Bar Harbor Old Soaker - #89, 7.25 out of 12

This root beer was a gift from Leslie and Taylor Guillory, who discovered it during their honeymoon in Bar Harbor. The Atlantic Brewing Company in Bar Harbor, Maine, produces Old Soaker Root Beer. Initially known as the Acadia Brewing Company in 1990, it was located within the Lompoc Cafe in downtown Bar Harbor. However, the establishment's limited capacity, which permitted only one barrel of brewing at a time, necessitated relocation. A few years later, the increased demand necessitated a move two doors down from the restaurant, expanding the capacity to seven-barrel batches. In 1998, the company outgrew its previous facility and relocated to its current location, 27 years after its inception. The new facility occupies a 19th-century Maine farmstead and utilizes native vegetation and local stonework.

The company, which asserts that its root beer is a “Bar Harbor favorite and cult classic,” uses an antiquated recipe crafted with natural quillaja extract derived from the bark of the yucca plant. While quillaja has historically been associated with foam, it also imparts an undesirable aftertaste.

Click here for rating criteria information and a summary chart of root beers rated.

Ingredients:

Carbonated Water, Pure Cane Sugar, Natural Flavors, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate as a Preservative

  

Nutrition 12 oz. serving (from the bottle)

      NOT FOUND ON THE BOTTLE OR WEB

Aroma and Flavor – 1.5 out of 3 mugs

The bottle emitted a subtle aroma, leaving me uncertain about the beverage’s characteristics. Upon consuming the first sip, I encountered a deviation from my expectations. Although it is a root beer, the taste resembled a combination of Cherry Dr. Pepper and root beer. This sweet and creamy beverage is distinguished by its caramel and vanilla notes. However, there was an unusual taste, which I attribute to the quillaja.

Head – 2.5 out of 3 mugs

The head exhibits an average size, gradually dissipating and leaving a faint ring after several minutes. 

Zip – 1.75 out of 3 mugs

There is a slight zip and a slight spiciness to the finish.

Post Consumption Impression – 1.75 out of 3 mugs

In summary, I found the beverage enjoyable, but I would approach it differently from how others do. The quillaja aftertaste is causing the dryness in my mouth after each drink.

Would I recommend this at 7.25 out of 12 mugs?

If you appreciate a complex flavor profile that leaves a dry mouth with a subtle bitterness, this brew may be of interest to you. However, I found the brew enjoyable and would consider drinking it again if it were the best option available. 

OTHER REVIEWS

• Anthony's Root Beer Barrel  86 out of 100
• Eric's Gourmet Root Beer  3.5 of 5 barrels
• Steve’s Root Beer - 6.5 out of 10

Sparky’s - #88, 5 out of 12

The origins of Sparky’s Root Beer can be traced back to the 1980s when Kevin Knox, residing in Pacific Grove, California, embarked on a journey of home brewing. His passion for brewing led to the creation of numerous award-winning beers, both locally and nationally.

Driven by a desire to share his creations with friends and family, Knox ventured into the realm of soda production. After unsuccessful experiments with various flavors, he dedicated himself to perfecting a recipe for his childhood favorite, root beer. The process was arduous, involving numerous five-gallon batches and years of refinement.

Throughout this period, Sparky’s Root Beer was meticulously hand-bottled in the same 22-ounce bottles used for his beer, making it a thoughtful gift, particularly during the Christmas season.

Recognizing the potential of his creation, Knox sought encouragement from friends and family to introduce Sparky’s Root Beer to the public. On April 1, 2000, this brew made its debut at the annual Good Old Days Celebration in Pacific Grove, California.

To bring Sparky’s Root Beer to market, a small commercial kitchen was transformed into a root beer brewery. Initially, the plan was to produce Sparky’s exclusively on draft, in 5-gallon kegs, for distribution to restaurants, private parties, and other special events.

Today, Sparky’s Root Beer is available in bottles and distributed nationwide, allowing consumers to experience this beloved beverage.

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

Ingredients:

Carbonated Filtered Water, Pure Cane Sugar, Honey, Caramel Color, Natural and Imitation Flavorings, Spices, Sodium Benzoate as a Preservative, Phosphoric Acid, and Caramel Color.

Nutrition 12 oz. serving (from the bottle)

 160 Calories

 45 mg Sodium.

