Bottling Company. John Bowser employed his 15-year-old brother, Paul, who worked at the company after school and on weekends. Paul managed and later owned the company for a combined seventy years until his passing in 2008. The company has a YouTube video showcasing its operations, which appear to be quite vintage.

Click here for the rating criteria and a summary table of all the root beers tested.

Ingredients: 

Carbonated Water, Cane Sugar, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Citric Acid, and Caramel Color.

Nutrition (from the bottle)

120Calories 

15 mg Sodium.

30g Sugar (10%) of Daily Carbohydrates

 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor – 1.5 out of 3 mugs

Upon my initial assessment, this root beer is average. It has a distinctive flavor and carbonation that are uncommon. The taste is reminiscent of tonic water, with a subtle infusion of root beer flavor.

Head – 2.0 out of 3 mugs

The head is of decent quality, dissipates quickly but not excessively, and features a medium-sized bubble.

Zip – 1.5 out of 3 mugs

Dry ice is utilized to produce carbonation, and it is believed to enhance the flavor profile. The resulting beverage is a lightly flavored tonic water.

Post Consumption Impression – 1.25 out of 3 mugs

Although this beverage is not particularly exceptional, it lacks depth and fails to evoke a desire for more. I draw a comparison between it and mineral water infused with stevia root beer drops. This combination would provide zero calories and approximate the sensory experience of this beverage.

Would I recommend this at 6.25 out of 12 mugs?

While I would not actively seek it out, I would not decline an offer to have it as a beverage. However, I prefer to inquire about alternative options before accepting. 

OTHER REVIEWS

Eric's 2.5 out of 5 barrels
Cosmo's 5 out of 10 IBCs

Barons Sarsaparilla (#21 - Rated 7.9 out of 12)

Additional information regarding this soda product must be disseminated on the internet. Despite conducting exhaustive searches using various search terms, I have been unable to locate any background information. The bottle explicitly states that inquiries should be sent to baronsbeverages@icloud.com and that the product is distributed by Barons Beverages.  

Click here for the rating criteria and a summary table of all the root beers tested.

Ingredients: 

Carbonated Water, Pure Cane Sugar, Natural Flavor, Caramel Color, Citric Acid, and Gum Arabic.

Nutrition (from the bottle)

Calories 140

15 mg Sodium

 36g sugars (12%) of Daily Carbohydrates

 0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor – 2.4 out of 3 mugs

This root beer has an excellent root beer aroma, which immediately raised my expectations. I was not disappointed. While it lacks the heavy vanilla flavor I typically prefer, it offers a genuine, simple homemade root beer experience. The sweetness level is lower, with sugar amounting to 3.17 grams per ounce and sodium at 1.25 milligrams per ounce. Although not the lowest, this is a notable distinction. If it had a hint of vanilla, it would be nearly perfect. Interestingly, it also had a subtle cherry flavor. 

Head – 1.5 out of 3 mugs

The head was diminutive and dissipated rapidly, exhibiting an average level of quality.

Zip – 1.75 out of 3 mugs

 The low carbonation and minimal ingredients distinguish this category from its peers. While it has a satisfactory taste, it deviates from traditional root beer, offering a gourmet soda with a subtle cherry undertone.

Post Consumption Impression – 2.25 out of 3 mugs

Although it was enjoyable, it was more akin to a low-carbonated, effervescent beverage rather than a robust root beer. I would not hesitate to consume it again. The initial sip was enjoyable, but the enjoyment diminished with each subsequent sip.

Would I recommend this at 7.9 out of 12 mugs?

It is worth trying. It comprises a blend of scores from other users. I comprehend that it is an average-tasting yet enjoyable beverage.

Steve’s score 3 out of 10

Anthony’s score 88 out of 100

Root Beer Respect score 7 out of 10

Saw Whet Root Beers scored 9 out of 10

Judge Wapner (#20 - Rated 8.0 out of 12)

Rocket Fizz manufactures this and other sodas.  I have Rocket Fizz Root Beer Float and reviewed Gene Aurty’s Root Beer.  Rocket Fizz is predominately known for its diverse candy line (some say over 4,000 varieties), but unique sodas are also a niche.  A web search found that they have made over 500 varieties of soda throughout their history, not all directly under the Rocket Fizz parent company.  They even make a Sugar Ray Leonard Root Beer!

Click here for the rating criteria and a summary table of all the root beers tested.

Ingredients: 

Carbonated Water, Cane Sugar, Caramel Color, Citric Acid, Natural and Artificial flavors, and Sodium Benzoate to preserve freshness.

Nutrition (from the bottle)

Calories 

65 mg Sodium.

