Bawls (#13 - Rated 6.25 out of 12)

Balls were originally a gamer's beverage designed as a high-caffeine drink. Hoby Buppert (1998 CNN Money interview) created the drink as an alternative to coffee as part of a college class project in 1997. He developed a carbonated and non-alcoholic beverage made with Guarana, a highly caffeinated berry native to the Amazonian rainforest. This root beer is no exception. 

The original variant, Bawls Guarana, is packaged in a cobalt blue, non-slip glass bottle, while Bawls EXXtra comes in a clear bottle. Both containers have approximately 104 bumps for easier gripping. 

The root beer was released in 2008 and has about 64 mg of caffeine in 10 ounces.  This is more than Mountain Dew Game Fuel.  Almost double a Dr. Pepper or Coke (according to caffeineinformer.com).  The bottle is labeled “Warning: This product contains high levels of caffeine.”  Another example is that Bawls has 6.4 mg/fl oz, whereas Barq’s has 1.9 mg/fl oz.  Regarding energy drinks, KickStart is lower at 6.0 mg/fl oz, while Monster is higher at 9.4 mg/fl oz.

Click here for the rating criteria and a summary table of all the root beer brands tested.)

Ingredients: Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Caramel Color, Citric Acid, Natural Guarana Extract, Sodium Benzoate (preservative), Caffeine, Natural & Artificial

Nutrition information from the label (per 10 oz): 

• 130 Calories (13 per oz)
• 35mg Sodium.  (3.5 mg per oz)
• 36g Sugar (12%) of Daily Carbohydrates  (3.6 per oz)
• 64mg Caffeine  (6.4 mg per oz)

Aroma and Flavor – 1.25 out of  3 mugs

Using high fructose corn syrup caused me to lower the score by 0.5.

When I opened the beverage, the aroma was outstanding!  The taste was nothing special but good.  It has the commercial root beer taste (like A&W) and carbonization with an unidentified fruity aftertaste.  That may be the caffeine and Guarana? It left my mouth a little dry.  

Head -- 2.25 out of  3 mugs

The head is one of the best I have tested.  Full and frothy and lasted to the last drop.  Its only negative effect is that it impacts overall enjoyment.  

Zip -- 1 out of  3 mugs  

The zip is actually strange.  It has a peculiar sensation that leaves the mouth feeling a little dry.  While not disappointing, it is nothing special either. 

Post Consumption Impression – 1 out of 3 mugs

This is a typical root beer.  I would drink it again but at breakfast.  The caffeine punch was noticeable!  When I get this type of caffeine buzz, I usually feel it when the effect is passed through my internal organs.  In fact, the buzz was such that I actually became dizzy and felt ill for several hours.  Realistically, this is a solid energy drink that lacks the vitamins.  While I enjoy energy drinks, I usually take 6-8 hours to drink one, and I could not imagine that with a root beer.

Would I recommend this at 6.25 out of 12 mugs?

This is not the worst, but based on its effect on my internal organs and nothing special in taste, I wonder if it would be the root beer of choice for me.  It would be at the bottom of my rankings if this had such a solid head.

Other Reviews

Anthony’s Root Beer Barrel – 71 out of 100

Cosmo’s Root Beer Review – 5 out of 10

Edrinkblog - 6 out of 10

The Impulsive Buy - 7 out of 10

Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer –  2.5 of 5 barrels

Rob’s Root Beer Reviews –  8 out of 10

Steve’s Root Beer – 4.5 out of 10      

Thirsty Dudes – 4 out of 5   

Kyle’s Root Beer Galacticus - B

Dog n Suds (#12 - Rated 9.0 out of 12)

This root beer originated from an in-car (A&W style) drive-in restaurant. The first Dog n Suds was opened in 1953 in Champaign, Illinois. Two University of Illinois music teachers, James Griggs and Don Hamacher, started the chain. The chain grew, and a training center was established in Champaign, named "Rover College" after the dog on the restaurant sign. At its peak, there were over 500 restaurants.

The franchise was sold in the early 1970s, and the franchise business was abandoned.  About a dozen Dog n Suds restaurants remain in Illinois/Ohio.  The Dog n Suds brand of root beer was sold to a private bottler.  It is currently bottled by Clover Club Bottling Corporation in Illinois.

