Ginseng Up (#34 - Rated 8.0 out of 12)

Ginseng is any one of 11 species from slow-growing perennial plants with fleshy roots.  It originates from the genus Panax of the family, Aralianceae.  It is commonly found in North America and in eastern Asia, typically in cooler climates.

I was not sure how this would be with a good root beer.  The taste of Ginseng, if I recall correctly, is a little bitter.  It at least sparks my interest with the uncommon combination. 

Since 1981, a Worcester, Massachusetts company has brewed this brew.  They wanted to share the “Ginseng beverage with the world”.

Now for the official root beer review.  (Click here for information on the rating criteria and a table of all the root beer tested or to be tested.)

Ingredients: Triple Filtered water, cane sugar, wintergreen, oil of cloves, natural root beer flavors and other and natural flavors, Gum Acacia, Caramel color, and Korean Ginseng Extract.

Nutrition 12 oz serving (from the bottle)

160 Calories

10 mg Sodium.

42g (14%) of Daily Carbohydrates

0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor – 2.25 out of 3 mugs

With the ingredients of wintergreen, Ginseng and Clove, I was not sure what to expect!  The aroma was not anything out of the ordinary.  The first sip noted wintergreen and a very creamy mix.  I could note the Clove yet there is the slight ginseng and wintergreen aftertaste.

Head – 1.5 out of 3 mugs  

The head was large yet dissipated to nothing in less than 10 seconds.  It was not a real frothy head, just large bubbles more common for a standard cola.

Zip – 2.0 out of 3 mugs  

There is nothing extraordinary yet has a unique blend to keep interest.  Carbonation is light.  With 42g of cane sugar, I expected a sweeter beverage. I would think the ginseng and Clove dampen the sweetness slightly.

Post Consumption Impression – 2.25 out of 3 mugs  

This is a good beverage, with nothing outstanding to set it apart from others.  At the same time, nothing to make it a less desirable option either.

Would I recommend this at 8.0 out of 12 mugs?

Overall, I like it and would not hesitate to try it again.  It did score a little lower than many others; this is because it is a good brew, not great.  It was rated 12^th out of the 25 root beers rated to date.

Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer – 4 out of 5 barrels

Anthony’s Root Beer Barrel 83 out of 100