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 

Route 66 Root Beer (#26 - Rated 7.0 out of 12)

The beverage is new on the market compared to others. It originated in 1996 and is bottled in Mokena, Illinois. It is hard to find much history at all!  Underlined text is updated text!

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

Ingredients: Carbonated water, cane sugar, caramel color, natural and artificial flavorings, citric acid, and sodium benzoate.

Nutrition (12 oz from the bottle)

Calories  160

41 mg Sodium.

28g Sugar (12%) of Daily Carbohydrates

0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor – 1.00 out of 3 mugs

Is it possible to obtain a subpar bottle of root beer? Based on my second attempt, the answer is affirmative. The second bottle exhibits distinct characteristics from the first. While it may not be exceptional, it surpasses the average. This improvement elevates the score from 1 to 2 in this category. The second bottle lacked the characteristic aroma and possessed a pleasant blend of spices. Although the Sarsaparilla still lacked a subtle sweetness, the caramel flavor was discernible. The aroma is faint. Initially, I anticipated a medicinal taste, which proved to be accurate. My first sip revealed that root beer lacks memorable qualities and offers limited enjoyment. It is initially tolerable, but an unknown aftertaste emerges. I cannot pinpoint its nature, but I find it unpleasant. I perceive a faint vanilla flavor with a caramel undertone. However, the persistent aftertaste overshadows my enjoyment, resembling rancidity. Can root beer deteriorate or develop a sour taste?

Head – 1.0 out of 3 mugs

The head is a decent height but fizzes away too quickly.

Zip – 1.25 out of 3 mugs

The zip tingles the tongue, and the carbonation and spices are very odd. The aftertaste is a sweet, creamy vanilla.  The second bottle was much better in the Zip category.  It was even carbonation with no odd twang to it at all.  The score increased from 1.25 to 2.

Post Consumption Impression – 1.00 out of 3 mugs

This beverage does not align with my personal preferences. I am still attempting to discern the distinct, almost rancid aftertaste. In contrast, the second brew was actually enjoyable. While it employed a commercial-style carbonation, it fell short in delivering the desired vanilla flavor. I was particularly impressed by the second bottle, which improved my rating from a 1 to a 2.

Would I recommend this at Second try a 7 - initial 4.25 out of 12 mugs?

If you enjoy Dad’s Root Beer, you may also find this beverage appealing. Notably, the initial bottle underwent fermentation, as evidenced by a significant increase in its score when compared to the second bottle. While it would be beneficial to have freshness dates on some of these bottles, I would not recommend this beverage unless it is complimentary and you are interested in trying it. Although the sugar content was relatively low, the sodium levels were notably high. Additionally, the aftertaste was not satisfactory, as confirmed by two other household members.   

Other Reviews

Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer  3.5 out of 5

Cosmos Root Beer Review  1 out of 10

Root Beer Respect  8 out of 10

Columbia Soda Works (#25 - Rated 10.6 out of 12

Columbia Soda Works presents an enigma. Despite my efforts to ascertain its historical background, the website yielded no discernible results. The bottle’s label asserts its establishment in 1996 within the historical gold-mining town of Columbia, California. The label further proclaims, “The flavor transports you to the bygone era when miners and settlers savored the opulent tastes of these early refreshments. A taste as opulent as the Mother Load.” It even boasts an additional claim, stating that Columbia Soda Works Sarsaparilla is “A VERY PRECIOUS LIQUID.” This constitutes the entirety of the information I have been able to gather.

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, Citric Acid, and Gum Acacia.

Nutrition (from the bottle)

170 Calories 

20 mg Sodium.

45g (14%) of Daily Carbohydrates

0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor – 2.8 out of 3 mugs

This soda exhibits a distinct sarsaparilla flavor profile. The effervescence provided a pleasant tingling sensation in my mouth. The subtle notes of caramel and light wintergreen were quite noteworthy. However, the absence of a hint of vanilla prevented this soda from achieving a flawless score. 

Head – 2.2 out of 3 mugs

The head of a poured beverage is not robust and dissipates rapidly. Its characteristics can vary depending on the glass's temperature and the method of pouring.

Zip – 2.7 out of 3 mugs

This dark root beer possesses a distinctive flavor profile. The blend is not overly bitter, featuring a subtle wintergreen undertone.

Post Consumption Impression – 2.9 out of 3 mugs 

This beverage was thoroughly enjoyed from the outset, leaving me eager for another. Notably, it does not contain HFCS (as indicated by the term “sugar”), which is a positive attribute. The flavor profile is well-balanced, achieved through a carefully calibrated carbonation balance. This beverage is an excellent choice for any occasion.

Would I recommend this at 10.6 out of 12 mugs?

Indeed, I would readily choose this root beer. During my upcoming visit to the store next year, this will be my initial choice. As evidenced by the subsequent reviews, I am not alone in my positive assessment of this beverage.

Other Reviews

Thirsty Dudes - 4 of 5
Eat Like No-one else - 4 of 5

Root Beer Respect 9 out of 10 

Saw-Whet Root Beers 9 out of 10 
Steve’s Root Beer Journal - 7.5 of 10 
Anthony's Root Beer Reviews  88 out of 100

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