Serenity Brothers Root Beer Vanilla Bean #93 - 2.5 out of 12

To provide a comprehensive understanding of the history, I require assistance in locating additional information. The product appears to have been manufactured by Blue Sun Soda, located in Spring Lake Park, Minnesota. It is reasonable to assume that Blue Sun Soda was founded by Mark Lazarchic, who is also credited with creating the flavors.

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

Ingredients:

Filtered Carbonated Water, Sugar, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Sodium Bicarbonate, and Citric Acid

Nutrition 12 oz. serving (from the bottle)

180 Calories

90 mg Sodium.

43 g ( %) of Daily Carbohydrates

0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor – 1 out of 3 mugs

Upon opening, it is evident that this beverage is vanilla bean-flavored. The aroma of root beer is minimal. Initially, the sweetness and vanilla flavors dominate the drink, making it more enjoyable when sipped slowly. This beverage may be a suitable choice for a float, provided there is more ice cream than beverage. While my initial rating was lower, the vanilla flavor was indeed flavorful.

Head – 0 out of 3 mugs  

The head was non-existent.  There was no indication of any foam when poured.

Zip – 1 out of 3 mugs  

The only zip is vanilla bean and only a little else.  

Post Consumption Impression – 0.5 out of 3 mugs  

I would not choose this as a beverage over most of the beverages I tested. 

Would I recommend this at 2.5 out of 12 mugs (2.5 out of 9 mugs without head)?

This beverage is composed solely of sugar and vanilla. If these ingredients are your preferred flavor profile, I would recommend it. However, it is important to note that this beverage has the third-highest sodium content among the root beers I have evaluated. Only Sky Valky Organic and Cicero Salted Caramel had higher sodium levels.

OTHER REVIEWS

Soda Guide Review

Root Beer Journal –  8.5 out of 10

Maine Root Sarsaparilla - #92, 9.9 out of 12

 Maine Root Company was founded when Mark Seiler’s younger brother, Matt, graduated from the Landing School of Boatbuilding and Design in Kennebunk, Maine. As a boat builder and former fishing guide, Mark assisted a friend, Bobby Morgan, in constructing the oven at Flatbread Pizza Company, a wood-fired organic pizza restaurant in Portland, Maine. The restaurant’s menu featured natural and organic ingredients but lacked natural beverages to complement them. Recognizing this gap, the Seilers embarked on a project to develop root beer recipes using their homebrewing equipment. Remarkably, they achieved higher sales of root beer than of Coca-Cola during the first summer. The positive reception and subsequent orders prompted Mark to resign from his software sales position to expand their distribution efforts.

Distribution commenced in Scarborough, Maine, at Higgins Beach Brewing Company's surf shack, using a lobster pot to transport hand-packed cases from a Volkswagen Jetta modified to run on used vegetable oil. While all bottled products are manufactured at the brewery in Portland, Maine, the kegs are produced in Austin. Austin also houses the soda fountain syrup operation.

Maine Root employs Fair Trade Certified Organic Evaporated Cane Juice as a sweetener for its sodas. The sweetness is achieved by passing the entire sugar cane through a series of rollers, followed by drying the extract into crystals without any additional processing or additives. Organic Evaporated Cane Juice sweeteners are derived from the initial carbohydrate of photosynthesis, sucrose. The company asserts that the resulting product offers superior taste. Furthermore, being organic, it is believed to be beneficial for consumers, farmers, and the environment. 

 

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

 

Ingredients: Carbonated pure water, organic fair trade–certified cane juice, and spices.

 

Nutrition 12 oz. serving (from the bottle)

 

145 Calories

35 mg Sodium.
35g (11%) of Daily Carbohydrates

0 mg Caffeine

 

Aroma and Flavor – 2.8 out of 3 mugs 

 

Upon opening the bottle, I was immediately struck by the distinct aroma of solid root beer. Unlike other brews that may feature cloves, wintergreen, or licorice notes, this particular beverage stands out for its unique scent.

Although I have not yet had the opportunity to review Maine Root Beer, it has consistently ranked among my all-time favorites. The brewery emphasizes the use of high-quality ingredients, including FAIR TRADE CERTIFIED ORGANIC SUGAR, to ensure that the flavor of each extract is fully realized.

Surprisingly, despite the strong root beer aroma, the beverage exhibits a color that falls between 7-UP and Ginger Ale, almost resembling a clear liquid. It possesses a smooth texture with minimal to no creamy undertones. A subtle ginger aftertaste lingers, which I personally find enjoyable, given my fondness for ginger.        

