Maine Root Company was founded when Mark Seiler’s younger brother, Matt, graduated from the Landing School of Boatbuilding and Design in Kennebunk, Maine. As a boat builder and former fishing guide, Mark assisted a friend, Bobby Morgan, in constructing the oven at Flatbread Pizza Company, a wood-fired organic pizza restaurant in Portland, Maine. The restaurant’s menu featured natural and organic ingredients but lacked natural beverages to complement them. Recognizing this gap, the Seilers embarked on a project to develop root beer recipes using their homebrewing equipment. Remarkably, they achieved higher sales of root beer than of Coca-Cola during the first summer. The positive reception and subsequent orders prompted Mark to resign from his software sales position to expand their distribution efforts.
Distribution commenced in Scarborough, Maine, at Higgins Beach Brewing Company's surf shack, using a lobster pot to transport hand-packed cases from a Volkswagen Jetta modified to run on used vegetable oil. While all bottled products are manufactured at the brewery in Portland, Maine, the kegs are produced in Austin. Austin also houses the soda fountain syrup operation.
Maine Root employs Fair Trade Certified Organic Evaporated Cane Juice as a sweetener for its sodas. The sweetness is achieved by passing the entire sugar cane through a series of rollers, followed by drying the extract into crystals without any additional processing or additives. Organic Evaporated Cane Juice sweeteners are derived from the initial carbohydrate of photosynthesis, sucrose. The company asserts that the resulting product offers superior taste. Furthermore, being organic, it is believed to be beneficial for consumers, farmers, and the environment.
Click here for the rating criteria and a summary table of all the root beers tested.
Ingredients: Carbonated pure water, organic fair trade–certified cane juice, and spices.
Nutrition 12 oz. serving (from the bottle)
145 Calories
35 mg Sodium.
35g (11%) of Daily Carbohydrates
0 mg Caffeine
Aroma and Flavor – 2.8 out of 3 mugs
Upon opening the bottle, I was immediately struck by the distinct aroma of solid root beer. Unlike other brews that may feature cloves, wintergreen, or licorice notes, this particular beverage stands out for its unique scent.
Although I have not yet had the opportunity to review Maine Root Beer, it has consistently ranked among my all-time favorites. The brewery emphasizes the use of high-quality ingredients, including FAIR TRADE CERTIFIED ORGANIC SUGAR, to ensure that the flavor of each extract is fully realized.
Surprisingly, despite the strong root beer aroma, the beverage exhibits a color that falls between 7-UP and Ginger Ale, almost resembling a clear liquid. It possesses a smooth texture with minimal to no creamy undertones. A subtle ginger aftertaste lingers, which I personally find enjoyable, given my fondness for ginger.
Head – 2 out of 3 mugs
The head of the beverage gradually diminished, leaving behind a smaller head that persisted for a few more minutes. The glass showed foam remnants on its side after several sips.
Zip – 2.4 out of 3 mugs
This beverage is not a commercially available multiple-flavor bold brew. It is smooth without being creamy. I prefer my beverages to be low in sweetness. This beverage is well-balanced, but I would prefer it with less sugar.
Post Consumption Impression – 2.7 out of 3 mugs
This beverage may not be suitable for individuals who prefer complex recipes with higher carbonation. It is notable for its low ingredient count, the weakest among the beverages I have reviewed to date. Additionally, it boasts a remarkably smooth texture. While it can be enjoyed as a standalone beverage, it also serves as an ideal accompaniment to a meal.
Would I recommend this at 9.9 out of 12 mugs?
Upon reviewing my ratings, I find that Sarsaparilla Brews is my preferred beverage. I highly recommend purchasing a six-pack. However, this may not suit individuals who prefer a more robust root flavor with additional dominant notes, such as wintergreen or anise.
OTHER RATINGS
Anthony’s Root Beer Barrel – 89 out of 100
