Towne Club Root Beer (#45 - Rated 8.0 out of 12)

This is a brand from Michigan made with real cane sugar. It originated in 1960 as a low-cost alternative to the main brands. While once a thriving business, it has dwindled, and many articles assume it will phase out entirely in time. 

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

Ingredients: Carbonated Water, Pure Cane Sugar, Caramel Color, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Sodium Benzoate (preservative), Citric Acid, and Phosphoric Acid.

Nutrition 16 oz serving (from the bottle)

180 Calories

40 mg Sodium.

50g (18%) of Daily Carbohydrates

0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor – 2.2 out of 3 mugs

There is minimal aroma upon opening the screw top.  Yes, that is right, a screw top. 

At first taste, I believed this was a pleasant taste, but it was nothing special.  Much like Ramblin Root Beer with a sweet mid-range body.  It is sweet, that is for sure.  The flavor is hard to match, which gives it a higher score. 

Head – 1.4 out of 3 mugs

The head is small, with very fine bubbles that dissipate slowly. After 30 seconds, there was little or no remnant.

Zip – 2.1 out of 3 mugs

The overall carbonation and flavor are pleasing, but nothing great. This is not intended to be a fine brew, but an above-average commercial cane sugar brew.

Post Consumption Impression – 2.3 out of 3 mugs

This is a commercial-style beverage that I would purchase again. It would be good on a hot summer day when you just want a refreshing beverage or with a bratwurst. However, in my opinion, root beer is not a social drink.

Would I recommend this at 8.0 out of 12 mugs?

The more I consumed, the more I liked the beverage.  Not enough to raise the score, but again, if you grilled some bratwursts and it is a hot day, grab a Towne Club and round out a great meal!

Other Reviews

Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer 3 of 5 barrels

Saw-Whet Root Beers 5 out of 10

Anthony’s Root Beer Barrel 83 out of 100

Dublin Texas Root Beer (#44 - Rated 10.2 out of 12)

Dublin Bottling Works originated in 1891, but before that, in Waco, Texas, Wade Morrison’s Old Corner Drug Store pharmacist Charles Alderton realized customers loved the smell of the soda fountain. He invented a drink named Dr Pepper.  Eventually, Bill Kloster, who operated on instinct, made Dr Pepper a top 10 producer in per capita consumption.  The media called him “Mr. Dr Pepper.” 

At one time, economics encouraged using other sweeteners to replace pure cane sugar in exchange for less expensive corn sweeteners. Bill refuses to admit that some Dr. Pepper plants did this. That was against Mr. Kloster's high standards for a beverage.  

Bill was always at the Dr Pepper plant. In 1995, his wife of 54 years passed.  Bill died suddenly on Sept. 27, 1999, after a full day at the bottling plant.  History says they still use quality beverages over economics today.  Yet Dr. Pepper is no longer in their product line. 

See YouTube videos about the history here: https://youtu.be/MPhXUv139mc, https://youtu.be/4asknRNmhHQ, and https://youtu.be/k64-Il4xvTw.

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

Ingredients: Carbonated water, pure cane sugar, caramel color, natural and artificial flavors, sodium benzoate (preserves freshness), phosphoric acid, citric acid.

Nutrition 12 oz serving (from the bottle)

160 Calories

30 mg Sodium.

42g (14%) of Daily Carbohydrates

0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor – 2.8 out of 3 mugs

The initial aroma is sweet root beer with a slight wintergreen hint. Overall, I was anxious to try this brew upon opening. At the first sip, I immediately thought lovers of Dr. Pepper would like this brew. It was a smooth, creamy beverage with a hint of caramel and a slight licorice flavor. I really enjoyed the beverage!

Head – 2.4 out of 3 mugs

The head is golden and frothy.  It dissipated average speed to be totally eliminated.

Zip – 2.5 out of 3 mugs

The carbonation gives this most of the zip. The blend of spices is notable and similar to those typically found in the most common root beers. While this scored slightly higher, it is a typical root beer zip.

Post Consumption Impression – 2.5 out of 3 mugs

The carbonization and sodium are a little high for my overall enjoyment, yet I really rated this high. I enjoyed it more after each drink, and when I was finished, I looked to see if a second bottle was hidden in the refrigerator. No luck. Oh well, I will not hesitate to purchase this again.

