GUS Root Beer - #72, 5.5 out of 12

Grown Up Soda (GUS) was started in 2003 by Steve Harsh and Jeannette Luoh (a former real estate lawyer).  The website states, “The founders and their friends were looking for something in a beverage, something not so sweet like everything else out there.” 

When the company Mr. Harsh worked for collapsed in 2001, the consumer packaged goods business veteran sought to return to the industry. After nine months of searching, he only landed one job interview. Frustrated and at loose ends, Mr. Hersh revived a childhood interest in selling his food product.  He always wanted hot sauce, yet 2003 he released 4 of the 11 flavors he and Ms. Luo created in their kitchen.

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

Ingredients: Purified sparkling water, cane sugar, birch oil and other natural flavors, caramel color (from sugar), quillaja, citric acid.

The label is crooked.

Nutrition 12 oz. serving (from the bottle)

98 Calories

10 mg Sodium.

24 g (8%) of Daily Carbohydrates

0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor –  1.0 out of 3 mugs

This is a lower-calorie soda that is stated to be “dry.”  I have seen the ingredient “quillaja” in my reviews of Boots Sarsaparilla and Tree Fort (both rated low), yet I am not sure I comprehend its use or taste. 

Upon opening it, I was surprised by the sweet aroma.  After the first drink, I understood that Mr. Harch might like this beverage. It was similar to the root beer stevia drops in seltzer water I have often used.  While it was alright, it was just nothing complex or memorable.  It was slightly medicinal, and is that the Quillaja?

Head – 2.5 out of 3 mugs  

The brew foamed up well and was slow to dissipate. It was very solid, and this appears to be the only strong positive in my review.

Zip – 1.0 out of 3 mugs

There is no notable flavor mix in the beverage. It is simple and smooth, yet the carbonation gives it zip, not much else. 

Post Consumption Impression – 1.0 out of 3 mugs

This is a good effort to achieve a low-calorie carbonated beverage, although it differs from one I would choose from a large number of beverages.   

 

Would I recommend this at 5.25 out of 12 mugs?

This is your beverage if you grew up with mineral water or seltzer in juice and desire it slightly higher in carbonation. If you are looking for a solid flavor mix that tantalizes your tongue, there are others I would suggest. While it scores 5.25 out of 12, if you remove the head score, this brew in in the bottom 10 on the list of reviews to date).

OTHER RATINGS

Derek Janiak – 0.1 out of 10 

Root Beer Reviews – D-

Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer 1.5 of 5 barrels