 42g ( %) of Daily Carbohydrates

 0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor – 1 out of 3 mugs

Upon opening, the aroma was reminiscent of cough syrup or excessively fermented beverages. I have long pondered whether soda can indeed expire. I intend to try this again, similar to Sassy Lil’lass, which I sampled three times and found highly unpalatable. The taste profile featured pronounced birch, wintergreen, and honey flavors that did not align with my personal preferences. Birch flavor is not particularly appealing to me.

Head – 1 out of 3 mugs

The head was relatively small, and what appeared was gone just as quickly. 

Zip – 2 out of 3 mugs

The carbonation level was relatively low, and the flavor profile was an intriguing blend. While the individual flavors did not fully satisfy my expectations, the overall combination and effervescence were commendable.

Post Consumption Impression – 1 out of 3 mugs

If I require a different bottle, I will attempt this again. However, I was hesitant due to this experience, as it was not enjoyable at all.

Would I recommend this at 5 out of 12 mugs?

If you enjoy birch flavor and high sweetness, I recommend trying it. While it should receive a total score of 4, the zip was unique and prominent, which did not align with my personal preference.

OTHER REVIEWS

• Anthony’s Root Beer Barrel – 95 out of 100
• Brad’s Brew Review – 10 out of 10
• Cosmo’s Root Beer Review – 2 out of 10
• Eat Like No One Else – 4 of 5 stars
• Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer – 4 of 5 barrels
• Kyle’s Root Beer Galacticus C+
• Root Beer Respect – 6 of 10
• Reviews for the rest of us – B+
• Saw-Whet Root Beer – 9 out of 10
• Steve’s Root Beer – 8 out of 10
• The Root Beer Review – 1 of 10
• Thirsty Dudes – 5 out of 5
• 5 Star Soda – 4 of 5 stars

Death Valley - #87 - 7 out of 12

Death Valley Root Beer is brewed by Indian Wells Brewing Company, headquartered in Inyokern, California, and owned by Master Brewer Rick Lovett. The company and its location have been in the same family for three generations, and the historic Indian Wells Spring holds a rich history.

Initially established as a U.S. Army Cavalry outpost in the 1860s, the site transitioned into a freight and stagecoach station until the turn of the 20th century. From 1900 to 1920, it served as a healing water resort, a base for the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Women’s Voluntary Service (WWSS) in the 1930s, and a doctor’s office in the 1950s. In 1960, it became a restaurant called Indian Wells Lodge.

The Indian Wells Lodge Restaurant has gradually expanded from its modest 1,000-square-foot building to its current 6,500-square-foot location. In 1995, Indian Wells Brewing Co. was established within one of the restaurant’s rooms. By 1997, the company’s beverages had gained popularity, necessitating expansion into the 10,000-square-foot building.

All sodas produced by Indian Wells are crafted using pure artisan spring water sourced from the historic Indian Wells Spring (California Historical Marker #457). The brewery takes pride in stating that the artisan spring water imparts a clean and pure taste to their sodas. An artisan spring is characterized by water that naturally flows and bubbles to the surface. The company has access to a spring originating in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Geologists posit that melted water from Mount Whitney snowpacks flows through an underground river and emerges at Indian Wells Spring. At Indian Wells Brewing, the water is captured below the surface and, due to its altitude, can be gravity-fed to their brewing operation. No man-made power is utilized for the water’s transportation.

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

Ingredients:

Indian Wells Artisan Spring Water, Cane Sugar, Caramel Color, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Real Vanilla, and Citric Acid.

Nutrition 12 oz. serving (from the bottle)

180 Calories

25 mg Sodium.

45 g (15%) of Daily Carbohydrates

0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor – 1.75 out of 3 mugs

The beverage exudes a medicinal aroma, characterized by a prominent licorice scent and a subtle hint of wintergreen. Upon initial consumption, the licorice flavor intensified. A distinct, earthy aftertaste remains, which I am unable to identify. Despite the ingredient listing “Real Vanilla,” I detected minimal or no vanilla flavor. 

Head – 2.0 out of 3 mugs

The head is frothy yet not overly foamy.  It took minutes to dissipate. 

Zip – 1.5 out of 3 mugs

In contrast, the flavors are straightforward, and the medium carbonation made it difficult to rate this category. It possesses a complex yet simple nature. Consequently, I am inclined to assign a rating of 1.5.

