Natural State Beverage Co Root Beer - #102, 9.8 out of 12 mugs

Krista and Ty Cloud started a beverage business with a passion for brewing kombucha and craft soda at home. They love the outdoors and were hosting a grassroots biking event when they realized that their homemade drinks were very popular and could be more than just a hobby. 

Wanting a low-sugar but tasty drink for their kids, they started experimenting with flavors and sharing them with friends in their home kitchen. They soon realized this unique drink should be shared with the community. They launched their first products in fall 2021 at the Bentonville Farmers Market and other local breweries and shops. A year later, they moved into their own production facility in the heart of historic downtown Rogers, Arkansas. 

From raw ingredients to packaging and distribution, the owners oversee every step. Each flavor is carefully crafted with real ingredients, aiming to become your new favorite local craft soda and/or kombucha. They also brew tea and make simple syrups.

Ingredients

Carbonated Water, Cane Sugar, Brown Sugar, Molasses, Wild Cherry Bark, Dried Licorice Root, Cinnamon, Ginger, Dandelion Root, Cloves, and Botanical Extracts (Vanilla and Sassafras Sarsaparilla)

Nutrition 12 oz. serving (from the bottle)

 

140 Calories

5 mg Sodium

36 g (13%) of Daily Carbohydrates

No Caffeine

Iron (0.5 mg)

Calcium (40 mg)

Potassium (110 mg)

Click here for information on the rating criteria and a table of all the root beers tested or to be tested.

Aroma and Flavor – 2.9 out of 3 mugs

Upon opening, the cinnamon, cloves, and licorice are noted. A very distinctive taste. The color is pale, almost like a cream soda. The flavor blends could be overpowering, but they created a VERY smooth and enjoyable beverage!

Head – 1.25 out of 3 mugs

The head is almost non-existent. I have found the head is typically created by a manufactured ingredient. 

Zip – 2.75 out of 3 mugs

The mix of flavors is tantalizing from the first taste. The carbonation is low, yet the combination gives a sense of higher carbonation. I never envisioned that a hint of cloves would create a memorable taste in a root beer.

Post Consumption Impression – 2.9 out of 3 mugs

This is a first for me. I have never found a soda that doesn’t contain preservatives or Natural and Artificial Flavors. Check out the ingredients! I’ve never seen Iron, Potassium, or Calcium on a nutrition facts label for a root beer before!

Would I recommend this at 9.8 out of 12 mugs (8.55 out of 9 mugs without the head)?

This was highly enjoyable. It reminds me of the root beer I had from homebrew farms near my grandparents, rather than a commercial brew. The ingredients are the highest quality mix of natural ingredients I have ever experienced. My highest-rated root beer to date, excluding the head.

OTHER REVIEWS

No other review found

Sno Cap - #101, 8 out of 12 mugs

 Titletown Brewing Company, a Green Bay, Wisconsin Craft Brewery, was founded in 1996 by a group of beer-loving locals. They prepared the old-fashioned root beer right here using Grandma Gladys' original recipe. Her business, called Sno-Cap Drive In, was located on Velp Avenue on Green Bay's West Side. Glasses of root beer sold for 5 and 10 cents, and gallon jugs could be purchased for 75 cents (with a 10-cent deposit on the bottle). The drive-in closed in 1984.

The founders of Titletown Brewing Co. are the grandchildren of Grandma Gladys. The Sno-Cap root beer served in the restaurant is mixed up fresh daily with the same syrup (along with some special ingredients). It is sold by the mug, by the growler (a 1/2-gallon jug), or by the bottle.

Ingredients:

Carbonated Water, Granulated Sugar, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Caramel Color, Corn Syrup, Gum Arabic, Propylene Glycol, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, and Yucca Extract.

Click here for information on the rating criteria and a table of all the root beers tested or to be tested.

Nutrition 12 oz. serving (from the bottle)

148 Calories

15 mg Sodium.

