Dang! - #78, 5.5 out of 12

This beverage is produced by Imperial Flavors, a family-owned and operated enterprise based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, since 1964. The company was founded by Jack Pettigrew in 1964. Their primary product line consists of juice concentrates that are distributed to bars and restaurants, as well as sodas. The information I have gathered suggests that Pettigrew initially developed an A&W-inspired root beer formula and made modifications to it. At one point, he expressed his satisfaction with the result, stating, “Dang! That’s good.” This led to the creation of the beverage we know today. The most successful product in their lineup is their butterscotch root beer. For further information, I recommend reading an insightful article published in the Milwaukee Journal.

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

Ingredients:

Carbonated water, sugar, natural and artificial flavors, caramel color, citric acid, and sodium benzoate (a preservative)

Nutrition 12 oz. serving (from the bottle)

120 Calories

40 mg Sodium.

32 g (11%) of Daily Carbohydrates

0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor – 1.5 out of 3 mugs

This beverage exudes a rich and sweet aroma, subtly infused with a hint of vanilla. Upon tasting, it presents a smooth yet exceptionally sweet brew, reminiscent of commercial root beer. However, it is noteworthy that this beverage may contain a significant amount of sodium or sugar. It is characterized by its plain, low-carbonated nature, accompanied by a slight syrupy sensation. 

Head – 1 out of 3 mugs

The head was below average with little remnant. 

Zip – 1.5 out of 3 mugs

The beverage has lower carbonation. The flavors blend harmoniously, although I am consuming a mildly sweetened mixture of other flavors.

Post Consumption Impression – 1.5 out of 3 mugs

Due to its excessive sweetness, I found it challenging to consume the entire bottle.

Would I recommend this at 5.5 out of 12 mugs?

It is a middle-of-the-road brew that most will enjoy and few will hate. Give it a try.

OTHER REVIEWS

Cosmo’s Root Beer Review – 7 out of 10

Root Beer Reviews – C

Root Beer Rundown – 89 of 100

Root Beer Blog – 5 out of 10

The Soda Jerks - A

Earp’s Sarsaparilla - #77, 8.75 out of 12

This Washington State brew, produced by Orca Beverages, features a bottle illustration of a gunfighter holding a smoking gun. The figure is shown with a slight leftward turn of the head, exuding a menacing expression. Does this visual representation suggest a profound and intense brew? The bottle’s label reads, “After a hard day of gunfightin’, nothing beats a real sarsaparilla.” 

The company website states:

“The ultimate retro-soda and right out of the “Old West.” If you listen just close enough to the fizz of an open Earp’s Sarsaparilla, you might be able to hear the clanking of spurs, hissing of a rattlesnake, and perhaps even the sound of a stagecoach, all from a time lost to legend, and folklore.  One thing that has not been lost is the Original Earp’s Sarsaparilla. Full of bite and brass, just like in the days of the Wild West, nothing quenches a dry mouth like the rich, velvety taste of this true American Classic. To this day, Earp’s Sarsaparilla had no equal. And, you can get some for your saddle bag, shipped directly to your front door.”

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

Ingredients:

Carbonated water, pure cane sugar, natural and artificial flavors, phosphoric acid, caramel color, and sodium benzoate (a preservative).

Nutrition 12 oz. serving (from the bottle)

160 Calories

50 mg Sodium.

42 g (15%) of Daily Carbohydrates

0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor – 2.25 out of 3 mugs

Upon opening, the beverage emitted a distinct earthy aroma, subtly infused with licorice and mint. Initially, the scent was unconventional, but it gradually evolved into a pleasing experience. The first sip revealed a smooth, creamy concoction with a subtle mint aftertaste that lingers. While not unpleasant, the beverage possesses a unique taste that evokes a faint hint of smoke, if that analogy is appropriate.

Head –1 out of 3 mugs  

This brew provides minimal head. 

Zip – 2.75 out of 3 mugs  

This product boasts an exceptional level of spiciness, a distinctive spice blend, and a robust, earthy flavor profile. While it is nearly flawless, it is worth noting that the sodium content is relatively high.

