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

Ginseng is any 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 eastern Asia, typically in cooler climates.

I wanted to know how this would be with a good root beer. If I recall correctly, the taste of ginseng is bitter. However, the uncommon combination at least sparks my interest. 

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

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

Ingredients: Triple Filtered Water, Cane Sugar, Wintergreen, Oil of Cloves, Natural Root Beer flavors and other 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 was a 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 about this beverage, yet it has a unique blend to keep interest. The carbonation is light. With 42g of cane sugar, I expected a sweeter beverage. 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 makes it a less desirable option.

Would I recommend this at 8.0 out of 12 mugs?

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

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