Sprecher Root Beer

Pleasant is the first word that comes to mind when drinking Sprecher Root Beer. The flavor isn’t complex, but it is unique while reminding me of other brews. The closest comparison that comes to mind is Mug, which I have always considered a safe pleasant refreshment. However, Sprecher has a stronger caramelly flavor with a little bite and surprising amount of carbonation. Sprecher is brewed in Glendale, WI by it’s namesake Randal Sprecher since 1985. Interestingly enough Randall did not always brew, having left oceanography due to a tendency towards seasickness. Now root beer sales are more than any other beverage produced by the company and is widely distributed throughout the state. Even though I like Point better this really is the root beer of Wisconsin. Among many ingredients, the flavors come from raw Wisconsin honey and Yucca Extract. I just wish I knew what Yucca exctract tasted like so I could identify it in the root beer!

Final Score: 8.25

Natural Brew Draft Root Beer

Opening this baby up, I got a pretty good idea of what was in store for me. The scent is VERY sweet, and what I am assuming is sarsaparilla. The appearance is rather disappointing with essentially no head and is more translucent than you might expect from a smaller batch brew. Unfortunately I would also not even say it is “earthy”, which would have been a nice thing to say about it. The most unfortunate thing is that “Natural Brew” is a subsidiary of Smuckers, so even though it tries to act like one of the locals it really isn’t. The balance really kills it as it is about as balanced as a fat kid on a teeter totter. Flavor ingredients: bourbon vanilla extract, anise, sarsaparilla, licorice root, birch oil, wintergreen oil. 

Final Rating: 6

Virgil's Root Beer

I have tried Virgil’s Root Beer before and decided to do a review of it when I saw a single bottle at the grocery store. The first impression looking at the label was that a lot of thought was put into this product. Pouring it into a frosty glass I was rewarded with a strong earthy scent, some of which reminded me of spices and some old-fashioned candies. This is not to say it is my favorite as I find the flavor a little overwhelming, but it did get a 10 in the “interest” category. The ingredients are proudly displayed on the side of the bottle: anise, licorice, vanilla, cinnamon, clove, wintergreen, sweet birch, molasses, nutmeg, pimento berry oil, balsam oil and oil of cassia. WOW. Anyone who is a fan of Birch Beer will love this.  I’m thinking this may be a good candidate for a root beer float using vanilla bean ice cream.

FINAL RATING: 8

IBC

Aaaah yes, everyone’s favorite fallback bottled root beer. This death-child of the Independent Brewing Company was handed off between various beverage companies for 30 years like an ill-behaved foster child. Luckily before it aged out of the system it found a happy family with Dr Pepper Snapple Group. I think IBC has good parents now.  History aside, I can’t say I know anyone who doesn’t like this root beer. Heck, it was even served at Colorado National Bank parties as an allusion to IBC (Independent Banks of Colorado). Unfortunately root beer was unable to keep the bank from being liquidated by the FDIC.

Review? OH YEAH. I have always thought of IBC as distinctive because the bottle is free from any stick-on labels, but instead features the logo in raised glass. The flavor itself isn’t the most interesting, however it makes up for this by fantastic drinkability and decent bite. When poured you get a decent head, which after a short time bows out so you can enjoy the beverage instead of root beer flavored bubbles. Ingredients listed include high fructose corn syrup and a bunch of chemicals, so nothing lovely like honey to interest the palate.

RATING: 8.0

Northwoods Brewing Corp. "Rustic Root Beer"

I was expecting something a bit rougher, thicker and hardier considering the locale. This is not to say I was disappointed, in fact I was pleasantly surprised. When pouring, I found essentially no foam and subsequently was rather flat. My first reaction was that it was the “better A&W”. By this I mean it has flavor and sweetness, but balances it much better so it doesn’t taste like the liquid version of root beer barrel candies. I find Northwoods interesting because it has the distinction of being able to stand well on its own, but will likely make a dandy float. Of course the flavoring is not disclosed, but it is sweetened by sugar and honey. The bottle is not unique, but the label appears to be put on by hand and the lid requires a bottle opener.

FINAL SCORE: 8.5

New rating system

Methinks that this review process should have some kind of standardization for grading. There are many good root beers out there, but I need to be able to honestly know which is the best and for what reasons. Rating categories:

- Carbonation: is the drink appropriately carbonated for the flavor?
- Drinkability: is the product difficult to drink? The ability to finish the serving and possibly order more will be considered
- Interest: Is the flavor especially unique?
- Balance: is the overall flavoring, sweetness and carbonation balanced?

Rating on each category will be from 1-10, and then averaged to give a final number. Similar sodas, such as birch beer and sarsaparilla may be reviewed on this page, but will not be rated.

Although it will have little bearing on the final mark given, I will also differentiate the drinks into three categories:

- Grade A – Root beers that are only available in cans or plastic bottles
- Grade B – Root beer that is in glass bottles and/or on tap
- Grade C – Root beer that fits Grade B qualifications, but is either micro-brewed, or has limited distribution

The reviews are of my own personal opinion and are not intended to be taken seriously. If you are offended by a review, you probably need to find something better to get offended about. If a rating is taken seriously by a manufacturer, that probably indicates that your legal team is bored.

Point Premium Root Beer

I was going to start off with my long-time favorite Barq's, but I remembered having Point recently with an old college chum and couldn't resist. That, and it was on sale. Point Brewery in Steven's Point, WI makes this concoction along with several other sodas as well as actual beer. This is probably the best balanced root beer i have had to date, accompanied by a mild bite. Carbonation is moderate and allows the flavors to be the prominent feature. Sorry guys, no root beer belch here. The ingredients don't give much insight, except for having pure Wisconsin honey. Bonus points for original packaging. Suggested for drinking on it's own in a cold glass, probably not the best choice for a float. 9 out of 10 for balance and ease of drinking.