Post Consumption Impression – 2.5 out of 3 mugs  

While I appreciated the flavor of the brew, it was high in sodium content. This may have contributed to the sensation of thirst I experienced after consuming it.

Would I recommend this at 8.75 out of 12 mugs?

The score is misleading. The head of the beer significantly reduces its overall quality. Based solely on taste, it ranks 7th out of 77 brews. I recommend trying it unless you are averse to the earthy flavors in your beverage.

OTHER REVIEWS

Anthony’s Root Beer Barrel – 81 out of 100

Root Beer Respect – 7 of 10

Saw-Whet Root Beer – 10 out of 10

Soda Jerks - A

Steve’s Root Beer – 6 out of 10

Thirsty Dudes – 3 out of 5

5 Star Soda – 3 stars

Natural Brew - #76 reviewed, 7 out of 12

Born in the summer of 1994, this brew was specifically formulated to fulfill consumers’ demand for a high-quality, carbonated beverage. Employing traditional microbrewing techniques, it effectively extracts the robust flavor of all key ingredients. Crafted in limited batches, the ingredients harmonize to create a full-bodied, rich flavor profile devoid of artificial additives or preservatives. The root beer is purportedly composed of a rich amalgamation of vanilla, anise, sarsaparilla, licorice root, birch, and other flavorings.

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

Ingredients:

Sparkling filtered water, evaporated cane juice, natural flavors, bourbon vanilla extract, anise, sarsaparilla, licorice root, birch oil, wintergreen oil, caramel color, and phosphoric acid.

Nutrition 12 oz. serving (from the bottle)

170 Calories

10 mg Sodium.

43 g (14%) of Daily Carbohydrates

0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor – 2 out of 3 mugs

The aroma is subtle, and the initial sip was quite impressive. However, this gradually led to confusion. The beverage contained notes of vanilla, licorice, wintergreen, possibly birch, and a hint of honey. It was challenging to categorize this beverage as root beer, as it lacked Coca-Cola's lime flavor. There is a distinct earthy aftertaste.

Head – 1.25 out of 3 mugs

A relatively large head that gradually dissipated.

Zip – 2 out of 3 mugs

This beverage is rich and full-bodied, with flavors slightly muted by the higher carbonation. 

Post Consumption Impression – 1.75 out of 3 mugs

While I found the product enjoyable, I did not find it particularly captivating. As I consumed more of it, my interest waned. Despite this, the product boasts delightful flavors, seemingly derived from a Coke base.

Would I recommend this at 7 out of 12 mugs?

If you seek a robust cola, this beverage is highly recommended. However, if you prefer a root beer, this brew is less appealing. While I would consider purchasing this product again, I am pretty selective in my beverage choices.

OTHER REVIEWS

Anthony’s Root Beer Barrel – 68 out of 100

Cosmo’s Root Beer Review – 5 out of 10

Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer – 2 of 5 barrels

Handy Father - 3 of 5

Root Beer Blog – 2 of 10

Root Beer Review.com – 7.6 of 10

Reviews for the rest of us – D

Reviews by ZP – 5 of 10

Steve’s Root Beer – 3 out of 10

Thirsty Dudes – 4 out of 5

Dachshunds III - #75, 10.3 out of 12

I hope #75 is a good one. I have tasted this before and recall it being enjoyable. I hope it does not let me down.

According to the website, the history is quoted below: 

One day, with some prompting and pressure from my soon-to-be wife, I got a dog (preferably a dachshund since that is what the wife desired). I had never had a dog but decided to take a chance. I found the first III Dachshunds in an animal shelter in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. Her name was Lillie. One month later, we got a second little one, seeing how much joy the first had brought us. In comes Otto – that little rascal of a boy. Another month goes by, and we hear about a little girl named Sophie who is in a dachshund rescue in Illinois – the poor thing was found as a stray, and we found ourselves unable to say no for the third time.

So, the trifecta was now complete! Lillie, Otto, and Sophie are the complete inspirations for this company. After having the dogs for about a year, I realized how many similarities there were between the dachshund and beer, such as in terms of names. For example, our dogs have the “smooth red” coat or there’s a “black and tan” coat, what great names for beer! From that point on, a complete explosion of ideas resulted in this beer company.  

