Caamano Bros Root Beer (#32 - Rated 6.5 out of 12)

It's hard to believe this soda originated from two kids, Sebastián and Alejandro Caamaño, aged 12 and 13, who wanted to try to make soda pop. Their father, Christopher Caamaño, a chef, had experienced home-brewed carbonated water and decided to make his own. The story goes that the kids realized adding sugar and flavoring to their homemade carbonated water would provide soda.

In 2010, Caamaño Bros Soda was born. Their father loved sarsaparilla, and the brewing effort resulted in a root beer stand at a local nursery.  The word spread, and soon, they were in demand at the local farmer’s markets.  It has grown today to a large, 100% family operation.

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

Ingredients: Water, Cane Sugar, Organic and Natural Flavorings, Caramel Color, Organic Acadia Gum, and Citric Acid.

Nutrition 12 oz serving (from the bottle)

170 Calories

20 mg Sodium.

40g (15%) of Daily Carbohydrates

0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor – 1.75 out of 3 mugs

Upon opening the bottle, I had high expectations.  The aroma was light, with a good balance of vanilla and sassafras.  The first drink was mixed, as there was a slight medicinal taste.  It was much like I felt about Capone’s, but there was an aftertaste that I disliked.  Depending on the mood, it could be one of my best or least favorites.  I noted that using the bottle directly rather than over ice was better.  I could not tell if this was a root beer as it had a hint of cherry. It was not a cherry Coke but had that same slight Cherry taste.  The vanilla is faint with no caramel flavor, which I prefer.  The sarsaparilla is noted but also slight.  This taste was interesting and overall enjoyable for a soda.

Head – 1.25 out of 3 mugs

Very foamy and dissipated in less than 20 seconds.  There was not even a rim on the edge of the glass.

Zip – 1.75 out of 3 mugs

While the tantalizing mix of flavors was average overall for creating a memory. Nothing stood out, yet there was nothing bland about the spice mix.

Post Consumption Impression – 1.75 out of 3 mugs

I liked the brew. I am not sure I would seek it out on purpose, but I would not hesitate to purchase each six-pack to enjoy with a good meal.

Would I recommend this at 6.5 out of 12 mugs?

This was average at best.  With the history I was hoping for a GREAT drink, but did not get one.  I would not shy away from this like several others I have tested, but there are others I suggest first.

Other Reviews

Steve’s Root Beer Journal 8 out of 10

Saw-Whet Root Beer 4 out of 10

Anthony’s Root Beer Barrel 91 out of 100