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.”
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
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