Sunday, January 8, 2017

Boots Sarsaparilla (#62 Rated 4.0 out of 12)

NOTE:  I suspect I had an old, spoiled (fermented) bottle and will try again as time permits.

Contrary to my expectations, I found little historical information about the beverage. The label indicates that at the age of 18, Ambrose Kristen embarked on a journey from Germany to Galveston, Texas. Tragically, his father passed away during the voyage. As a skilled wheelwright, he dedicated himself to providing for his family and eventually acquired Bellville Bottling Works.


Boots Beverages was established by Mark Kristen’s father, Boots Kristen, when Kristen Distributing was merely a small bottling company. They bottled a variety of beverages, including Dr. Pepper, Nesbitt, 7Up, and Frosty Root Beer. Boots Beverages offered seasonal flavors that were reminiscent of craft beers in contemporary times. During that era, people had limited resources, and experiences such as a dreamlike moment or attending a movie theater were cherished and often discussed for weeks. In tribute to his father and the family’s sacrifices to sustain the business, Mark reintroduced the brand, featuring flavors popular during the 1940s and 1950s. This simple gesture serves as a poignant reminder of the elements that make life most enjoyable.



Ingredients: 

Filtered Water, Sugar, Natural Flavors, Caramel Color, Phosphoric Acid, Quillaja Extract, Sodium Benzoate (Preserves Freshness), Potassium Sorbate.

Nutrition 12 oz. serving (from the bottle)

170 Calories
25 mg (1%) Sodium.
43 g (14%) of Daily Carbohydrates
0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor – 1.0 out of 3 mugs

The aroma could have been more appealing. It was almost a bitter medicinal scent. I did not have a strong impression of the beverage. The first sip could have been more memorable. It took considerable effort to discern its intended flavor profile. There was no deep sarsaparilla flavor and very little bite. It was almost like a bitter and flat combination of Coke with a hint of grape Neha mixed into the brew. It was difficult to place. Despite this, it earned 1.25 points, which exceeded my personal preference, but its unusual nature earned it a few additional points.


Can soda spoil? This beverage had a fermented taste.


Head –1.0 out of 3 mugs  

The head is exceptionally light in both build and color. Although it is smooth, it produced minimal foam. Is this foam enhanced as a float?


Zip – 1.0 out of 3 mugs

This beverage lacks any distinctive characteristics. It is dry and has a subtle aftertaste. I have previously consumed beverages containing Quillaja and found them to be similarly dry. Could this be the reason for my perception?


Post Consumption Impression – 1.0 out of 3 mugs

This soda was an unusual beverage that I would not consider purchasing for personal consumption in the future.


Would I recommend this at 4.00 out of 12 mugs?

I am sure that some individuals have developed a preference for this beverage. However, I do not share that sentiment. I am particularly drawn to smooth, rooty sodas with vanilla and caramel flavors, but this beverage lacked those desirable qualities.  


OTHER RATINGS

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