40 g sugar (14%) of Daily Carbohydrates

0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor – 2.25 out of 3 mugs

Upon opening, the beverage emitted a refreshing minty root beer aroma. The initial sip revealed a light and mild flavor profile. Subsequently, a subtle hint of vanilla emerged, accompanied by a pronounced wintergreen undertone. The overall taste is characterized by its smoothness and sweetness. Additionally, there are faint traces of cinnamon, which dissipate quickly. While the flavor combination is satisfactory, the minty element is excessively dominant for my personal preference. Furthermore, the absence of sarsaparilla, caramel, and vanilla, which I find more appealing, is a notable drawback. Despite these shortcomings, I would rate this beverage highly as it offers a solid and smooth drinking experience for individuals who appreciate the minty flavor.

Head – 2.0 out of 3 mugs

The Head of the root beer is of medium height and frothy. The foam is smaller in size compared to what I typically observe for a root beer, but it surprisingly maintains its volume for an extended period.

Zip – 1.75 out of 3 mugs  (Docked 0.5 for excessive sodium)

 The carbonation level is moderate, providing a subtle fizz, but the overpowering mint flavor is difficult to ignore. I am curious if the 65 mg of sodium is the reason I mistakenly referred to it as Zip. This is nearly double the sodium content of any other root beer I have reviewed. 

Post Consumption Impression – 2.0 out of 3 mugs

 This is smooth yet has an odd, sticky, minty aftertaste. I think I recently brushed my teeth. 

Would I recommend this at 8 out of 12 mugs?

In my opinion, I would not recommend the root beer. While it possesses some exceptional qualities for individuals seeking a refreshing mint beverage with a hint of traditional root beer, it does not utilize High Fructose Corn Syrup. Although this is not my personal preference, the beverage’s rating is lower compared to other reviewers who may have a different opinion. Nevertheless, among the minty root beers I have sampled, this one stands out as one of the most enjoyable.

OTHER REVIEWS 

Eric's 2 of 5 barrels
Anthony's 84 out of 100
Rob's 7 out of 10
Steve's 6.5 out of 10
Cosmo's 8 out of 10 IBCs

Doc Brown (#19 - Rated 4.5 out of 12)

Dr. Brown’s soda, originating in 1869 by J&R Bottling, was reportedly created by a New York doctor who combined celery seeds and sugar to concoct the cream soda and celery tonic now known as Cel-Ray. It is believed that this was a favored beverage among Jewish communities, leading to the subsequent development of root beer. As an East Coast brand primarily sold in New York and South Florida, Dr. Brown’s soda was acquired by LA Bottleworks in 2013. Pepsi currently handles the bottling rights, suggesting that the premium 1869 aspects may have been phased out.

Click here for the rating criteria and a summary table of all the root beers tested.

Ingredients: 

Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Caramel Color, Natural and Artificial flavors, Gum Acadia and Citric Acid.

Nutrition (from the 12 oz bottle)

Calories 170

0 mg Sodium.

42 g Sugar (14%) of Daily Carbohydrates

0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor – 1.0 out of 3 mugs

(Docked 0.5 for HFCS)

Upon opening, the bottle emitted a strong spearmint and wintergreen aroma that permeated the first sip. The flavor profile was predominantly minty, with minimal vanilla, sarsaparilla, or caramel notes. It resembled the taste of a liquefied Tic-Tac. Surprisingly, despite containing 42 grams of sugar, the beverage possessed a surprisingly low sweetness level.

Head – 1.0 out of 3 mugs

The head was remarkably low and almost imperceptible. I was deeply disappointed, as I consider a head to be quite inadequate.

Zip – 1.5 out of 3 mugs

This beverage is characterized by its low carbonation and a flavor reminiscent of liquid breath mints. If compared to other beverages, it can be likened to a carbonated version of root beer. However, the distinct sarsaparilla taste is not discernible. Despite the presence of some impactful flavors, which I found unappealing, I would rate this beverage 1.5 out of 5.

Post Consumption Impression – 1.0 out of 3 mugs (0.5 docked for HFCS)

This beverage, while not my personal preference, would be enjoyed in conjunction with food. Imagine the enhanced flavor of food if, before each bite, you brushed your teeth with wintergreen toothpaste. 

Would I recommend this at 4.5 out of 12 mugs?

I am uncertain whether I would recommend this root beer. It lacked distinctiveness and could be mistaken for any other root beer. While I would not refuse it if offered as a last resort, I would inquire about alternative options to confirm that it is indeed the final choice.

OTHER REVIEWS

Root Beer Review 4 out of 10
Eric's 3 out of 5 barrels
Root Beer Respect 6 out of 10
Cosmo's 5 out of 10 IBCs