 

Would I recommend this at 10.2 out of 12 mugs?

Try the beverage.  While I enjoyed the beverage, it was also very commercial root 

beer with similar carbonization and flavor.  Although they did it using pure cane sugar.

Other Reviews

Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer 3 of 5 barrels

Cosmos Root Beer Review 5 of 10 caps

Robs Root Beer Review 8 out of 10

The Root Beer Garden C-

Anthony’s Root Beer Barrel 82 out of 100

NORKA, Akron backwards! (#43)

Based in Akron, Ohio, and founded by Jacob Paquin in 1924.  Jacob desired a handcrafted sparkling beverage. After prohibition, it was common for breweries to switch to producing soft drinks.  As part of the competition, Paquin a factory called NORKA.  A man after my own heart when you play with words.  For example, when I drove through Nebraska and saw all these ads for the Aksarben facilities, I also went down a road and saw a U R A Bus car.  See the twist?  The vehicle is Subaru.  Norka is the hometown of Akron, spelled backward!

During peak production, NORKA has 24,000 bottles a day!  NORKA shut down operations in 1962, capping off nearly 40 years of soft drink history. 

Last year, Michael Considine, an Akron native, revived the brand.  They produce a Gluten—and caffeine-free drink that is also low in sodium.

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

Ingredients: Carbonated water, Cane Sugar, Natural Flavor, Caramel Color, Lactic Acid, Potassium Sorbate (Preserves freshness), Sodium Benzoate (Preserves freshness).

Nutrition 12 oz serving (from the bottle)

170 Calories

15 mg Sodium.

45g (15%) of Daily Carbohydrates

0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor – 2.75 out of 3 mugs

This had a light aroma. There was nothing notable, and I was unsure what to expect. At First sip, I thought this was great. Then I found an odd aftertaste—almost a bitter aftertaste. Then I wondered what that outstanding beverage I enjoyed, and I had another sip. I went through the same process. It is creamy and smooth with a bold vanilla flavor, unlike a cream soda vanilla. Overall, it is pretty nice!

Head – 2.5 out of 3 mugs

The head was very foamy and dissipated quickly.  I like the balance.

Zip – 2.5 out of 3 mugs

This unique blend does not have the same impression at first sip, during the drink, or long after.  Carbonation is very balanced.  It has a sharpness that many could easily dislike, yet I enjoyed it.

Post Consumption Impression – 2.5 out of 3 mugs

This was a love-hate root beer that had more love than hate.  It leaves you wanting more and thinking, “What did I just drink”?   For me, it rates high.  Be curious about what others think.

 

Would I recommend this at 10.3 out of 12 mugs?

YES, I WOULD!  I will look for this again.  Of the 45 root beers I reviewed, this is in the top 5!

Other Reviews

Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer 3 of 5 barrels

Anthony’s Root Beer Barrel 74 out of 100

Saw Whet Root Beers 8 out of 10

Brad’s Brew Review 8.5 out of 10

Meyers Avenue Red Root Beer (#42)

Not a root beer!  That is all you need to read, but if you want more information, keep reading.

It took me longer than it should have to find information on this beverage.  Even the website for the maker failed to load (www.cripplecreekbrewing.com).  I found the name was trademarked in 2011 by Michael Lynn and then abandoned in 2012.   

The root beer store has a long history, but it seems exaggerated.  Other reviews claim this was an excellent beverage that changed recipes and destroyed this.  One went so far as to compare ingredients on two bottles (older and new), and they were different, yet the company claimed no change.  Very odd history and information. 

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

Ingredients: Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Caramel Color, Natural And Artificial Flavors, Phosphoric Acid, Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Potassium Sorbate and Molasses.

Nutrition 12 oz serving (from the bottle)

180 Calories

15 mg Sodium.

45g (15%) of Daily Carbohydrates

0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor – 1.25 out of 3 mugs (Docked 0.5 for HFCS)

First, the lid almost fell off! There was very little seal, and it smelled sour and sappy! I was not looking forward to the first drink. When poured, the color was very light—almost like cream soda. 