Click here for a list of all root beers tested and rating criteria.)

Ingredients: Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS), Caramel Color, Phosphoric Acid, Sodium Benzoate (as a preservative), Natural and Artificial Color

Nutrition information from the label (Per 8 0z):

• 110 Calories  (13.75 per oz)
• 30mg Sodium.  (3.75 mg per oz)
• 30g sugar  (10%) of Daily Carbohydrates (3.75 g per oz)

Aroma and Flavor -- 2.2 out of 3

The use of high fructose corn syrup caused me to lower the score by 0.5. (So, it's really a 2.7 because I did not like the HFCS use.)

Upon opening the bottle, it immediately smells like solid root beer.  However, to my disappointment, there is no notable vanilla scent.  At the first drink, I found it to be rich and creamy.  There is a subtle vanilla flavor with a stronger caramel flavor.  The flavor is nothing special, being comparable to many mass-produced root beers.  Although the lighter carbonation is near the top of the HFCS mass-produced root beers, which are normally way over-carbonated,  It is easy to note the syrup texture, which tends to linger long after consumption. 

  

Head -- 2.5 out of 3

The head is what I would expect from a drive-in root beer, which is very high with suds.  However, the carbonation balance impacts the experience, which I like from the head of the root beer.

Zip -- 1.9 out of 3

The beverage lacks in this category. The carbonation is slightly higher, but we must offset the creative flavor's lack. It's a hard balance to find, and it could be better based on my preferences.

Post Consumption Impression -- 2.4 out of 3

This beverage would be great with a hot dog. I'm not saying that because of the name, but it is just the chilidog with a solid root beer experience. It did not satisfy my thirst. In fact, the syrup aftertaste made my mouth dry. I would not turn away from the beverage if available, but there are others that are clearly my personal favorites.

Would I recommend this at 9 out of 12 mugs?

The Aftertaste also has the right stuff. This root beer is just plain good but could be better. Assume it significantly differed from the commercial brand I experienced today when it was originally produced.

Other Reviews - One hated it

• Anthony’s Root Beer Barrel – 87 out of 100   
• Cosmo’s Root Beer Review – 5 out of 10       
• Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer –  4 of 5 barrels 
• Handy Father -  2.75 of 5      
• Root Beer Respect – 4 out of 10     
• Rob’s Root Beer Reviews – 5 out of 10
• SodePop reviews - 7 out of 10
• Soda Jerks - A
• Steve’s Root Beer – 7 out of 10       
• Kyle’s Root Beer Galacticus - F

Rocky Mountain (#11 - Rated 7 out of 12)

I really had a hard time finding much information about this brand.  There is no real cool history on the webpage, not the wiki page, and no historical names to search.  From the websitehttp://www.rockymountainsoda.com/rocky-mountain-root-beer/

“Rocky Mountain Root Beer was the idea that started it all.  We wanted to make the best-flavored, all-natural root beer available. We set out to create a flavor that evokes memories of the old West.  Think warm vanilla and caramel notes that glide along a creamy cloud of delicious sassafras flavor.  We also add a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg to give a grounded earthiness that ends with a spicy finish.  We hope you enjoy the end result of our quest to create the best root beer made.”

They also say,”We custom craft each of our flavors in small batches and package every bottle by hand.  The benefit of our efforts is realized in every sip you take. We thank you for the opportunity to present our soda for your drinking pleasure. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do…Cheers!”

NOTE: This was not a twist off top; even with an opener, it took work to open!

Click here for rating criteria and a summary table of all brews reviewed.

Ingredients: Carbonated Colorado water, rocky mountain beet sugar, natural flavors, and potassium sorbate as a preservative

Nutrition information from the label (Per 12 oz):  

• 135 Calories  (11.25 per oz)
• 36g sugars (12%) of Daily Carbohydrates  (3 g per oz)

Aroma and Flavor - Scored 1.5 out of 3 mugs

It carries a robust aroma, a medicinal wintergreen, and licorice. I am not a huge licorice fan, so I am not having high hopes. Then I took a drink. I could taste the vanilla, but the first thing is the tingle—a little too much of a tingle—of wintergreen. Carbonation is middle-low, but the spices make up the difference. It takes a lot of work to place. It could be mistaken for some excellent mouthwash.

