Ozark Mountain #82 - 9.3 of 12

Ozark Mountain Bottleworks, Inc. was established in 2009 by Debbie Walters and Tina King, a mother-daughter duo. Tina’s husband, Chris King, is also a co-owner of the company.

I once again noticed Quillaia Extract in the ingredients. Please provide information about Quillaia Extract. After conducting extensive research, I discovered that it serves as a foaming agent—an artificial ingredient that creates foam in beverages. I had previously assumed that foaming agents were exclusively used in detergents. However, the last three ingredients received low scores, and I am hopeful that this is a positive development.

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

Ingredients:

Carbonated Water, Sugar, natural flavors, caramel color, quillaia extract, phosphoric acid, sodium benzoate (preservative), potassium sorbate (preservative)

Nutrition 12 oz. serving (from the bottle)

160 Calories

15 mg Sodium.

41 g (14 %) of Daily Carbohydrates

0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor – 2.4 out of 3 mugs

Upon opening the bottle, a delightful aroma of sweet vanilla and well-balanced root beer wafted out. The initial sip was sweet yet robust, characteristic of pure cane sugar. Despite its sweetness, there was a subtle syrupy undertone. A faint aftertaste, likely attributed to Quillaia, slightly diminished the overall experience. The beverage was remarkably creamy, with notes of vanilla, caramel, and a hint of wintergreen. Notably, a sarsaparilla-like flavor emerged, which was quite pleasant.

Head – 2.25 out of 3 mugs

The head was near-perfect, though the foam was very dense.

Zip – 2.5 out of 3 mugs

This is a well-balanced brew. The flavors create an intriguing combination, with none overpowering the others.

Post Consumption Impression – 2.4 out of 3 mugs

The beverage was exceptionally smooth. The only minor drawback was a subtle syrupy sensation and a slight aftertaste, which slightly reduced its overall score. However, these were not significant enough to deter me from purchasing the brew again.

Would I recommend this at 9.3 out of 12 mugs?

I suggest giving this a try.  I enjoyed the brew significantly.

OTHER REVIEWS

Anthony’s Root Beer Barrel – 94 out of 100  

Brad’s Brew Review – 10 out of 10  

Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer – 4 of 5 barrels 

Root Beer Respect – 8 of 10

Saw-Whet Root Beer – 10 out of 10 

Soda Fry – 7.5 of 10

Steve’s Root Beer – 8.5 of 10

Rocket Fizz Root Beer Float- #81, 4.5 out of 12

Another Rocket Fizz creation! They produce more soda flavors than any other company globally. It is worth noting that this was written earlier in the blog.

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

Ingredients:

Carbonated Water, Sugar, Citric Acid, Caramel Color, Sodium Benzoate as a Preservative, Gum Acadia, Natural and Artificial Flavors.

Nutrition 12 oz. serving (from the bottle)

170 Calories

25 mg Sodium.

43 g Carbohydrates

0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor – 1 out of 3 mugs

The aroma was that of a commercial root beer float—nothing distinctive. At first drink, I thought I was drinking an excessively creamy cream soda, yet there was an odd aftertaste. The sugar level was excessive for me, somewhat syrupy. I assume sugar lovers would thrive on the sugar content. 

Head – 1.25 out of 3 mugs

The head is initially frothy and dissipates to approximately ¼ inch within a short period. Subsequently, it gradually dissipates over a minute.

Zip – 1 out of 3 mugs

This beverage is a basic drink, and I found nothing unique or memorable about it. The only unusual aspect was its strong, creamy flavor, which is not characteristic of a creamy beverage. It lacked smoothness and was somewhat harsh, with a lingering aftertaste.

Post Consumption Impression – 1.25 out of 3 mugs

Although some individuals may appreciate the beverage, it is characterized by its simplicity and sweetness. I do not find it to be my preferred choice. However, I did discover a subtle root beer flavor that I found enjoyable.

Would I recommend this at 4.5 out of 12 mugs?

While I advise against purchasing a six-pack, I suggest trying it out. If you enjoy a heavily sweetened cream soda, this beverage may be to your preference.

OTHER REVIEWS

Anthony’s Root Beer Barrel – 74 out of 100

Cosmo’s Root Beer Review – 5 out of 10

Root Beer Respect – 7 of 10 

Reviews by ZP – 5 of 10

Saw-Whet Root Beer – 8 out of 10

Soda Jerks - A

Thirsty Dudes – 4 out of 5

Kyle’s Root Beer Galacticus - C

Freaky Dog Rooffbeer - #80, 5.0 out of 12

Freaky Dog Soda Company, founded by Tom and Jim Magill, is a self-proclaimed “Sultans of Soda,” “Brain Trust of Beverage,” and “Friends of the Fizz.” They are the owners of Drinks Unlimited Inc., where Freaky Dog is created.

