Vermont Sweetwater Rugged Mountain Root Beer (#50 - Rated 5.25 out of 12)

There is a beverage from the Vermont Sweetwater company. Vermont Sweetwater Bottling Company, is a small family owned and operated company producing all natural beverages.  Their website states “made with the finest ingredients”.  Yes that is right from the website, they use ingedients. Not ingredients like most others.  May be a Vermont thing?  So let us move on with the review. (Click here for information on the rating criteria and a table of all the root beer tested or to be tested.)

Ingredients: carbonated water, evaporated cane juice, natural flavors, spices, and citric acid

Nutrition 12 oz serving (from the bottle)

180 Calories

7.5 mg Sodium.

42g (13%) of Daily Carbohydrates

0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor – 1.25 out of 3 mugs

My first thought was, this is almost clear, how can it be root beer.  It is also sweetened with evaporated cane juice.  What is that?

Looks more like a sprite or ginger ale.  Upon opening, it smelled like Sprite.  The first drink was not what I expected.  It is overly sweet and was like a hint of sassafras and extra wintergreen in low carbonated sprite.  This is not a root beer by any means.  Could even be a wintergreen/honey crisp apple ginger ale or maybe cream soda?

Head –1.0 out of 3 mugs  

The head was rather small and quickly dissipated without a trace.      

Zip – 1.5 out of 3 mugs  

The zip is the highest rating of all three categories.  Not because of carbonation or a punch when I drink the beverage, but more of a “what is this” thought?  I can’t place it anywhere and it is intriguing.

Post Consumption Impression – 1.5 out of 3 mugs  

While this rated low, it is not the worse beverage.  In fact, if it had any resemblance of root beer it may be middle of the pack and I would try it again.  Only when I want something that is good, with a flavor other than root beer.

 

Would I recommend this at 5.25 out of 12 mugs?

The rating is low, and maybe a little harsh.  I like root beer.  This is far from root beer yet still could be an enjoyable beverage for certain occasions.  I actually like it enough to buy it again, but will know if I crave a good root beer, this is not my choice.

OTHER RATINGS

Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer 1.5 out of 5 barrels

Root Beer Reviews Grade F

Eat like no one else 2 out of 5

Anthony’s Root Beer Barrel 82 out of 100