Baumeister (#40 - rated 8.5 out of 12)

The story goes that this brew originated in 1907. The website quotes, “It is still made today with that same local tradition and care.” Only it originated with artesian water, and I bet it did not use High Fructose Corn Syrup. So they may make it similar, but the ingredients changed, I would think.

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

Ingredients:  Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup and/or Sugar, Caramel Color, Artificial and Natural Flavors, Citric Acid, and Gum Acacia, and Preserved with Sodium Benzoate

Nutrition 12 oz serving (from the bottle)

170 Calories

45 mg Sodium.

43g (19%) of Daily Carbohydrates

0 mg Caffeine

5% Iron

Aroma and Flavor – 1.75 out of 3 mugs (Docked 0.5 for HFCS use)

The initial opening aroma is ordinary.   It almost has a cinnamon aroma with a slight hint of winter green.  The first sip verified my thoughts.  I sensed cinnamon, wintergreen, and a little licorice.  There was no noted vanilla flavor, which I enjoyed!  It did have a nice overall flavor that was mixed well.  There is a slight aftertaste I cannot place, but it is not pleasing to me.

Head – 2.2 out of 3 mugs

The head was very nice and frothy, although it dissipated fully within 30 seconds. 

Zip – 2.25 out of 3 mugs

The brew has a slightly above-medium level of carbonation.  I wonder if the high sodium content provides the sensation of more bite than the beverage deserves.    This is a solid balance between carbonation and flavor

Post Consumption Impression – 2.25 out of 3 mugs

This is interesting.  Therefore, it scores slightly higher than I normally provide for the brew.  It is unique and has enough variety in the flavor mix to leave most with a good impression.  I said good, not great!

 

Would I recommend this at 8.25 out of 12 mugs?

This brew may be perfect for a hot summer BBQ gathering. The strong mix of flavors makes it perfect with the right food. However, I would not select it for drinking without the meal.

OTHER RATINGS

Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer 3.5 out of 5 barrels

Cosmo’s Root Beer reviews 5 out of 10

Root Beer Reviews Graded B

Root Beer Rundown 82 out of 100

Thirsty Dudes 4 out of 5 bottles

Wild Spur Sarsaparilla (#39 - Rated 10.4 out of 12)

This is a first. A beverage with no history or background on the web. The bottle just mentions the distribution company out of Chicago. In fact, I am not even sure where I bought it. It could be from my girlfriend's daughter, as she purchased a sample pack from Christmas.  

In my search, I only found nutritional information from “My Fitness Pal.” It has a higher sodium content and 5 percent daily Iron. That is a first. With so little background, right to the review! (Click here for information on the rating criteria and a table of all the root beer tested or to be tested.)

Ingredients: Carbonated Water, Cane Sugar, Caramel Color, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, and Natural and Artificial flavors.

Nutrition 12 oz serving (from the bottle)

180 Calories

45 mg Sodium.

42g (19%) of Daily Carbohydrates

0 mg Caffeine

5% Iron

Aroma and Flavor – 2.75 out of 3 mugs

The aroma is root beer at its best.   The first sip was good.  A rich sarsaparilla flavor with noted caramel.  If you prefer more than just caramel, this is not for you.  The only thing that could make it better, for me, is a hint of vanilla.  There are no wintergreen or molasses flavors, which I do not mind, but this is better without those added flavors.

Head – 2.5 out of 3 mugs

The head was fast but slow to dissipate.  They are really fine bubbles.  After 30 seconds, a small amount of head remains.

Zip – 2.4 out of 3 mugs

The beverage has a solid balance. The carbonization is lower in the middle, although I think the sodium provides a higher sense of zip.

Post Consumption Impression – 2.75 out of 3 mugs

While I am sure many will not enjoy this beverage, it is to my liking.  I like intense root beer with caramel and vanilla.  As previously stated, the vanilla is not noted, but it is still a great beverage!

 

Would I recommend this at 10.4 out of 12 mugs?

I suggest you give it a try. It is smooth and refreshing—one of a kind! The only issue is where to purchase this beverage. Please tell me if you find it!