 

Head - Scored 2 out of 3 mugs

The head is average, which is becoming commonplace for root beers I have tested. It was gone in less than a minute. It was just light foam, not bubbly like some heads.

Zip - Scored 1.7 out of 3 mugs

The taste is spicy, with a dominant licorice and wintergreen flavor, although you know there is a vanilla flavor as well. The licorice and wintergreen almost overwhelm my tongue.  It is rather hearty!

 

Post Consumption Impression -  scores a 1.8 out of 3 mugs

One thing I noted is that root beer lists the distinction of being made with “Colorado Water.” Maybe I am getting some flavors from minerals in the water? I also love the claim that it’s “All Natural” and then lists potassium sorbate. I had no clue that neutralizing sorbic acid with Potassium Sorbate industrially was natural. (Sarcasm intended!)  But then, just like most “all-natural foods,” they know most consumers will not know the difference. 

I am uncertain about this brew. The beet sugar flavor is different yet pleasing, and I can’t compare it to any other.

Would I recommend this at 7 of 12 mugs (5 of 9 mugs without head)?

This beverage would be solid in a social situation. The flavors are such that I would avoid it with a meal. The mix may be a little odd. I would consider this brew again.

Other reviews

• Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer –  2.5 of 5 barrels
• Anthony’s Root Beer Barrel – 81 out of 100
• Root Beer Respect –  5 out of 10
• Cosmo’s Root Beer Review – 3 out of 10
• Reviews by ZP - 7 out of 10
• Steve’s Root Beer – 6 out of 10
• Kyle’s Root Beer Galacticus - B+
• Thirsty Dudes - 4 or 5 mugs

Thomas Kemper Small Batch (#10 - Rated 7.8 out of 12)

Since 1989, the Thomas Kemper Brewing Company, one of the Northwest's first Microbreweries, has held an annual Oktoberfest celebration at its brewery. Starting out as a small event, the Thomas Kemper Oktoberfest soon added thousands of extra people to Poulsbo, WA, each autumn. Andy Thomas and Will Kemper first brewed Thomas Kemper Soda as an alternative to Oktoberfest beer in 1990. 

The bottle reads, “One honey of a Root Beer.  This wonderfully rich and complex Root Beer was first brewed for our company, Oktoberfest, in 1990.  It quickly became such a hit that we invented Novemberfest.”

Click here for rating criteria and a table of all brews reviewed.

Ingredients: carbonated water, cane sugar, maltodextrin, honey, caramel color, natural flavor, sodium benzoate (for freshness), gum acacia, phosphoric acid, salt, and vanilla extract.

  

Nutrition information from the label (Per 12 0z):  

• 160 Calories  (13.75 per oz)
• 45mg Sodium.  (3.75 mg per oz)
• 40g sugar  (10%) of Daily Carbohydrates (3.75 g per oz)

Aroma and Flavor - Scores 2 out of 3 mugs (average of 3 aroma and 1 for flavor)

This brew has a very prominent and pleasing aroma.  Immediately, I believed I was about to enjoy a very creamy root beer.   I was slightly disappointed.  The body was a little soft with a dominating honey and fruit-like taste.  I sensed I was drinking a root beer-flavored juicy fruit gum beverage.  Just like Juicy Fruit gum, it is great for the first minute but dies off quickly,

Head - Scored 2.8 out of 3 mugs

When poured into a glass, the head is excellent, tall, and frothy. This is the highest-scoring part of the beverage!

Zip - Scores 1.5 out of 3 mugs

While this is a very flavorful root beer, it lacks bite and long-lasting enjoyment. Carbonation is marginal, and other than the honey and fruitiness, there is little to savor.

Post Consumption Impression - Scores 1.5 out of 3 mugs

The beverage starts with a bang, and I leave thinking that I just consumed a soda—nothing spectacular. I would drink it again, but that is if I had to choose between commercial brands like Barq’s or A&W, which does not say much.

Would I recommend this at 7.8 out of 12 mugs (5 out of 9 without head)?

