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.

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 enhance the quality of life for 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 all been integral members of 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

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, while the high 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 exhibits a characteristic cola flavor profile, distinct from traditional root beer. I have a strong impression that 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 with a high level of sweetness, 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