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