I highly recommend this if you prefer a taste of honey and fruity root beer. I would not rush out to buy it, but I would not hesitate to enjoy it over any High-Fructose Corn Syrup option.

Other Reviews

• Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer –  3 of 5 barrels
• Anthony’s Root Beer Barrel – 91 out of 100

Capone (#9 - Rated 7.75 out of 12)

I decided to try the Capone Family Secret Root Beer today. Based on the name, it is easy to understand where it comes from Chicago. The bottle is very dark and has a vintage label. 

I tried to find some background and there is little on the web.  The only story I found was:

During the 1920's Capone's warehouses were raided by the police 137 times, eager to seize their inventory of illegal alcohol.  There were only a few items found on every single raid and it was not alcohol.  It was cases of the "Capone Family Secret" Soda.  After 80+ years the "Secret" Soda was finally made public, so families can enjoy great sodas, while experiencing a piece of history.

My first thought before I opened the bottle was that this secret family recipe is protected!  I imagined Vinnie Drucci, Bugs Moran, Hymie Weiss, and others either fighting for or protecting the secret.   I guess I should just open the bottle and get an idea of the Family Secret.

Ingredients: Carbonated Water, Sugar, Caramel Color, Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Natural Flavor, and Citric Acid

Nutrition information from the label (Per 12 0z):

• 180 Calories  (15 per oz)
• 30mg Sodium.  (2.5 mg per oz)
• 30g sugar  (10%) of Daily Carbohydrates (2.5 g per oz)

FOUND THE FIRST SECRET… Sugar of an unknown kind is listed.  Could be they listed it generically as it is “a secret”.

Click here for rating criteria and summary table of all root beers reviewed.

Aroma and Flavor - 2.0 out of 3 mugs

Upon opening, I was greeted by a cream-influenced scent with licorice and wintergreen. While this aroma is pleasing, it is not overpowering and is very balanced. After my first sip, I also felt a medicinal sense emanating from the bottle.

I have a really hard time describing the taste.  I had a sense at first it was biter, then that was not really true.  Carbonation is very low.  It leaves a cough syrup feel on my tongue.  I can’t place this or truthfully compare it with anything, as the flavor is VERY unique.  My tongue experienced a whirlwind of emotions (if a tongue can have emotions).  First a spicy light caramel flavor, then a punch of vanilla, then a unique wintergreen tingle, then dryness, then a sense of honey, followed by the desire for another drink due to the medicinal aftertaste.

This is the most difficult to score! One side gives it a 0.5 as it is so unique yet the unique flavor and aftertaste make it a 3.  Since I am more inclined to try it again, it scores a 2.0 out of 3 for aroma and flavor.   

Head - 1.5 out of 3 mugs

This has a nice head that is very short and goes in seconds. It is better to drink it from the bottle.

Zip - 2.0 out of 3 mugs

This bottle has very low carbonation. The zip is confusing at best but leaves you longing for another. Unlike any other root beer I have ever experienced, the zip is little at first but is the longest-lasting sensation of any beverage I have reviewed. There is no bite, although it goes down quite well.

Post Consumption Impression - 2.25 out of 3 mugs

The tongue feel from the “secret recipe” makes it hard to know what I am drinking.  Seems like several beverages at any stage of consumption.  One thing that is very unique is the dry feeling I had after drinking this root beer.  It left me thirsty, which could be the primary reason I desire more?  With my first taste, this was an average root beer at best.  As I drank more, I savored more.  This is a very balanced brew that is intended to be enjoyed slowly, like a fine, dry wine.

Would I recommend this at 7.75 out of 12 mugs (6.25 out of 9 without head)?

If you desire a beverage that you want to enjoy for an hour while conversing with friends, this is the one.  You will not drink 1,000 calories at the gathering, as you will sip this beverage, not drink it, to get the full enjoyment.  If you drink it quickly, do not waste your time.  

OTHER REVIEWS:
Handy Father - 3 of 5
Fear No Root Beer - 1 of 5
Eric's - 4 of 5
Cosmo's - 3 of 9
Anthony's - 87 of 100
Root Beer Reviews - A
Thirsty Dudes - 4 of 5