The aroma is overpowering, and the taste is slightly fruity yet sour. There was an aftertaste that was not to my liking. As noted, I could sense a cinnamon accent and the molasses. Overall, the flavors are unique but need to blend better. This is more of a unique soda than a root beer. There is absolutely no taste to sense I was drinking a root beer. 

Head – 2.25 out of 3 mugs

This brew has an outstanding head. However, the head's dissipation was almost a downfall, as it was better to drink after the head dissipated.  That decreases the score slightly.

Zip – 1.25 out of 3 mugs

The carbonation is low. The unique spice blend has no root beer flavor. 

Post Consumption Impression – 1.0 out of 3 mugs

This was a unique beverage, but not a root beer. You could put root beer on a Coca-Cola and iced tea blend and get the same result—it might even taste a little better!

 

Would I recommend this at 5.75 out of 12 mugs?

This may be for you if you want a unique soda without any root beer taste. However, the very low carbonation and sour smell were too much for me, and I will certainly pass on any future opportunities for the beverage.

Other reviews

Root Beer Reviews Grade F

Cosmo’s Root Beer Reviews  7 out of 10

Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer 1.5 of 5 barrels

Stark Raving Root Beer 2 of 5

Thirsty Dudes 4 out of 5 bottles

Saw Whet Root Beers  10 out of 10

Brad’s Brew Review 9 out of 10

Jack Black's Dead Red (#41 - Rated 9.0 out of 12)

The third time available in 420 Years? Really? I was not sure what to expect. I prepared the hyperlinks at the bottom first and saw the scores all over the place. Does it appear to be a love/hate relationship with root beer?

The presentation is a brown glass bottle with a wacky cartoon pirate and two swords on the dark label.   The cap reads, “Once you’ve Jacked Black, you’ll never go back.  Better dead red and just plain dead”.  The overall presentation is a little goofy!

Jack Black's Dead Red Root Beer is caffeinated.  The ingredients mimic an energy drink with Brazilian guarana, herbs, extracts, and finally, sweetened with cane sugar.

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

Ingredients: Carbonated Water, Cane Sugar, Caramel Color, Caffeine, Brazilian Guarana, Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Phosphoric Acid, African Capsicum, Natural And Artificial Flavors, Red #40.

Nutrition 12 oz serving (from the bottle)

I scoured the web for 15 minutes and no nutrition is provided on the bottle or the web.  It stated I should call the 1-800 number for nutrition.  When I called, it was a non-working number.

Aroma and Flavor – 2.5 out of 3 mugs

Once opened, the anise, horehound, and vanilla are noted. It was quite pleasant and inviting! The blend was a little medicinal. The first sip found a sweet and creamy vanilla with other traditional root beer flavors. This is to my liking. You get the intense guarana and other spices bite by the second drink. The longer I enjoyed the beverage, the greater the medicinal flavor was noted.

Head – 2.25 out of 3 mugs

The head is frothy but small.  It took well over a minute to fully dissipate.

Zip – 2.0 out of 3 mugs

The carbonation is lower than expected.  A very good blend of spices makes this a unique and enjoyable brew.

Post Consumption Impression – 2.25 out of 3 mugs

 This is a solid brew, but be cautious if you are caffeine-sensitive.  Without 30 minutes of drinking the brew, I felt the effects.   

 

Would I recommend this at 9.0 out of 12 mugs?

I understand why other reviews showed a Love/Hate.  This is a unique brew that I enjoyed.  If the push of vanilla cream are not your preference, this is not for you!  

This is not a brew I would enjoy with a meal.  It is unique and I would prefer this a social drink.  In that setting, I rate this highly.  For that reason, it scores higher.  A score of 9 ties it with four others that score 9 (out of 41 tested).

Other Reviews

The Soda Jerks – No Score

Root Beer Reviews – Rated “D”

Root Beer Respect -  7 out of 10

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

Cosmo’s Root Beer Reviews -  6 out of 10

Anthony’s Root Beer Barrel 57 out of 100

Rob’s Root Beer Review – 6 out of 10

Brad’s Brew Review – 8.5 out of 10

Saw-Whet root beers – 9 out of 10

Steve’s Root Beer Journal – 5.5 out of 10