They have a cute logo!

That was interesting to me!  Funny how little things can change a life?

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

Ingredients: Triple Filtered Carbonated Water, Sugar, Caramel Color, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Maltodextrin, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate as a Preservative

Nutrition 12 oz. serving (from the bottle)

120 Calories

14 mg Sodium.

45g (15%) of Daily Carbohydrates

0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor – 2.6 out of 3 mugs

Upon opening, a subtle yet pleasant aroma emanated from the beverage. The initial taste was jubilant, but the aftertaste was slightly heavy with caramel. While enjoyable, it could deter some individuals from consuming the beverage. The beverage's texture is exceptionally creamy and smooth.

Head – 2.8 out of 3 mugs

The head of the beverage is quite substantial. Initially, it appeared almost excessive, but it gradually diminished to an acceptable level before I could savor my first sip. To date, I have only encountered Henry Weinhard’s product with a more pronounced head.

Zip – 2.5 out of 3 mugs

The beverage presents a harmonious blend of carbonation, flavors, and sweetness. I have previously utilized Maltodextrin in my brewing endeavors, and this addition proved to be a valuable enhancement. For those unfamiliar with its application, Maltodextrin is commonly employed in the brewing process of beer. Its presence elevates the product’s gravity, which is believed to contribute to a more enjoyable mouthfeel, enhance head retention, and mitigate the beverage's dryness.

Post Consumption Impression – 2.5 out of 3 mugs

The brew is quite enjoyable. However, I slightly reduced its score due to the pronounced caramel flavor, which nearly resulted in excessive sweetness. Despite its relatively high sugar content, it ranks 68th out of 75 tested beverages in terms of calories per ounce.

 

Would I recommend this at 10.3 out of 12 mugs?

If you are not a fan of caramel, I would not recommend this beverage. However, if you are seeking an enjoyable brew suitable for various occasions, this is one of my highly rated brews, particularly because it contains 1/3rd fewer calories than many other beverages I have consumed. 

OTHER RATINGS

Cosmo’s Root Beer Review – 6 out of 10

Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer 4 of 5 barrels

Saw-Whet Root Beer – 8 out of 10

Root Beer Rundown – 94 out of 100

Thirsty Dudes - 4 out of 5

The Soda Jerks - A

Root Beer reviews – 6 out of 10

Anthony’s Root Beer Barrel 73 out of 100

Oogave - #74, 5 out of 12

The beverage is certified organic, free from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), gluten-free, kosher, and vegan. It contains only 100 calories per bottle. The Rocky Mountain Soda Company produces this beverage. I previously evaluated Rocky Mountain root beer and found it to be in the middle of the pack. This beverage is marketed as unique for using agave as a sweetener. Agave is a plant native to Mexico that has been utilized as a sweetener and a binding agent for cereal. Organic certification is more accessible because it requires minimal water and cultivation. Agave is a slow-growing plant that takes up to seven years to harvest.

Agave has four major edible parts: the leaves, flowers, stalks, and pineapple, known as the pina. The sap extracted from the pina, known as aguamiel or “honey water,” is used to make organic agave nectar for the soda. It will be intriguing to experiment with alternative sweeteners beyond sugar.

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

Ingredients: 

Triple-filtered carbonated water, organic agave nectar, citric acid, natural flavors, and organic Caramel for color.

Nutrition 12 oz. serving (from the bottle)

100 Calories

0 mg Sodium.

25g (7%) of Daily Carbohydrates

0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor – 1.25 out of 3 mugs

The beverage presents a strong wintergreen aroma with a subtle hint of vanilla. Upon initial sip, it delivers a relatively dry sensation, devoid of any smoothness or creaminess. The sweetness is peculiar, likely attributed to the use of Agave sweeteners, which I have not encountered before (or at least that I can recall). Consequently, the dry and slightly bitter aftertaste rendered it an unappealing beverage for a second sip.

.

