Sunday, August 28, 2016

Foxon Park Root Beer (#48 tested - Rated 7.5 out of 12)

Since 1922, in East Haven, Connecticut where an Italian imagen, Matteo Naclerio, started Foxen Park.  The name comes from the street Mr. Naclerio lived on when he originated the business.  It was primarily a home delivery service.  The company never sold, just passed from generation to generation.


Ingredients: carbonated water, sugar, natural and artificial flavors, caramel color, and sodium benzoate preservative.

Nutrition 12 oz serving (from the bottle)

130 Calories
75 mg Sodium.
35g (12%) of Daily Carbohydrates
0 mg Caffeine



Aroma and Flavor – 2.25 out of 3 mugs

Right out of the bottle the aroma is very good.  It had a Barq’s aroma.  One thing I noted is this is the lowest calorie drink I have tested to date.  With 130 calories in 12 ounces, it is one of the lowest I have tested.  The others were Red Ribbon, Bawls and Sassy Lil Lass.  All rated in the lower half of my reviews.
The first sip was refreshing.  I enjoyed the beverage although it is not smooth.  The caramel flavor is noticed.  The ingredients list very few flavors, but there is no way there are a whole bunch of ingredients in the “natural and artificial” flavors listed on the bottle.  The beverage did have a slight aftertaste, which decreased the overall enjoyment. 
Head – 1.5 out of 3 mugs  

There is a head with very large bubbles that last a short time.  After 30 seconds, you would never know there as a head on the brew.      

Zip – 1.75 out of 3 mugs  

I assume the zip is primarily sodium.  Only Henry Leonhard’s Draught Style had equal sodium.  It is a shame as there is a tantalizing appeal to the beverage and I again attribute it to the high sodium content.

Post Consumption Impression – 2.0 out of 3 mugs  

This is a good beverage with a meal.  Because of the aftertaste, I would not suggest this beverage for a social activity.
 
Would I recommend this at 7.5 out of 12 mugs?

Sure, not with the highest of enthusiasm.  The low calorie is a plus as this is a very sweet drink. 

OTHER RATINGS


Sunday, August 21, 2016

Mason’s Keg Brewed (#47 - rated 6.25 out of 12)

This is an Atlanta, Georgia brew that originated in Chicago by Mason and Mason, Inc. in 1947.  By 1970, it was produced by Falsetto, who also made Dr. Wells.  In 1975, PepsiCo Inc. exercised a hostile takeover.  Fortunately, the Federal Trade Commission believed Pepsi owned to many flavors and forced it to sell some of its brands.  In 1978, Monarch Beverage Company bought the brand.  Although, they also made Dad’s Root Beer and Mason’s.  It is sold in limited markets today.




Ingredients: carbonated water, sugar, caramel color, sodium benzoate (to preserve), citric acid, natural and artificial flavors

Nutrition 12 oz serving (from the bottle)

160 Calories
50 mg Sodium.
40g (13%) of Daily Carbohydrates
0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor – 1.5 out of 3 mugs

 At first sniff, it seems like a commercial root beer.  Hard to explain, but a little fake?  The first taste is enjoyable, but tastes chemically based.  I can’t describe that either.  It just does not have a solid mix of flavors.  A slight cherry hint makes me thing this is a cola version of a shrilly temple.  I did not taste any caramel at all!

Head – 1.75 out of 3 mugs  

The head is large with the first part dissipating quickly.  The last ½ inch lasts for a longer than average time.    

Zip – 1.25 out of 3 mugs  

The only zip if the slightly larger than average carbonation.  If it were not for the carbonation, this would be a flat, lightly flavored sugar water.  I like a smooth mix of flavors, and this in no way meets that desire.

Post Consumption Impression – 1.75 out of 3 mugs  

This is not a terrible brew.  Although it is not the top of the heap either.  I would drink if, if one of my favorites were not available.  I almost believe I am drinking a dad’s root beer that is slightly flat.
 
Would I recommend this at 6.25 out of 12 mugs?

Mason’s Root Beer is worth a try, but I would not go out of my way to find the beverage.
OTHER RATINGS

Saturday, August 6, 2016

Fireman's Brew (#46 - rated 8.4 out of 12)

In December of 2000, two fireman named Rob and Ed started their own beverage company called Fireman's Brew.  They were sitting on a hillside extinguishing a brush fire above the Glendale Mountains.  They desired a brew to quench their dry mouths.  These two hail from the Los Angeles area and proceeded to make beer, and of course root beer.  A portion of their proceeds is donated to "The Fallen Firefighters Foundation", which is located in Emmetsburg, Maryland.  The tagline is “Extinguish your thirst”.




Ingredients: Artesian spring water, pure cane sugar, caramel color, natural flavors, and citric acid.

Nutrition 12 oz serving (from the bottle)

180 Calories
25 mg Sodium.
45g (15%) of Daily Carbohydrates
0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor – 2.2 out of 3 mugs

Immediate aroma when opened is primarily wintergreen with a licorice accent.  These two are not my favorite combination, so I was thinking I would be disappointed.  I was not although it was not one of the best as I like more caramel and vanilla (only a slight hint).  Overall it is generic and middle of the road root beer that should appeal to many people. 

Head – 1.8 out of 3 mugs  

The head was average.  Took a while to fully dissipate.  The bubbles were larger than average yet they are not thick enough to notice when drinking the beverage.
.

Zip – 2.1 out of 3 mugs  

The carbonation is medium, not to strong.  Nice blend.  I believe the zip comes from the sodium?  I also have a hard time getting all the flavors, as I know they are there, but the carbonation dominates the mild flavor mix.

Post Consumption Impression – 2.3 out of 3 mugs  

This is a good beverage that will be enjoyed by many, but hard to believe it is a favorite go to root beer for anyone.

Would I recommend this at 8.4 out of 12 mugs?

I would recommend you try the beverage.  I think you will find it satisfying.  It is not want you want to crave, but certainly fills the root beer spot.  Like they say, extinguish your thirst.