Sunday, November 1, 2015

Spring Grove (#18 - Rated 8.5 out of 12)

The website asserts that Spring Grove commenced soda production in 1895. The founder, G.G. Risty, was a pharmacist who allegedly developed soda for his store. Alternatively, he may have been an entrepreneur with a brilliant concept. Regardless, it was a considerable time ago. The website claims that the formula for Spring Grove Pop has remained essentially unchanged since the business’s inception. However, this cannot be accurate as they now use HFCS, which was first marketed in the 1970s.


Initially, the soda was bottled in returnable glass bottles. However, by 1980, most sodas were bottled in plastic and aluminum cans, leading to a shortage of returnable bottles. Consequently, the owners, unable to purchase new returnable bottles due to their high cost, acquired the necessary equipment to bottle in non-returnable glass bottles. This equipment remains in use today.


Ingredients: 

Carbonated Water, Pure Cane Sugar, Corn Syrup, Artificial Flavoring, and Artificial Color - Yellow no. 5, Caramel Color, Phosphoric Acid, preserved with less than .1% Sodium Benzoate.

Nutrition (from the 12 oz bottle)

Calories 170
 45 mg Sodium.
 42 g  Sugar (14%) of Daily Carbohydrates
0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor – 2.0 out of 3 mugs

The robust vanilla and honey aroma was particularly pronounced. The initial sip was as anticipated, featuring a distinctive caramel aftertaste. While the beverage is remarkably smooth, it possesses an excessive sweetness. A complex and spicy flavor profile emerges, characterized by an abundance of licorice and a deficiency of sarsaparilla. Consequently, the flavor diminishes over time.


Head – 2.5 out of 3 mugs

This is the largest and longest-lasting head of any root beer I have tested. It was excessive for my preference. Please refer to the accompanying image, which was captured after my initial two sips.


Zip -- 2 out of 3 mugs

There exists a beverage with moderate carbonation that offers a pleasant and smooth taste. However, it contains a high sodium content and a syrupy flavor profile.


Post Consumption Impression – 2 out of 3 mugs (0.5 docked for HFCS)

Although I acknowledge the full head and creaminess of this root beer, its sweetness is excessively high for my palate. It leaves a sticky, sweet, and spicy aftertaste with a subtle hint of licorice. Additionally, its high sodium content negatively impacts its overall enjoyment. Notably, my top five root beers have a sodium content of zero to 0.63 mg per ounce, whereas Spring Grove contains 3.75 mg per ounce.


Would I recommend this at 8 out of 12 mugs?

While this beverage is above average, it would not be my first choice for a leisurely sipping experience. Nevertheless, I would not have overlooked it if it had been available for purchase.


Other Reviews

Cosmo's Root Beer Reviews 5 of 10 IBC's
Rob's Root Beer Review  7 out of 10
Steve's Root Beer 9 out of 10

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