40 g (12%) of Daily Carbohydrates

0 Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor – 2.0 out of 3 mugs

This aroma is a heavy vanilla scent. It is smooth with a solid cream flavor. Vanilla is the most prominent taste with notable caramel.

Head – 2.5 out of 3 mugs  

 

The head is substantial, with fine bubbles that slowly disappear.

 

Zip – 1.75 out of 3 mugs  

The brew is not a tantalizing mix of spices.  There is a real basic root beer with strong vanilla and caramel. The carbonation is on the lower side. The syrup is easily identifiable.

Post Consumption Impression – 1.75 out of 3 mugs (0.5 deducted)

I deducted 0.5 for the high fructose corn syrup. What is odd is that the label lists Corn Syrup and High Fructose Corn Syrup!  At best for me, this is a solid middle-of-the-pack brew.

Would I recommend this at 8 out of 12 mugs (5.5 out of 9 mugs without a head)?

This is a beverage I would only enjoy with a meal. Standalone, I would pass unless it was all that was offered. The sweetness and caramel are above my threshold of enjoyment. I prefer a little more carbonation as well.

 

OTHER REVIEWS

Anthony’s Root Beer Barrel – 82 out of 100

Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer – 3.5 of 5 barrels 

Root Beer Rundown - 87 out of 100

Steve’s Root Beer – 8 out of 10 

Thirsty Dudes – 3 out of 5 

Black Bear Root Beer - #100, 7 out of 12 mugs

This is another brew by Sprecher Brewing Company. Black Bear is a root beer brand that was acquired by Sprecher Brewery in 2021. Sprecher now produces Black Bear Root Beer using its signature fire-brewing process, which involves using real Wisconsin honey and natural ingredients to create a rich flavor. The brand is presented with a "legend" of a black bear and is available alongside other Sprecher sodas. 

Ingredients:

Carbonated Water, Glucose Syrup, Natural and Artificial Flavors,  Caramel Color, Gum Arabic, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate as a Preservative, Phosphoric Acid, Yucca Extract, and Propylene Glycol Alginate

Glucose Syrup, an ingredient I had never encountered before, is made from potatoes, wheat, barley, rice, and cassava.  Industrial fermentation uses glucose syrup containing over 90% glucose, while confectionery syrups vary in their glucose, maltose, and oligosaccharide content, typically ranging from 10% to 43%.  Its primary uses in food include sweetening, softening texture, and adding volume.

Click here for information on the rating criteria and a table of all the root beers tested or to be tested.

Nutrition 12 oz. serving (from the bottle)

 

140 Calories

30 mg Sodium.

35 g (13%) of Daily Carbohydrates

Aroma and Flavor – 2.25 out of 3 mugs

Upon opening, a rich aroma of root, vanilla, and sweetness fills the air. This delightful blend of ingredients evokes the taste of a low-carbonated Sprecher Root Beer. However, there’s a subtle hint of wintergreen and a touch of licorice that distinguishes it from Sprecher. It was enjoyable, yet for my preference a little low on carbonation.

Head – 2.0 out of 3 mugs  

 

The head is small yet dissipated slowly.  Remnants around the ice cubes remained after a few minutes.

 

Zip – 2.25 out of 3 mugs  

There is no significant zip, yet a tantalizing blend of ingredients yields a higher score.

Post Consumption Impression – 2.5 out of 3 mugs  

I enjoyed the brew.  Yet it is not ranked the highest; it is one I would enjoy anytime.

Would I recommend this at 7.0 out of 12 mugs (5 out of 9 mugs without head)?

This brew can be enjoyed alone or with a meal. The low carbonation and type of sweetness blend into a smooth beverage.

