Druthers (#8 - Rated 9.9 out of 12)

This is an Illinois-based beverage. Timothy Iwaanicki, the owner of Drutherss Beverage Company in Oglesby, Illinois, was interviewed in June 2013. During the interview, he revealed that, as a child, “Black Cow” was a colloquial term for a root beer float. In approximately 1998, Iwaanicki established the business to create a root beer infused with vanilla crème, leading to the Black Cow Float in a bottle. Subsequently, after obtaining trademark approval for Druthers Black Cow, he introduced Druthers Red Cow, a red crème soda, and Druthers Orange Cow, an orange crème soda.

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

Ingredients: 

Carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), caramel color, natural and artificial flavors, phosphoric acid, sodium benzoate, and potassium sorbate as a preservative.

Nutrition information from the label (Per 12 0z):  

• 195 Calories  (13.75 per oz)
• 7.5 mg Sodium.  (0.63 mg per oz)
• 43.5 g sugar  (10%) of Daily Carbohydrates (3.63 g per oz)

Aroma and Flavor - 2 out of 3 mugs - Docked the traditional 0.5 for the use of HFCS 

I would like to express my enthusiasm for the beverage named “Vanilla Cream.” Upon opening the bottle, I was greeted by an inviting aroma of vanilla cream, although it lacked the characteristic sassafras flavor.

The flavor profile is exceptional, with a strong emphasis on vanilla. The beverage's body is creamy and light, providing a refreshing experience that closely resembles a root beer float. While high-fructose corn syrup is the sweetener, it is not overly sweet and maintains a subtle sweetness.

Head - 2 out of 3 mugs

The head is tall but vanishes quickly.  If you get distracted for a very short moment, it is gone. 

Zip - 3 out of 3 mugs

Upon anticipating the first sip, the aroma was abundant. The sweetness was notably thicker, accompanied by a subtle hint of licorice after each swallow. Although it falls toward the lower end of the medium carbonation spectrum, it lacks the syrupy texture typically associated with HFCS as the primary ingredient.

Post Consumption Impression - 2.4 out of 3 mugs

This root beer beverage is characterized by its smooth texture and exceptional flavor profile, which is difficult to surpass. Regrettably, it received a lower score due to its use of High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS), a practice often criticized. The aftertaste is reminiscent of store-brand vanilla ice cream, lingering.

Would I recommend this at 9.9 out of 12 mugs (7.9 out of 3 mugs without head)?

YES, YES, YES. Even though I try to avoid HFCS, this is not overly sweetened. I do not detect a syrupy taste or aroma from major commercial brands that use excess HFCS.  

Other reviews

• Anthony's Root Beer Barrel - 82 out of 100
• Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer – 3.5 of 5 barrels
• Steve’s Root Beer – 8 out of 10 

Henry Weinhard’s Draught Style Head (#7 - Rated 8.7 out of 12)

Henry Weinhard, a brewer from Portland, Oregon, commenced his journey in the beer industry in 1862. Notably, many early brewers also ventured into root beer production, and Weinhard was no exception. During the Prohibition era, it became a common practice for brewers to diversify their product offerings to ensure their continued viability. In this regard, Weinhard partnered with Arnold Blitz to establish the Blitz-Weinhard brewery. However, the company was subsequently acquired by Pabst Brewing Company in 1979, which later sold it to Stroh’s in 1996. By 1999, the brewing operation had been sold, and the final batch of beer produced at the original Weinhard brewery was released on August 27, 1999. Despite the brewery's closure, the Henry Weinhard’s Private Reserve brand has endured and is currently owned by SAB Miller in London, England. 

Now for the review!  (Click here for rating criteria information)

Ingredients: 

Carbonated Water, high fructose corn syrup, caramel color, vanilla extract, natural and artificial flavor, phosphoric acid, and sodium benzoate, honey essence, and acacia sassafras extract.   (14 calories per ounce)

  

Aroma and Flavor - 2.2 out of 3 mugs (Decreased 0.5 by high amount of HFCS)

Upon opening the bottle, the aroma is not overpowering. It suggests a sweet brew, with the vanilla being particularly notable (a highlight for me). The flavor is quite prominent, and the body is rich, full, and sweet. The smoothness is pleasant, evoking a sense of contentment. I anticipated a syrupy taste and feel because High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) is the second ingredient. However, the honey, combined with the balance of vanilla and sassafras, imparts a high degree of sweetness while moderating the impact of HFCS.

Head - 2.5 out of 3 mugs

This is the finest head of any root beer I have reviewed. It is the ideal head, long-lasting, and does not diminish the beverage’s quality. There is little more to be said about the top-quality head. However, the head is excessive if consumed directly from the bottle.

Zip - 2 out of 3 mugs

Although there are no significant differences in the taste of beverages that do not contain HFCS, it is evident that you are consuming more than HFCS, which elevates this beverage’s ranking compared to similar options.

Post Consumption Impression - 2 out of 3 mugs (HFCS deduction)

The Henry Weinhard’s Root Beer experience concludes with a relatively clean finish, leaving a pleasant aftertaste. While this root beer is solid, I personally do not favor High Fructose Corn Syrup. Compared to many other products, this one stands out as superior in every respect.   

Would I recommend this at 8.7 out of 12 mugs (6.2 out of 9 mugs without head)?

