B.R.P. Enterprises, d.b.a. Northwest Soda Works, commonly known as “Bedford’s Sodas,” was conceived by Ed Bedford in 1983. It took Bedford a year to secure a few investors and commence the initial bottling process in 1984. Steve Sourapas, the then-owner of the Dr. Pepper Bottling Company in the Georgetown area of Seattle, recognized the potential of marketing a premium crème soda, which Bedford christened Crème Beer! Crème Beer was a popular flavor during and after Prohibition, and numerous small towns and larger breweries ventured into the soda industry when they were unable to produce beer.
Subsequently, investors opted for alternative ventures, resulting in the sale of two-thirds of the company to Unique Beverages of Everett, Washington. Unique effectively marketed the product for approximately five years before deciding to put it up for sale. At that juncture, Bedford acquired Unique's stock, becoming the sole owner of the brand. Bedford subsequently modified all the formulas from corn syrup to pure cane sugar, exclusively producing in glass bottles. Collaborating with Orca Beverage of Mukilteo, Washington, the company experienced continuous growth and introduced three new flavors. Presently, Crème Beer, Root Beer, Ginger Ale, Ginger Beer, and the latest Orange Crème are widely available through numerous grocery stores and restaurants across the United States.
Bedford, now semi-retired, has dedicated nearly 45 years to the beverage industry. He derives immense satisfaction from his passion for soda, traveling sparingly to witness the company’s resurgence and impart his knowledge of the industry to his children.
Ingredients:
Carbonated Water,
Caramel Color, Pure Cane Sugar, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Gum Arabic Qualia,
Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate as a Preservative
Nutrition 12
oz. serving (from the bottle)
180
Calories
40 mg Sodium.
44 g (15 %) of Daily
Carbohydrates
mg Caffeine
Aroma and Flavor – 2 out
of 3 mugs
Before commencing, it is worth noting that this beverage also contains Quillaia. In recent instances, I have observed a similar, peculiar, and elusive flavor profile, which I suspect is attributable to Quillaia.
The aroma is predominantly vanilla with subtle undertones reminiscent of root beer. Upon the initial sip, the beverage presented a smooth and robust caramel and vanilla flavor. This soda exhibits a distinctiveness that sets it apart from others. A hint of cherry Dr. Pepper can be discerned in the flavor profile. Notably, the beverage left behind a lingering aftertaste, a characteristic I have encountered in previous Quillaia-containing beverages. I am still determining whether this aftertaste is the source of the unusual flavor. The aftertaste resulted in a dry sensation in my mouth.
Head – 1.0 out of 3 mugs
The head was relatively small
and short-lived.
Zip – 1.75 out of 3 mugs
The zip is somewhat limited in its flavor offerings. While it has a unique taste, the blend is limited to vanilla, caramel, and a subtle cherry.
Post Consumption Impression – 2 out of 3 mugs
I enjoyed the drink, but I did not like the dry mouth sensation after finishing the brew. I would not hesitate to try it again unless a favorite alternative was available.
Would I recommend this at 6.75 out of 12 mugs?
This is the first time I have encountered sugar listed as the third ingredient. While the sugar and sodium content exceed my personal preference, I am not deterred from trying the beverage. The brew would have been more palatable without the cherry flavor.
OTHER REVIEWS
