Lost Trail Sarsaparilla (#17 - Rated 10.3 out of 12)

Today, I purchased Lost Trail Sarsaparilla. Lost Trail also produces root beer. The distinction was the immediate, subtle activity that occurred above my shoulders.

Sarsaparilla is commonly used in all root beer recipes and is enhanced with various flavors, including live honey, maple syrup, cinnamon, clove, licorice, vanilla, and wintergreen. At higher concentrations, Sarsaparilla is employed for treating psoriasis and other skin conditions, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and kidney disease. It is also utilized to increase urination, thereby reducing fluid retention, and to enhance sweating. Additionally, Sarsaparilla is used in conjunction with conventional medications for treating leprosy and syphilis. Athletes occasionally utilize Sarsaparilla as a steroid for performance enhancement or bodybuilding. Mexican and Honduran Sarsaparillas are employed in the treatment of gonorrhea, fevers, and digestive disorders.

Lost Trail is a company for which I am unable to obtain extensive information. I generally prefer to learn a bit of history to comprehend the beverage’s formulation process, but limited information is available. The website displays four employees and is situated in Louisburg, Kansas. They produce snacks, dips, and soda.

Click here for the rating criteria and a summary table of all the root beers tested.

Ingredients: 

Carbonated Water, Cane Sugar, Natural and Artificial flavors, Caramel Color, Benzoate of Soda (as a preservative), and Citric Acid

Nutrition (from the bottle)

Calories  150

 7 mg Sodium.

 37 g (13%) of Daily Carbohydrates

 37 g Sugar

0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor – 2.9 out of 3 mugs

Upon opening, the beverage exudes a subtle aroma. Unlike many root beers I have sampled, it lacks prominent flavors. Upon consumption, the experience is exceptional. The absence of a dominant flavor allows for a smooth and enjoyable taste. While it does not feature the vanilla I typically favor, the caramel is faint yet present. However, I have reduced its carbonation to 0.1 as I prefer a slightly higher level of fizz.

Head – 2.5 out of 3 mugs

In accordance with my preferences, this product is satisfactory. While I do not favor excessive foam, I do not want it to completely dissipate. The head here is smaller, yet it remains, with a small portion persisting significantly longer. The transition could be slightly extended.

Zip -- 2 out of 3 mugs

In this category, the beverage falls short. It lacks a refreshing burst of flavor and a harmonious blend of tastes. Regrettably, I had to deduct points from this smooth beverage. A slight enhancement in carbonation would significantly improve its score. 

Post Consumption Impression – 2.9 out of 3 mugs

This beverage has surpassed my expectations. It offers a simple yet flavorful experience with minimal carbonation. While it may not provide a wide range of flavors, its smoothness is highly commendable. 

Would I recommend this at 10.3 out of 12 mugs?

Indeed, I would recommend this root beer. While it may not be my preferred beverage, it stands out as a top contender. Occasionally, I prefer root beers with higher carbonation and more complex flavors. However, when seeking a straightforward and enjoyable root beer (excluding Sarsaparilla), this product meets my criteria. It is the highest-scoring root beer without HFCS among the 17 I have evaluated. I encourage you to try it and share your thoughts in the comments section. 

Other Reviews

• Steve's Root Beer Journal - 9 out of 10
• Root Beer Reviews - A-

Crater Lake (#16 - Rated 7.5 out of 12)

Upon consuming the beverage, a familiar melody from Bob Seger’s song immediately came to mind.

Unlike some sodas with extensive histories in various online communities, Crater Lake presented itself as an enigma and a newcomer in comparison to others I have evaluated. The most comprehensive information is available on their official website. I have limited unique insights to share.

Click here for the rating criteria and a table of all the root beers tested.

Ingredients: 

Sparkling Water, Pure Cane Sugar, Caramel Color, Natural and Artificial flavors, Sodium Benzoate and Citric Acid.

Nutrition for 12 oz (from the bottle) 

• Calories 160
•  Mg Sodium 60
•  41g (14%) of Daily Carbohydrates
• 41g Sugar
• NO Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor – 2.5 out of 3 mugs

Upon opening the bottle, the aroma was initially appealing. It possessed a subtle fruity note, but the overall fruit flavor was not pronounced. I had anticipated a robust soda experience.

However, upon the first sip, I was met with disappointment. Nevertheless, after a brief pause, I found myself craving another sip. The absence of HFCS and low carbonation did not deter me from enjoying the beverage, as I was not expecting an overly sweet or fizzy taste. The beverage struck a solid balance, but I personally prefer a stronger vanilla flavor. A more pronounced vanilla note would have elevated this beverage to a highly-rated status in terms of aroma and flavor, despite its other shortcomings.

Head – 1.25 out of 3 mugs

Well, it is below average, and little there was disappearing fast. 

