Pop Shoppe (#31 - Rated 5.75 out of 12)

The Pop Shoppe originated in 1969 in Canada, London, Ontario, to be more precise. The goal was not to be overly commercial and to enter the retail market in non-traditional ways. Eventually, the demand was such that Pop Shoppe sold 30 different flavors throughout North America. 

By 1980, sales were weakened from off-brand competition and closed in 1983.   Since that time, some small soft drink bottlers in the U.S. have sold pop using some of the millions of bottles and cases left abandoned by the closure

By 2004, many of the original flavors returned.  In 2012, The Pop Shoppe announced they replaced corn syrup with cane sugar in all their beverages.  This is a plus for me!   The bottle I consumed stated it was bottled in Las Angeles, California.

See more information at http://www.thepopshoppe.com/about/.

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

Ingredients: Water, Cane Sugar, Caramel Color, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate (preservative), Propylene Glycol, Natural and Artificial Flavor, and Phosphoric Acid.

Nutrition 12 oz serving (from the bottle)

180 Calories

20 mg Sodium.

46g (15%) of Daily Carbohydrates

0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor – 1.5 out of 3 mugs

The aroma was a mix of unidentifiable scents.  At first drink, there is a creamy sensation with a slight fruity taste. Juicy Fruit gum is more potent than that kind of flavor.  It was not really what I would call a root beer.  It was a cross between a stale barq’s and Dr. Pepper.  While there is a faint overall root beer taste, the aftertaste is more of a bad Coke. 

Head – 1.5 out of 3 mugs

The head is frothy with very fine bubbles.  It reduced quickly to a small amount around the rim, which stayed long.  Based on my follow-up (Web search), is the propylene glycol the difference?

Zip – 1.25 out of 3 mugs

Zip is very minimal, as I can’t determine what the flavor mix is for this beverage. The odd aftertaste was a real deterrent. It almost has a chemical taste with lower carbonation.    

Post Consumption Impression – 1.5 out of 3 mugs

This is a soda. I don't know what kind it is, but as a variety of flavors, I found no common root, vanilla, or caramel flavor.  

Would I recommend this at 5.75 out of 12 mugs?

It is worth a try, but I will pass on it unless there are a few options.

Other Reviews

Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer – 3.5 of 5

Root Beer Reviews  B-
Alliray Review 2.5 out of 5

Dorothy's Isle of Pines (#30 - Rated 5.0 out of 12)

Dorothy Molter, who lives just outside Ely, Minnesota, originated this brew.  Being from North Dakota, I fondly heard of the “Root Beer Lady” years ago but never visited her location.  However, several years ago, someone brought me a bottle of her root beer (before she passed on), and I liked it.  It was not the best, but it had a unique flavor that was not overly street. 

Looking at the bottle, I immediately realized this would not be the same.  Since Dorothy passed, it appears they commercialized the beverage and filled it with High Fructose Corn Syrup and other artificial ingredients.  WHAT A SHAME! 

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

Ingredients: Water, Sugar and High Fructose Corn Sweetener, Natural and Artificial Flavor, Caramel Color, Sodium Benzoate (preservative), Citric Acid, Acacia and Quillaia Extract

Nutrition 12 oz serving (from the bottle)

160 Calories

18 mg Sodium.

46g (15%) of Daily Carbohydrates

0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor – 1.5 out of 3 mugs

Upon opening the bottle, I noticed a commercial root beer aroma, much like Barq’s.  The first sip was mixed between enjoyment and disappointment.  There was such a strange aftertaste.  I recalled having this taste in the past.  After searching, I realized it was the Acacia, also in Big Bens, which scored 4 of 12.  Just as I was mixed on my positive impression of Big Bens, I am also mixed on this brew.  Just left me confused more than disappointed or excited.

Head – 1 out of 3 mugs

 The head was not noteworthy!  It disappeared in less than 15 seconds, and you had no clue there was ever a head, even at the rim.  This may be a great root beer for a float?

Zip – 1.0 out of 3 mugs

There is nothing special or unique about a spice blend or carbonation.  It is actually the lower end of carbonation, which I prefer.  At best, the Acacia is the only notable spice.  Even the stated caramel flavor is faint.

Post Consumption Impression – 1.5 out of 3 mugs

This was a root beer with nothing special. It is a shame that whoever bought the rights to the brew used HFCS, which alone altered the taste. 

Would I recommend this at 5.0 out of 12 mugs?

While I recommend you try it, I suggest doing so with the purchase of a single bottle.  You may find you are going to miss the rest of a six-pack.

Other reviews

Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer – 2 of 5

Root Beer Reviews  C+

Cosmo’s  4 of 10 IBC’s

Thirsty Dudes 3 of 5