Post Consumption Impression – 1.75 out of 3 mugs

This beverage presents an intriguing and enjoyable experience. Its flavor profile is reminiscent of traditional root beer candy, with a peculiar, slightly bitter aftertaste. This duality of taste, encompassing both positive and negative aspects, adds to its unique appeal.  

Would I recommend this at 7 out of 12 mugs?

This beverage presents a paradoxical experience. While the initial sip is enjoyable, the subsequent aftertaste is unpleasant. I recommend sampling a single bottle before committing to a six-pack purchase. 

OTHER REVIEWS

Anthony's Root Beer Barrel – 77 out of 100

Cosmo's Root Beer Review – 4 out of 10

Eric's Gourmet Root Beer – 2.5 of 5 barrels

Root Beer Respect – 7 of 10

Reviews for the rest of us – C

Saw-Whet Root Beer – 9 out of 10

Steve's Root Beer – 7 out of 10

Thirsty Dudes – 4 out of 5

Bulldog - #86, 9.25 out of 12

It has been quite some time since I completed a review, nearly three months in fact. There is a valid reason for this delay. I was hospitalized due to deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and anemia. Over a month after my discharge, I continue to experience lingering issues.

Before my hospitalization, I meticulously prepared a Microsoft Word file containing links to the brew and basic information for each. This approach ensures that my review remains focused on the essential details, rather than the extraneous information I tend to include initially. Notably, this brew has received an exceptional rating of 10 out of 10 from numerous individuals and has been highly regarded by all. This positive reception undoubtedly generates anticipation.

The slogan “Unleash the Taste” is bold and assertive. The label further emphasizes this message by featuring real bulldogs, appropriately named Barley (male) and Hops (female). These dogs reside in Fresno, California. The website provides a comprehensive history of the brand.

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

Ingredients:

Carbonated Water, Cane Sugar, Honey, Maltodextrin, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Sodium Benzoate, Real Vanilla, Phosphoric Acid, and Salt.

Nutrition 12 oz. serving (from the bottle)

160 Calories

45 mg Sodium.

41 g (14 %) of Daily Carbohydrates

0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and flavor – 2.5 out of 3 mugs

Prior to opening the bottle, I observed that this was the first beverage I had encountered that utilized three distinct sweeteners: Cane Sugar, Honey, and Maltodextrin, and listed “Salt” as an ingredient. Upon opening the bottle, I discerned that the beverage was predominantly root beer, with a strong vanilla flavor, as evidenced by the initial sip. Given my personal preference for vanilla, I anticipated enjoying this brew. However, the sweetness level was notably high. This assessment is elevated due to the vanilla flavor, which I find particularly appealing.

Head – 2.5 out of 3 mugs

The head is exceptionally tall, adorned with delicate bubbles. It gradually dissipates, yet completely vanishes within approximately 90 seconds. An outstanding head.

Zip – 2.25 out of 3 mugs

The honey and vanilla flavors are well-balanced and do not overpower the brew. However, a slight sticky sensation was present, which may not be preferred by everyone. The carbonation was moderate, and the overall score was slightly lower due to the flavors' delicate yet slightly overpowering sweetness.

Post Consumption Impression – 2.5 out of 3 mugs

The brew was a lot like Henry Weinhardt's without the excessive foam. I really loved the flavor (strong vanilla), yet the salt and sugar were also highly noticeable.

Would I recommend this at 9.25 out of 12 mugs?

Indeed, it is a highly-rated beverage, albeit with a slight deviation in my personal preference due to its sweetness. Conversely, it received high marks for its vanilla flavor. If I had a preference against vanilla, I would deduct two points from the full range. Additionally, I found it significantly more enjoyable when served over ice and slightly diluted by the ice. 

OTHER REVIEWS

Anthony's Root Beer Barrel – 96 out of 100 

Brad's Brew Review – 10 out of 10

Cosmo's Root Beer Review – 4 out of 10

Eric's Gourmet Root Beer – 4.5 of 5 barrels

Root Beer Respect – 9 of 10

Root Beer Review.com – 5 of 10

Reviews for the rest of us – A

Saw-Whet Root Beer – 10 out of 10

Soda Jerks - Love 

Soda Pop Reviews – 9.55 of 10

Steve's Root Beer – 8 out of 10

Thirsty Dudes – 4 out of 5

Derek Janiak – 7.4 out of 10