Foxon Park Root Beer (#48 tested - Rated 7.5 out of 12)

In 1922, in East Haven, Connecticut, an Italian imagen, Matteo Naclerio, started Foxen Park.  The name comes from the street Mr. Naclerio lived on when he originated the business.  It was primarily a home delivery service.  The company never sold, just passed from generation to generation.

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

Ingredients: Carbonated Water, Sugar, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Caramel Color, and Sodium Benzoate Preservative.

Nutrition 12 oz serving (from the bottle)

130 Calories

75 mg Sodium.

35g (12%) of Daily Carbohydrates

0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor – 2.25 out of 3 mugs

Right out of the bottle, the aroma is very good—it has a Barq’s aroma. I noted that this is the lowest-calorie drink I have tested to date. With 130 calories in 12 ounces, it is one of the lowest I have tested. The others were Red Ribbon, Bawls, and Sassy Lil Lass. All are rated in the lower half of my reviews.

The first sip was refreshing.  I enjoyed the beverage, although it was not smooth.  The caramel flavor is noticed.  The ingredients list very few flavors, but there is no way there are many ingredients in the “natural and artificial” flavors listed on the bottle.  The beverage did have a slight aftertaste, which decreased the overall enjoyment. 

Head – 1.5 out of 3 mugs

There is a head with very large bubbles that last a short time.  After 30 seconds, you would never know there was a head on the brew.      

Zip – 1.75 out of 3 mugs

I assume the zip is primarily sodium.  Only Henry Leonhard’s Draught Style had equal sodium.  It is a shame as the beverage has a tantalizing appeal, and I again attribute it to its high sodium content.

Post Consumption Impression – 2.0 out of 3 mugs

This is a good beverage with a meal.  Because of the aftertaste, I would not suggest this beverage for a social activity.

 

Would I recommend this at 7.5 out of 12 mugs?

Sure, not with the greatest enthusiasm. The low calories are a plus, as this is a very sweet drink. 

OTHER RATINGS

Root Beer Respect 6 out of 10

Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer 3 out of 5 barrels

Brad’s Brew Review 6.5 out of 10

Mason’s Keg Brewed (#47 - rated 6.25 out of 12)

This is an Atlanta, Georgia brew that Mason and Mason, Inc. originated in Chicago in 1947.  By 1970, it was produced by Falsetto, who also made Dr. Wells.  In 1975, PepsiCo Inc. exercised a hostile takeover.  Fortunately, the Federal Trade Commission believed Pepsi owned too many flavors and forced it to sell some of its brands.  In 1978, Monarch Beverage Company bought the brand.  They also made Dad’s Root Beer and Mason’s.  It is sold in limited markets today.

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

Ingredients: carbonated water, sugar, caramel color, sodium benzoate (to preserve), citric acid, natural and artificial flavors

Nutrition 12 oz serving (from the bottle)

160 Calories

50 mg Sodium.

40g (13%) of Daily Carbohydrates

0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor – 1.5 out of 3 mugs

 At first sniff, it seems like a commercial root beer.  Hard to explain, but a little fake?  The first taste is enjoyable but tastes chemically based.  I can’t describe that either.  It just does not have a solid mix of flavors.  A slight cherry hint makes me think this is a cola version of a shrilly temple.  I did not taste any caramel at all!

Head – 1.75 out of 3 mugs

The head is large, and the first part dissipates quickly. The last ½ inches last longer than average.    

Zip – 1.25 out of 3 mugs

The only zip is if the carbonation is slightly larger than the average.  This would be a flat, lightly flavored sugar water if not for the carbonation.  I like a smooth mix of flavors, which does not meet that desire.

Post Consumption Impression – 1.75 out of 3 mugs

This is a good brew, although it is not at the top of the heap either. I would drink it if one of my favorites were not available. I almost believe I am drinking a dad’s slightly flat root beer.

 

Would I recommend this at 6.25 out of 12 mugs?

Mason’s Root Beer is worth a try, but I would not go out of my way to find the beverage.

OTHER RATINGS

Cosmo’s Root Beer – 6 out of 10 caps

Vintage Soda – 4 out of 5 stars

Root Beer Reviews – Grade C

Handy Father – 3 out of 5

Anthony’s Root Beer Barrel – 71 out of 100

Fireman's Brew (#46 - rated 8.4 out of 12)

In December of 2000, two firemen, Rob and Ed, started their own beverage company, Fireman's Brew.  They sat on a hillside extinguishing a brush fire above the Glendale Mountains.  They desired a brew to quench their dry mouths.  These two hail from the Los Angeles area and proceeded to make beer and root beer.  A portion of their proceeds is donated to "The Fallen Firefighters Foundation," which is located in Emmetsburg, Maryland.  The tagline is “Extinguish your thirst”.

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

Ingredients: Artesian spring water, pure cane sugar, caramel color, natural flavors, and citric acid.

Nutrition 12 oz serving (from the bottle)

180 Calories

25 mg Sodium.

45g (15%) of Daily Carbohydrates

0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor – 2.2 out of 3 mugs

When opened, the immediate aroma is primarily wintergreen with a licorice accent. These two are not my favorite combinations, so I am disappointed. I was not, although it was not one of the best, as I like more caramel and vanilla (only a slight hint). It is a generic and middle-of-the-road root beer that should appeal to many people. 

Head – 1.8 out of 3 mugs

The head was average and took a while to fully dissipate. The bubbles were larger than average, yet they were not thick enough to be noticed when drinking the beverage.

Zip – 2.1 out of 3 mugs

The carbonation is medium, not too strong.  Nice blend. Does the zip come from sodium?  I also have difficulty getting all the flavors, as I know they are there, but the carbonation dominates the mild flavor mix.

Post Consumption Impression – 2.3 out of 3 mugs

This is a good beverage that many will enjoy, but it is hard to believe it is anyone's favorite go-to root beer.

Would I recommend this at 8.4 out of 12 mugs?

I recommend you try the beverage. You will find it satisfying. It does not want you to crave it, but it certainly fills the root beer spot. Like they say, extinguish your thirst.

Other reviews:

Root Beer Reviews B-

Cosmo’s Root Beer Reviews 7 out of 10

Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer 3.5 out of 5

Brad’s Brew Review 8.5 out of 10

Anthony’s Root Beer Barrel 90 out of 100