Mom & Pop Soda Shoppe Chocolate Root Beer - #96, 6.25 out of 12 mugs

It appears that Mom & Pop Soda Shoppe primarily functions as a soda distributor, bottling some craft sodas under its own label. This is akin to Costco and the Kirkland products, where the brand name is retained without the specific product name. The sole information I could locate regarding this establishment was on the website realsodamidwest.com. 

The website reads”

In an age of automation and impersonality, we are proudly going against the grain. We believe in a handcrafted approach, not just in our sodas but also in our relationships. Our customer service is crafted specifically for your business, your customers, and your success. 

The distributor is much like RocketFiz, makers of unique soda flavors for a select market.

Ingredients:

Carbonated Water, Pure Cane, Natural and Artificial Flavors,  Caramel Color, Citric Acid, Caffeine, Sodium Benzoate as a Preservative

Nutrition 12 oz. serving (from the bottle)

 

150 Calories

40 mg Sodium.

41 g (14%) of Daily Carbohydrates

No Caffeine listed on Nutrition, but in ingredients 

 

I think proofreading at this company is an issue?

Click here for information on the rating criteria and a table of all the root beers tested or to be tested.

Aroma and Flavor – 1.25 out of 3 mugs

This beverage possesses a distinct aroma reminiscent of root beer, complemented by a subtle hint of vinegar. Mild apple cider vinegar is the best description I can provide. It is an intriguing combination that will elicit both positive and negative reactions. While I found it captivating, it is best enjoyed in moderation..

Head – 2.25 out of 3 mugs  

 

The head was very full and dissipated slowly. It has tiny bubbles and is very dense.  

 

Zip – 1.5 out of 3 mugs  

The chocolate or vinegar flavor is distinct and complements the root's robust, earthy taste. 

Post Consumption Impression – 1.25 out of 3 mugs  

This is not a root beer I would turn down if it were the best available. Still, it's a brew I wouldn't seek out as a beverage of choice.

Would I recommend this at 6.25 out of 12 mugs (4 out of 9 mugs without head)?

This was a gallant effort to create an odd flavor.  I believe this will be a cult like root beer for those who love it.  It wasn't for me, but like some others, I managed to finish the bottle.

 

OTHER REVIEWS

I couldn't find any other reviews for the brew!

Rev'd Up Sprecher - #95. 6.5 out of 12 mugs

My dear friends Bernadette Gillespie and Barb Wolff added this to a 4-pack they provided for my birthday.

Sprecher Brewing Co. is recognized as the oldest craft brewery in Milwaukee. The concept was conceived by Randy Sprecher. Randy’s passion for brewing originated in Europe. During the Vietnam War, he was drafted into the army but was sent to work for a general in Augsburg, Germany, due to his color blindness. There, he developed a fondness for German beers. After his time in Augsburg, he returned to California, where he grew up, and began brewing German beers at home. In 1972, Randy decided to elevate his hobby by applying to study fermentation science at the University of California, Davis. Subsequently, he defied the State of California by establishing a microbrewery, a concept that the state was unfamiliar with. Despite setbacks, Randy secured a position as Supervisor of Brewing Operations at Pabst’s Milwaukee brewery. He packed his belongings into a Volkswagen van and relocated to Milwaukee.

Sprecher Brewing Co. continues to produce delectable craft sodas and beers in the Milwaukee area.  

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

Ingredients:

Carbonated Water, Glucose Syrup, Maltodextrin, Raw WI Honey, Natural & Artificial Flavors, Sodium Benzoate (As a Preservative), Phosphoric Acid, Quillaia/Yucca Extract, Sodium Chloride, Caramel Color, Caffeine.

 

Nutrition 12 oz. serving (from the bottle)

 

260 Calories

75 mg Sodium.

55 g (24%) of Daily Carbohydrates

93 mg Caffeine

 

Aroma and Flavor – 1.75 out of 3 mugs

 

The aroma is readily identifiable as that of root beer. Upon initial sip, a rich, full-bodied beverage emerges, characterized by its sweetness and honey-like flavors. The maltodextrin is renowned for its pronounced sugar taste, although its specific flavor profile remains elusive, possibly obscured by the presence of caffeine.

 

Head – 1.75 out of 3 mugs  

 

The head was medium, which is odd as the original speaker has a very full head when poured.   It slowly dissipated.

 

Zip – 1.5 out of 3 mugs  

 

The carbonation is on the lower side.  The flavor mix compensates for the lower carbonation, resulting in a zip score of 1.5.

Post Consumption Impression – 1.5 out of 3 mugs  

 

I would not seek this out as a beverage of choice, but would consume it if this were the only option.   The sodium content is in the top ten for sodium per ounce.   

Would I recommend this at 6.5 out of 12 mugs (4.75 out of 9 mugs without head)

 

This root beer is my preferred choice, and I would not consider eliminating it from my regular purchases. However, I must acknowledge that the high caffeine content is not suitable for my consumption.  

 

OTHER REVIEWS

Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer –  4 out of 5 barrels 

Root Beer Safari - Lower end rated due to caffeine