Head – 1.0 out of 3 mugs

The head was minimal and dissipated within seconds. The generated head was a substantial bubble containing a significant amount of air.

Zip – 1.25 out of 3 mugs

The flavor profile is straightforward. I presume the Agave was the reason for its distinctiveness. This beverage is marketed as certified organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, kosher, and vegan. Typically, these certifications also imply a simple taste. 

Post Consumption Impression – 1.5 out of 3 mugs  

I did not love it or hate it.  It is low-calorie and has a low-calorie taste.  In fact, it reminded me of the beverage Tab (saccharin) from the 1970s.

 

Would I recommend this at 5 out of 12 mugs?

Although I did not dislike this beverage, I would hesitate to purchase it again. If it were the sole available option on the shelf and I were thirsty, I would choose it. This is because I am aware of the brew's quality and characteristics.

OTHER RATINGS

Cosmo’s Root Beer Review – 3 out of 10

Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer 2 of 5 barrels

Saw-Whet Root Beer – 6 out of 10

Thirsty Dudes - 3 out of 5

Root Beer Respect – 3 of 10

Anthony’s Root Beer Barrel 75 out of 100

Cicero Beverage Co Salted Caramel - #73, 6.0 out of 12

Cicero Beverage Co., headquartered in Chicago, has garnered significant attention due to its certification as a Women-Owned Business. This distinction has piqued the interest of my girlfriend, who appreciates the company’s commitment to gender equality.

Despite its prominence, the company’s history remains relatively obscure. This may be attributed to the fact that women, unlike men, often refrain from publicly showcasing their achievements.

Cicero Beverage Co. is also renowned for its Capone, a distinctive beverage that has received mixed reviews. A web search revealed that the company’s journey to creating this unique root beer began when it sought to identify the most flavorful root beer. After sampling a delectable caramel candy, the company conceived the idea of Salted Caramel Root Beer, which has since become a popular choice among consumers.

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

Ingredients:  

Carbonated Water, Sugar, Caramel Color, Natural & Artificial Flavor, Salt (Sodium Chloride), Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), and Citric Acid.

Nutrition 12 oz. serving (from the bottle)

180 Calories

130 mg Sodium.

45 g (15%) of Daily Carbohydrates

 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor – 1.5 out of 3 mugs

Upon opening, the beverage emitted a distinct caramel aroma. This is one of the most aromatic beverages I have encountered. Initially, the sweetness overwhelmed me, evoking the image of a large batch of caramels being melted and carbonated before being consumed. A hint of vanilla is also discernible. Furthermore, I immediately recognized the high sodium content of this drink, which exceeded my tolerance.  Of the over 70 brews I have reviewed, only one, Sky Valley Organic, had a higher sodium level (rated 3.25 out of 12), while all but three were significantly lower.

Head – 1.0 out of 3 mugs

While there was a head, it was small and uneventful. 

Zip – 2.0 out of 3 mugs

This product scored higher in the zip rating, not due to its complexity, but rather for its intense caramel and salt flavor profile. While these aspects may not be considered highly desirable, the zip rating is still acknowledged.

Post Consumption Impression – 1.5 out of 3 mugs

The beverage’s sweetness is excessive. While it may appeal to those who enjoy caramel and salt, I rate it 1.5 out of 3.

Would I recommend this at 6.0 out of 12 mugs.

This dessert is a delectable choice for an intense and indulgent caramel experience. However, it may be excessive if you intend to accompany it with a beverage, such as beer or a cocktail, or if you plan to engage in a stimulating conversation. Therefore, it is advisable to consider your personal preferences before attempting this dessert. While I find it difficult to dislike, I prefer a serving size of approximately 6 ounces.

OTHER RATINGS

Five Star Soda – 4 out of 5 stars

Soda Jerks - A

Root Beer Reviews by CP – 4 out of 10

Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer – 4 of 5 barrels

Saw-Whet Root Beer – 10 out of 10

Steve’s Root Beer – 1.5 out of 10

Thirsty Dudes – 3 out of 5

Anthony’s Root Beer Barrel – 94 out of 100

Derek Janiak – 7.2 out of 10