OTHER REVIEWS

Anthony’s Root Beer Barrel – 50 out of 100  

Cosmo’s Root Beer Review – 7 out of 10 

Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer – 3 of 5 barrels 

Soda Jerk 

Name - #99, 9.8 out of 12 mugs

There are numerous sodas available with the name Wild Bill’s. This particular one is produced by Northwoods Soda and Syrup Company. In 1988, Bill Fosdick, the founder of Northwoods Soda and Syrup Company, relocated his family to Grand Traverse, Michigan. His objective was to establish his own soft drink company and improve the quality of life of his four children. Within the first year, Bill had successfully secured two distributors, a local restaurant chain, and approximately twenty individual customers. Bill’s wife, Maureen, and their children have been integral to the family business since its inception. As children, their favorite job was “taste testing,” which played a pivotal role in shaping the flavors that Bill uses today. After graduating from college with a business degree, Bill’s son, David, joined the business as his father’s partner, helping expand it.

Ingredients:

Carbonated Water, Cane Sugar, Natural and Artificial Flavor, Phosphoric Acid, Caramel Color, and Sodium Benzoate as a Preservative

Click here for information on the rating criteria and a table of all the root beers tested or to be tested.

Nutrition 12 oz. serving (from the bottle)

 

190 Calories

40 mg Sodium.

48 g (17%) of Daily Carbohydrates

0 Caffeine

 

Aroma and Flavor – 2.4 out of 3 mugs

Upon opening the bottle, it’s evident that you’re holding a root beer. The enticing aroma heightens your desire to take that first sip. The brew boasts a delightful blend of sweet, vanilla, and caramel flavors. Additional spices and a subtle hint of licorice contribute to its enjoyable taste.

Head – 2.6 out of 3 mugs  

 

This brew has a fantastic head that gradually dissipates. After two minutes, some froth remains, and it has a strong flavor that tingles on the lips.

 

Zip – 2.55 out of 3 mugs  

The brew is almost excessively sweet for my taste. However, the complex and enjoyable flavor combination is worth trying. There is definitely a higher-rated root beer that I prefer.

Post Consumption Impression – 2.25 out of 3 mugs  

I would have scored this higher, but I reduced it by 0.25 points because of the excessive sweetness, which I find too much for my taste.

Would I recommend this at 9.8 out of 12 mugs (7.2 out of 9 mugs without head)?

If you’re in the mood for a sweeter, well-balanced brew, this is the perfect choice. The flavors dance on your tongue, leaving you with a satisfying experience.

 

OTHER REVIEWS

Anthony’s Root Beer Barrel – 95 out of 100

Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer – 3.5 of 5 barrels

Chicago Draft Style - #98, 5.75 out of 12 mugs

Evolution Brands, headquartered in Chicago, produces and distributes various soda flavors under the Chicago brand name. The company has been in operation for several years and claims to offer a genuine taste of Chicago. 

Ingredients:

Carbonated Water, Pure Cane Sugar, Natural and Artificial Flavors,  Caramel Color, Phosphoric Acid, and Sodium Benzoate as a Preservative

Nutrition 12 oz. serving (from the bottle)

160 Calories

15 mg Sodium.

40 g (13%) of Daily Carbohydrates

0 Caffeine

Click here for information on the rating criteria and a table of all the root beers tested or to be tested.

Aroma and Flavor – 1.5 out of 3 mugs

The aroma is predominantly valhalla, with a subtle hint of root beer. The initial sip is reminiscent of cream soda, and its sweetness is immediately apparent.

Head – 1.25 out of 3 mugs  

 

The head is average yet dissipated within 30 seconds. 

 

Zip – 1.5 out of 3 mugs  

The carbonation is of average quality. The beverage is predominantly sweet, with a subtle trace of vanilla. It could be categorized as an overly sweet cream soda rather than a root beer.

Post Consumption Impression – 1.5 out of 3 mugs  

This beverage has a cola-like flavor profile, distinct from traditional root beer. I am consuming high-quality flavored syrup.

Would I recommend this at 5.75 out of 12 mugs? (4.5 out of 9 mugs without head)

This cola-style beverage is excessively sweet. If you enjoy a beverage that is highly sweet, this is an excellent choice. However, it lacks any intriguing elements or distinct characteristics.

 

OTHER REVIEWS

Anthony’s Root Beer Barrel – 79 out of 100

Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer – 3 of 5 barrels

Kyle’s Root Beer Galacticus - C