 

Head – 2 out of 3 mugs

 

The head of the beverage gradually diminished, leaving behind a smaller head that persisted for a few more minutes. The glass showed foam remnants on its side after several sips. 

 

Zip – 2.4 out of 3 mugs

 

This beverage is not a commercially available multiple-flavor bold brew. It is smooth without being creamy. I prefer my beverages to be low in sweetness. This beverage is well-balanced, but I would prefer it with less sugar.

 

Post Consumption Impression – 2.7 out of 3 mugs

 

This beverage may not be suitable for individuals who prefer complex recipes with higher carbonation. It is notable for its low ingredient count, the weakest among the beverages I have reviewed to date. Additionally, it boasts a remarkably smooth texture. While it can be enjoyed as a standalone beverage, it also serves as an ideal accompaniment to a meal.

  

Would I recommend this at 9.9 out of 12 mugs?

 

Upon reviewing my ratings, I find that Sarsaparilla Brews is my preferred beverage. I highly recommend purchasing a six-pack. However, this may not suit individuals who prefer a more robust root flavor with additional dominant notes, such as wintergreen or anise. 

 

OTHER RATINGS

Anthony’s Root Beer Barrel – 89 out of 100

Rob’s Root Beer Reviews – 6 of 10

Soda Jerks - A

Thirsty Dudes – 5 out of 5     

Serenity Root Beet & Vanilla Bean - #91 , 5 out of 12 mugs

This is a series of sodas produced by Blue Sun Soda in Minnesota. Serenity Sodas offer a selection of six flavors, including Lime and Coconut, Orange and Cinnamon, Pineapple and Cream, Raspberry and Basil, Root Beer and Vanilla Bean, and Strawberry and Rhubarb. The website asserts that each bottle is meticulously handcrafted with a harmonious blend of flavors and genuine sugar to achieve optimal taste. With each sip, consumers are purported to experience a profound sense of relaxation and tranquility, effectively alleviating the stresses of daily life.

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

Ingredients:

Filtered Carbonated Water, Sugar, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Artificial Color, Sodium Benzoate, and Citric Acid 

 

Nutrition 12 oz. serving (from the bottle)

 

 Calories 180

 90 mg Sodium.

 43g ( 16%) of Daily Carbohydrates

0 mg Caffeine

 

Aroma and Flavor – 1.25 out of 3 mugs 

 

From the outset, this beverage is a cream soda. Its aroma and flavor exhibit minimal, if any, root beer characteristics. Notably, this brew possesses the third-highest sodium content among the 91 root beers I evaluated.

 

Head – 0.75 out of 3 mugs   

 

The head was nearly non-existent.  Within seconds, there was no remnant to see.   

 

Zip – 1.5 out of 3 mugs   

 

 The carbonation is low, and the vanilla and sugar are high.  

 

Post Consumption Impression – 1.5 out of 3 mugs

This beverage is exceptionally sweet and vanilla-flavored. I found traditional root beer to be lacking in flavor. While I enjoy vanilla cream, the excessive sweetness and sodium content were not to my liking. The high sodium content of 90 mg is readily apparent.

Would I recommend this at 5 out of 12 mugs (4.25 out of 9 mugs without head)?

 

If you are a connoisseur of sweet vanilla cream soda, I highly recommend adding this product to your inventory. For those seeking a harmonious blend of vanilla and root beer, simply combine it with your preferred strong root beer to create a well-balanced beverage. 

 

OTHER REVIEWS

Cosmo’s Root Beer Review – 6 out of 10

Steve’s Root Beer – 8.5 out of 10 

Time to get back

Following several arduous years in a highly detrimental work environment, I have decided to retire. The transition from this challenging situation has been arduous, and it has taken nearly two months for me to regain a sense of well-being.

As a retiree, I now have the opportunity to engage in activities that bring me joy, such as reviewing my preferred beverage, root beer. I will continue to utilize the same criteria and synopsis data as outlined in the provided link (and below).

My criteria are as follows:

1. Aroma and Flavor
2. Head
3. Zip
4. Post Consumption Impression.  

Each variable will be assigned a score ranging from 0 to 3 mugs. A score of 0 should be avoided, even if it is complimentary. A score of 3 represents the highest quality. I will aggregate the ratings to determine a final score for the review. Consequently, 12 mugs of root beer meet my preferred taste and texture preferences.