Other Reviews

• No reviews found

Empire (#38 - Rated 6.0 out of 12)

When I see the name "Empire" I think of flooring.  All those ridiculous commercials you can never forget.  The catch line "Call 800-588-2300, Empire Today".  But this is a soda, not flooring.

If this has been around since 1930, it still has yet to make it to mainstream media?  Nothing on the history of this maker could be found on the Internet.  They have a facebook page but really lacks in any information.  It says they are the exclusive distributor for the beverage, made on Rhode Island.  Beverages Direct reads, “The Company has been family owned and run since its founding in 1930 and has endeared itself to several generations of Rhode Island residents”.

It is time to get a root beer review started!  (Click here for information on the rating criteria and a table of all the root beer tested or to be tested.)

Ingredients: Natural Artesian Spring Water, Cane Sugar, Natural and Artificial flavor extracts, Citric Acid and Sodium Benzoate.

Nutrition 12 oz serving (from the bottle)

170 Calories

35 mg Sodium.

45g (19%) of Daily Carbohydrates

0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor – 1.75 out of 3 mugs

The aroma is nice, a little rooty.  This root beer has a very strong and dark flavor.  The Sassafras and licorice dominate with a slight hint of wintergreen.  There are no caramel overtones, and some other spices I can’t identify.  The aftertaste is a sticky wintergreen and licorice flavor that lingers for quite some time.

Head – 0.75 out of 3 mugs  

The head was fast and small.  Not much more to say about nothing.

Zip – 1.75 out of 3 mugs  

The beverage has very low carbonation.  This is consistent with the other beverages made from artesian spring water.  The mix of flavors is more odd than pleasing

Post Consumption Impression – 1.75 out of 3 mugs  

While it is not the worst root beer I have enjoyed (I'm trying to be nice), it is far from the best.   

 

Would I recommend this at 6.0 out of 12 mugs?

I would not recommend this root beer to anyone who likes heavy carbonation, vanilla or caramel, as it will be to flat and flavor that are not to you liking.  If you like a woody taste and a slight sense of high quality dirt, this may be for you.

Other Reviews

Cosmo’s Root Beer Reviews -  3 out of 10

Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer – 2.5 barrels out of 5

Anthony’s Root Beer Barrel 93 out of 100

Root Beer Respect -  5 out of 10

The Soda Jerks – “A”

Rob’s Root Beer Review – 6 out of 10

Penny Frosted - cute marketing (#37 - Rated 8.0 out of 12)

Penny Cola Company originated in 2013 in California. The website has a short history statement: “Penny Cola was created in 2013 by some of us tired of drinking corn. Enough Said.” It's Short and to the point, I guess. Unlike others, they have a funky YouTube video.

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

Ingredients: Carbonated Water, Cane Sugar, Caramel Color, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate and natural flavors.

Nutrition 12 oz serving (from the bottle)

150 Calories

45 mg Sodium.

45g (19%) of Daily Carbohydrates

0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor – 2.25 out of 3 mugs

Upon reading the label, I saw a relatively high sodium count. I was expecting a sharp taste from sodium. My first aroma sensation was a little medicinal, so I had less-than-high hopes. Then I took my first sip. It was nothing like I expected. It had a nice array of flavors blended to confuse me about what I was drinking. There was a clear sassafras and sodium aftertaste, almost a little much.

Head – 1.0 out of 3 mugs

The head rated at 1.00 is almost excessive.  It had large foam, yet it took less than 10 seconds to totally disappear from sight.

Zip – 2.25 out of 3 mugs

There is a tantalizing mix of flavors. Unfortunately, the sodium content is higher than many I have tasted. Hints of wintergreen and vanilla are present, with a strong sassafras aftertaste.

Post Consumption Impression – 2.25 out of 3 mugs

This was well-rounded. It's not the best, but I assume it will finish in the top 25 once I finish the 100 root beers in the pile.   

 

Would I recommend this at 8.0 out of 12 mugs?

It is worth a try as nothing is outstanding yet nothing terrible.

Other reviews

Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer – 3 of 5 barrels

Brads Brew Review – 9 out of 10