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

I know this is a twist of the Bob Seger song, but that song came to mind immediately upon picking up the bottle.

Unlike some sodas with a long history in many places on the web, Crater Lake was a mystery and a new player compared to others I have tested.  The best information is on their own website. I have very little unique info 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

When I opened the bottle, the aroma was pleasing.  It has a dash of fruit but no strong fruit taste.  I was anticipating a solid soda. 

At first sip, I was really disappointed. Then, a few seconds went by, and I desired a second sip. Because I did not have HFCS and low carbonation, I was not turned off by not being ready to rave either. It had a solid balance, yet I prefer great vanilla, and it lacked in that category. A stronger hint of vanilla would have made this a highly-rated beverage for aroma and flavor, although it lacks other qualities.

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

The root beer does not give me a sensation of pure enjoyment, but it is a root beer in this category. I wonder if sparkling water removed some of the zip but added to the aroma and flavor. This is a very low-carbonated beverage. It does have a slight citric acid taste that I prefer not to experience, although overall, the zip is slightly above average.

Post Consumption Impression -- 2 out of 3 mugs

There is nothing special here; it's just a balanced taste without HFCS. A little more carbonation and vanilla would increase the score to be at the top of the class.  The way it is, I would buy it again but not go out of the way to find it like a few others I have rated.

Would I recommend this at 7.5 out of 12 mugs?

I think this is a solid, middle-of-the-road root beer that you should try. I noted that the sodium content is higher than any other I have reviewed to date.  

I would not go out of my way to find this brew, but if it is available, try it and leave a comment on your thoughts.

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