Aroma and Flavor: Aroma and Flavor: The initial impression of a root beer is primarily derived from its aroma. An exceptional root beer possesses an aroma that heightens the anticipation of the first sip. This is followed by the sensation of taste and smoothness in the mouth. The flavor is the most commonly referenced aspect of a beverage or food. Personally, I prefer a thick and rich root beer with a subtle water-like texture. This preference implies a high sugar content.

I have a particular fondness for root beer with a hint of vanilla. I can often discern which root beers are flavored with honey, and I have even observed the use of maple syrup in some recipes. 

Head: While this factor may not be significant to me, it is of great importance to many individuals. This is the A/W mentality that my generation grew up experiencing. It was a psychological belief that larger foam heads equated to superior taste. Do manufacturers actually incorporate additives into the foam to enhance its flavor?

Furthermore, the foam's taste may contribute to this assessment. In certain instances, the foam may be flavorless.


Zip: The combination of proper spices and carbonation creates an exceptional root beer. I particularly appreciate the smooth, spice-like sensation it imparts as it traverses the taste buds. The subtle tingling sensation provided by the carbonation serves as an outstanding balance.

 

Post-consumption impression: It is important that the root beer intensifies my desire for something else. My post-consumption experience should be a highlight, a lasting impression. 

The following list will be updated with scores as the reviews are completed.  

SORTED WITHOUT HEAD to emphasize my taste-tested preferred brews.