Zip – 1.75 out of 3 mugs

Although root beer does not provide me with a pure sense of enjoyment, it falls within the category of root beer. I am curious to know if sparkling water diminished the effervescence but enhanced the aroma and flavor profile. This beverage has a low carbonation level. It does possess a subtle citric acid taste that I find unpleasant, although the overall effervescence is slightly above average.

Post Consumption Impression -- 2 out of 3 mugs

This beverage lacks any distinctive qualities; it offers a balanced taste without the presence of HFCS. Enhancing the carbonation and vanilla flavor would elevate its rating to the pinnacle of its class. Nevertheless, I would purchase it again, but I would not make a special effort to find it, unlike a few other beverages I have rated.

Would I recommend this at 7.5 out of 12 mugs?

In my opinion, this root beer is a satisfactory, average-quality beverage that I recommend trying. Notably, its sodium content surpasses that of any other root beer I have reviewed to date.

While I would not make a special effort to seek out this brew, I encourage you to try it if it is available and share your thoughts in a comment.

OTHER REVIEWS

Anthony's 90 out of 100
Eric's Gourmet Root Beer 2 of 5
Rob's Root Beer Review 8 of 10
Saw Whet 9 of 10

Gene Autry (#15 - Rated 8.5 out of 12)

Despite my current busy schedule, I have finally found the time to review a product. Tonight, while listening to a City Council meeting, I decided to focus on Gene Autry.

Rocket Fizz is the manufacturer of this and various other sodas. I have Rocket Fizz Root Beer Float and Judge Wopner’s Root Beer in my collection of products to review. Rocket Fizz is primarily recognized for its extensive candy line, which reportedly includes over 4,000 varieties. However, they also offer a unique selection of sodas. A web search revealed that they have produced over 500 different soda varieties throughout their history, not all of which are directly associated with the Rocket Fizz parent company.

For instance, they produce Lester’s Fixins soda, which offers Bacon Soda, Buffalo Wings Soda, Sweet Corn Soda, Coffee Soda, and Ranch Dressing Soda. Similarly, Melba’s Fixings includes Key Lime Pie Soda, Apple Pie Soda, Sweet Tea Soda, Peaches and Cream Soda, and Strawberries and Cream Soda. Notably, they have also created a Sugar Ray Leonard Root Beer.

Click here for the rating criteria and a summary table of all the root beers tested.

Ingredients: 

Carbonated Water, Cane Sugar, Caramel Color, Natural Flavor, Real Vanilla and Citric Acid.  (What is Natural Flavor?)

Nutrition (from the 12 oz bottle)

 180 Calories

 25 mg Sodium.

 45 g (15%) of Daily Carbohydrates

 45 g Sugar

 0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor -- 2 out of  3 mugs

Prior to opening the bottle, I had high expectations that no High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) was used. The sweetener is cane sugar, and the flavor profile is constructed using natural flavors and genuine vanilla. However, they had a Caramel Color and appeared to lack caramel flavor. Could you please clarify what natural flavors are? If not, please provide more detailed information.

Upon opening the bottle, the vanilla and wintergreen flavors became immediately apparent. The aroma was significantly more pronounced than the flavor. The wintergreen was harsh, and the citric acid resulted in a slightly unpleasant sensation in the mouth. The body is very light and mild. 

Head – 2 out of 3 mugs

This root beer exhibited a moderate level of foaminess, but it dissipated relatively swiftly. Its distinctiveness may be attributed to the citric acid content, which differs from the benzoates commonly used in similar beverages.   

Zip -- 2 out of 3 mugs

The bite from the wintergreen, a deep licorice, and herbs is excellent if you enjoy that type of bite. I prefer a better balance with a touch more sweetness and vanilla. It is undoubtedly above average, yet I slightly lowered my score for my personal taste. 

Post Consumption Impression – 2.5 out of 3 mugs

The Aftertaste is a wintergreen-flavored beverage with a hint of vanilla that lingers on the palate. It is actually a superior drink when consumed in a more deliberate manner rather than gulping down. Sipping the beverage alters the overall taste and sensory experience compared to drinking it quickly or gulping it down. I rate this drink higher due to its unique flavor and long-lasting impression, which I find intriguing. However, if you are a fan of wintergreen and licorice, this beverage may be a suitable choice for you.

Would I recommend this at 8.5 out of 12 mugs?

In this blog post, I express my personal fondness for root beer, firmly believing it to be the quintessential American beverage, distinct from beer. The mere act of listening to Gene Autry’s rendition of “Back in the Saddle Again” while savoring a glass of root beer evokes a profound sense of American identity. Furthermore, the simplicity and purity of its ingredients make it an appealing choice, even if it may not align with my personal preferences. Consequently, I am inclined to purchase it again.