The Magill brothers sought to create a low-sodium, caffeine-free soda that contains no high fructose corn syrup and has a delightful taste. They achieve this by using pure cane sugar in environmentally friendly glass bottles.

Tom Magill possesses 25 years of experience in the alternative beverage industry. As a child, he was captivated by Nehi Soda for its exceptional flavors and vibrant colors, especially grape. Before joining the family business, Jim Magill honed his skills as a route salesman for Joyce Beverages in New York. Tom and Jim’s father had been an industry veteran for over 40 years. His extensive experience and mentorship played a pivotal role in transforming the alternative beverage business.

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

Ingredients:

Carbonated water, cane sugar, natural and artificial flavors, citric acid, sodium benzoate and caramel color (contains sulfites).

Nutrition 12 oz. serving (from the bottle)

130 Calories

30 mg Sodium.

50 g (16%) of Daily Carbohydrates

0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor – 1.0 out of 3 mugs

Upon opening, I immediately discerned the presence of licorice or molasses. A subtle hint of vanilla and a trace of caramel were discernible. However, the medicinal and less-than-appetizing taste left me with a negative impression.

Head – 1.0 out of 3 mugs

This is a moderate head that dissipates as swiftly as it emerges.

Zip – 1.5 out of 3 mugs

I must acknowledge the intensity of the flavors. They are simply flavors that I do not prominently feature.

Post Consumption Impression – 1.5 out of 3 mugs

Although I can envision drinking root beer, that is not the case. That may be why it is called Roof Beer. It is a combination of unconventional flavors that are popular among dogs.   

Would I recommend this at 5.0 out of 12 mugs?

An individual seeking to reminisce about traditional licorice-flavored soda would thoroughly appreciate the beverage. While I may have enjoyed the taste more if I had not anticipated a refreshing root beer, the overall experience became increasingly pleasurable with each sip.

OTHER RATINGS

Cosmo’s Root Beer Review – 6 out of 10

Brad’s Brew Review – 6.5 out of 10

Root Beer Reviews – B-

Eric's Gourmet Root Beer - 2.5 out of 5 barrels 

Root Jack – #79, 8.25 out of 12

This Midwestern beverage is more akin to an energy drink than a soda. The website states, “RootJack’s is a flavorful Root Beer with a subtle hint of Orange and Vanilla, Guarana to invigorate your step, and a complete daily dose of Vitamin C to prevent scurvy.”

Jonathan Zook, the founder’s husband, elucidates the origin of the name. “During the era of Caribbean pirates, they consumed beverages from wooden mugs lined with tar, known as ‘blackjacks.’ Consequently, we hypothesized that if one were ordering a root beer from a blackjack, they might eventually refer to it as a ‘Root Jack.’ Thus, that is the name.”

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

Ingredients: 

Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Citric Acid, Quillaja, Xanthan Gum, Ascorbic Acid, Caffeine, Potassium Citrate, Caramel Color, Guarana Seed Extract.

Nutrition 12 oz. serving (from the bottle)

195 Calories

0 mg Sodium.

49 g (16%) of Daily Carbohydrates

120 mg Caffeine

100% of daily Vitamin C

Aroma and Flavor – 1.25 out of 3 mugs (Docked 0.5 for HCS)

Upon revisiting Quillaja, I observe that it has been consumed in a beverage on four occasions, with the previous three being of lower quality. The current beverage, GUS, has a rating of 6.25, Boots Sarsaparilla has a rating of 4, and Tree Fort has a rating of 5.75 (all out of 12). Initially, the bottle’s description of orange flavor suggests a root beer with orange cream. However, after a few sips, the orange cream becomes the dominant flavor, diminishing the resemblance to a traditional root beer. This experience evokes the taste of an orange sweet tart. 

Head – 2.0 out of 3 mugs

This foam is remarkably close to perfection in terms of its density and slow dissipation rate. The foam is exceptionally dense, with minimal bubbles observed. Quillaja beverages also exhibit similar foam heads. Is this a coincidence, or is there a connection between the two?

Zip – 1.5 out of 3 mugs

The orange cream flavor is the most prominent. It has a solid zing for a soda yet appeals to root beer purists.

Post Consumption Impression – 1.25 out of 3 mugs

I find this product enjoyable and would consider purchasing another bottle if I desired a soda. However, I would not repurchase this product if my preference were for pure, smooth root beer.

Would I recommend this at 6.0 out of 12 mugs?

If you prefer a soda with a strong orange cream flavor, this beverage may be suitable. However, please exercise caution if you are sensitive to caffeine, as this drink contains a significant amount. Additionally, it is worth noting that the more I consumed, the less enjoyable the experience became.

OTHER RATINGS

Cosmo’s Root Beer Review – 4 out of 10

Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer 1.5 of 5 barrels

Thirsty Dudes - 3 out of 5

Anthony’s Root Beer Barrel 55 out of 100

The Soda Jerk’s - A