BRAND	Overall	Flavor	Head	Zip	Post	W/O Head
Columbia Soda Works Sarsaparilla	10.6	2.8	2.2	2.7	2.9	8.4
Druthers Black Cow - HFCS docked 0.5	9.9	2.5	2	3	2.4	7.9
Wild Spur Sarasparilla	10.4	2.75	2.5	2.4	2.75	7.9
Lost Trail Sarasparilla	10.3	2.9	2.5	2	2.9	7.8
Dublin Texas	10.2	2.8	2.4	2.5	2.5	7.8
NORKA	10.25	2.75	2.5	2.5	2.5	7.75
Earp's Sarsparilla	8.75	2.25	1	2.75	2.75	7.75
Hippo Size	9.2	2.6	1.5	2.7	2.4	7.7
Fitz's Premium	9.35	2.5	1.75	2.5	2.6	7.6
Briar's Premium	9	2.5	1.5	2.5	2.5	7.5
Dachshunds III	10.3	2.5	2.8	2.5	2.5	7.5
Uncle Scott's	9.3	2.7	1.8	2	2.8	7.5
Ozark Mountain	9.3	2.4	2	2.5	2.4	7.3
Hosmer Mountain Sasparilla	9.7	2.6	2.5	2.2	2.4	7.2
Point Premium- HFCS docked 0.5	9.7	2.3	2.5	2.4	2.5	7.2
Saranac 1888	10.1	2.1	3	2.5	2.5	7.1
Penny Frosted	7.75	2.25	1	2.25	2.25	6.75
Dead World Twilight Shuffler	8.25	2.25	1.5	2.25	2.25	6.75
Yacht Club	8.25	2.25	1.5	2.5	2	6.75
Jack Black's Dead Red	9	2.5	2.25	2	2.25	6.75
Bulldog	9.25	2.25	2.5	2	2.5	6.75
Towne Club	8	2.2	1.4	2.1	2.3	6.6
Firemans Brew	8.4	2.2	1.8	2.1	2.3	6.6
Kutztown Sarsaparilla	8.1	2.2	1.5	2.2	2.2	6.6
Homer Soda Maple Syrup	8.6	2.3	2	2	2.3	6.6
Rocket Fizz Gene Autry	8.5	2	2	2	2.5	6.5
Henry Weinhard's- HFCS docked 0.5	9	2.2	2.5	2	2.3	6.5
Saint Arnold	8.25	2.25	1.75	2	2.25	6.5
American Classics Ginseng	8	2.25	1.5	2	2.25	6.5
Dog N Suds - HFCS docked 0.5	9	2.2	2.5	1.9	2.4	6.5
Barons	7.9	2.4	1.5	1.75	2.25	6.4
Capone  (6 drink fast / 10 drink slow)	7.75	2	1.5	2	2.25	6.25
Baumeister - HFCS docked 0.5	8.25	1.75	2	2.25	2.25	6.25
Crater Lake	7.5	2.5	1.25	1.75	2	6.25
Judge Wapner	8	2.25	2	1.75	2	6
Racinette (Johnnie Ryan)	7.5	2	1.5	2	2	6
Route 66   (Edited)	7	2	1	2	2	6
Foxon Park Draft Style	7.5	2.25	1.5	1.75	2	6
Spring Grove - HFCS docked 0.5	8.5	2	2.5	2	2	6
Natural Brew	7	2	1.25	2	1.75	5.75
Bedfords	6.75	2	1	1.75	2	5.75
Rocky Mountain	7.7	1.5	2	2	2.2	5.7
Blummers	7.5	1.75	2	1.75	2	5.5
Cicero Beverage Co Salted Caramel	6.25	1.5	1	2	1.75	5.25
Caamano Bros High Noon Sarsaparilla	6.5	1.75	1.25	1.75	1.75	5.25
Empire Bottling Works	6	1.75	0.75	1.75	1.75	5.25
Dad's Old Fashioned	7	2	2	1	2	5
Naturally Crafted (US Foods)	6.75	1.75	1.75	1.5	1.75	5
Tyler the Kid	6.75	1.75	1.75	1.5	1.75	5
Harmony Springs Sarsparilla	6.5	1.75	1.5	1.5	1.75	5
Ramblin	7.5	1.8	2.5	1.5	1.7	5
Thomas Kemper Small Batch	7.8	2	2.8	1.5	1.5	5
Red Arrow	6.5	1.5	1.5	1.75	1.75	5
Death Valley	7	1.75	2	1.5	1.75	5
Bar Harbor Old Soaker Root Beer	7.25	1.5	2.5	1.75	1.5	4.75
Mom's	5.25	1.5	0.5	1.5	1.75	4.75
Fest Pecan	6.25	2	1.5	1.5	1.25	4.75
Filberts Old Time - HFCS docked 0.5	7	1.5	2.4	1.4	1.7	4.6
Masons	6.25	1.5	1.75	1.25	1.75	4.5
Crim City Soda	6.5	1.5	2	1.5	1.5	4.5
Dead World Slow Decay	6	1.25	1.5	2	1.25	4.5
Dang	5.5	1.5	1	1.5	1.5	4.5
Joe's	6.75	1.5	2.5	1.25	1.5	4.25
The Pop Shop	5.75	1.5	1.5	1.25	1.5	4.25
Rugged Mountian	5.25	1.25	1	1.5	1.5	4.25
Three Stooges Wise Guy	7	1.5	2.75	1.5	1.25	4.25
Gale's	5.75	1	1.5	1.75	1.5	4.25
Red Ribbon Home Brewed	6.25	1.5	2	1.5	1.25	4.25
Root Jack Orange  (HFCS Docked 0.5)	6	1.25	2	1.5	1.25	4
Dorothy's Isle of Pines - HFCS docked 0.5	5	1.5	1	1	1.5	4
Oogave	5	1.25	1	1.25	1.5	4
Stubborn Classic	4.5	1.5	0.5	1.25	1.25	4
Tree Fort	5.75	1.5	1.75	1.25	1.25	4
Freaky Dog	5	1	1	1.5	1.5	4
Sparky's	5	1	1	2	1	4
Grown Up Soda (GUS)	6.25	1.25	2.5	1.25	1.25	3.75
Big Ben's	4	1.5	0.5	1	1	3.5
Myers Avenue Red - HFCS docked 0.5	5.75	1.25	2.25	1.25	1	3.5
Dr. Browns	4.5	1	1	1.5	1	3.5
Golden Maple	3.8	1.3	0.5	1	1	3.3
Bawls	5.5	1.25	2.25	1	1	3.25
Rocket Fizz Root Beer Float	4.5	1	1.25	1	1.25	3.25
Reading Draft	4.7	1	1.5	1.2	1	3.2
Tower	3.5	0.5	0.5	1.25	1.25	3
Frostie Vanilla	3	1	0	1	1	3
Boots Sarsparilla	4	1	1	1	1	3
Sky Valley Organic	3.25	1	1	0.5	0.75	2.25
Cool Mountain	2.75	0.75	0.5	1	0.5	2.25
Always Ask for Avery's - HFCS docked 0.5	2	1	0	0	1	2
Sassy Lil Lass	1.5	0	1	0.5	0	0.5