Big Ben's (#27 - Rated 4.0 out of 12)

This beverage is bottled by the Catawissa Bottling Company, situated in the picturesque hills of Central Pennsylvania. The company proudly claims to have been crafting Big Bens since 1926. Their website, reminiscent of the early 1990s and the Netscape Navigator era, suggests a commitment to simplicity. Unfortunately, the limited information available about the company leaves much to be desired, as I value comprehensive historical context.

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

Ingredients: 

Carbonated Water, Sugar, Caramel Color, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Sodium Benzoate (preservative), Citric Acid, Yucca Extractives, and Acacia.

I had never seen Acacia before and am still trying to understand why it was added. Then I tried to see what Yucca Extractive was. Web MD explained it best at this link.

Nutrition 12 oz (from the bottle)

180 Calories 

30 mg Sodium.

44g (15%) of Daily Carbohydrates

0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor – 1.5 out of 3 mugs

Upon opening the bottle, I experienced either a severe cold or the water within it. The experience was unremarkable. Initially, I was pleasantly surprised by the taste. However, as I continued to consume it, the enjoyment diminished. The beverage has a notably soft, sugary flavor profile, with a high sodium content.   

Head – 0.5 out of 3 mugs

Upon closer inspection, I discovered a head. However, its prominence was minimal, resembling a faint, almost imperceptible ring of foam surrounding the outside of the class.

Zip - 1 out of 3 mugs

The beverage was average in zip. It had low carbonation and a slightly creamy taste, but it could have left a lasting impression.

Post Consumption Impression – 1 out of 3 mugs

Although it was not deemed unpleasant, the more I consumed, the less I found enjoyable about the beverage. It possesses a subtle root beer flavor with excessive sugar content. It evokes a sense of a moderately flat Barq’s.

Would I recommend this at 4 out of 12 mugs?

If you have several friends who wish to try this, proceed, but limit the brew to 2 ounces. The initial taste was tolerable, but the difficulty in finishing the bottle was the primary concern.

Other Reviews

Darek Janiak - 1.7 out of 10

Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer  3 of 5

Cosmo’s 2 of 10