Other internet ratings highly recommend this product. However, I am the only reviewer to have reduced the score due to the presence of HFCS. Henry Weinhard’s Root Beer has the potential to be a gourmet root beer if it were not sweetened with HFCS. To date, I have observed that root beers generally excel in one aspect while falling short in others. The spice blend and the head make it a challenging brew to surpass. Additionally, the level of HFCS significantly impacts the sugar and calorie content, with nearly 4 grams of sugar and 14 calories per ounce.  

Other Reviews

• The Root Beer Person - 3 out of 5
• Anthony’s Root Beer Barrel – 88 out of 100
• The Soda Jerk - A
• Steve’s Root Beer – 9.5 out of 10 
• Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer – 4.5 of 5 barrels
• Derek Janiak - 8.5 out of 10
• Root Beer Rundown - 95 out of 100

Filberts (#6 reviewed - Rated 7 of 12)

Root beer is a family-owned business with a rich history. Ronald Filbert and his wife, Karen, continue to manage the family business, which originated in 1926 when George Filbert and his family provided milk, ice, and coal to homes in the Bridgeport neighborhood using horse-drawn wagons. The family introduced root beer to the market during Prohibition, when it gained popularity. It was initially manufactured in half barrels and primarily supplied to taverns across five neighboring states. Renowned for its namesake root beer, Filbert’s also produces a diverse range of 17 soda flavors.

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

Ingredients: 

Carbonated Water, sugar and/or corn sweetener, caramel color, natural and artificial flavors, sodium benzoate (as a preservative)

Aroma and Flavor -1.5 out of 3 mugs

Upon opening the bottle, I noticed that this root beer is notably dark. The carbonation is subtle, and the aroma is faint. The brew possesses a sweet flavor, reminiscent of root beer barrel candy. While I did not find the brew unpleasant, it lacked distinct characteristics. There is a taste that I cannot yet identify, but it is slightly smooth. A faint hint of sugar and vanilla is present, but it is not enough for my taste. I believe that Cane Sugar may be a contributing factor to the absence of a more pronounced sweetness. I am beginning to discern the differences between various sweeteners. 

Head - 2.4 out of 3 mugs

The head is substantial and frothy, resembling a genuine draft head. It would be an excellent addition to a float.

Zip - 1.4 out of 3 mugs

This root beer is quite bland. The carbonation is slightly above the low end of the range. While the flavor is suitable for washing down a meal, it lacks the overall sensation of a well-crafted brew.

Post Consumption Impression - 1.7 out of 3 mugs

This root beer would be suitable for a restaurant or dinner service. However, to enhance its flavor profile, it should be paired with food. When enjoyed with food, its rating would be 2.4; as a standalone beverage, it would be 1.

Would I recommend this at 7 out of 12 mugs (4.6 out of 9 mugs without head)?

I find it concerning when the ingredients list includes “sugar and/or corn sweetener.” The use of “or” instead of specifying one or the other raises questions about the intended flavor profile. I recommend this beverage for a root beer float or as a complement to a hearty burger. However, I would not suggest it for a refreshing drink on a cool autumn evening or as a post-workout beverage.

OTHER REVIEWS:

Eric's - 3.5 of 5

Derek Janiak – 4.7 out of 10 

Hosmer Mountain Sarsaparilla (#5 reviewed - Rated 9.9 of 12)

Hosmer Mountain Sarsaparilla Root Beer is produced in Eastern Connecticut.  Hosmer Mountain Bottling Company was founded in 1912 and specializes in water. Hosmer Mountain Bottling Co. was acquired in 1958 by Arthur J. Potvin from Mrs. Fred Meyer, whose husband had died the previous summer. The Potvins then became the fourth family to operate Hosmer. With help from his wife and two oldest sons, Bill and John, Arthur began the demanding tasks that made the soda business challenging. He worked diligently to keep the machinery running, trucks on the road, soda flavors blended, and customers satisfied. He learned to make good soda with assistance from a salesman and through trial and error. At that time, all soda was made with bagged sugar, and dry ice was converted into gaseous CO2 for carbonation. All cases were wooden, and bottles were heavy, refillable glass bottles. Two more sons, Andrew and Chuck, joined the business in the late '60s. Unlike many, this is not a beer company that dabbles in soda, but all soda. 

It is important to note that the company produces more than one root beer variety. Notably, they also manufacture an energy drink called Red Lightning. This demonstrates the company’s diverse product offerings. However, it is crucial to clarify that this is not a traditional root beer. Instead, it is a sarsaparilla root beer. Hosmer Mountain produces over 30 flavors of soda.

The waterfall shown on our bottles doesn’t refer to a specific waterfall, but to many smaller waterfalls along the Willimantic River. You might have noticed the phrase "bottled in the land of swift-moving water" near the waterfall image on our bottle. This refers to the origin of the word “Willimantic," which comes from the Algonquin language of the native Mohegan-Pequot and Narragansett tribes. "Willimantic" historically means "land of swift-moving water" in Algonquin. The Hosmer label aims to reflect some of Willimantic's history, particularly the significance of the Willimantic River. Willimantic was home to many textile mills powered by the river. The town has been home to Hosmer since its founding in 1912.

Click here for rating criteria and a summary table of brews reviewed.

Ingredients: 

Carbonated non-chlorinated water, sugar, brown sugar, caramel color, natural and artificial flavor, citric acid, potassium benzoate, and extract of sarsaparilla root.

Nutrition 12 oz. serving (from the bottle)

170 Calories

7.5 mg Sodium.

43.5 g Sugar

0 mg Caffeine

Aroma and Flavor - 2.6 of 3 mugs

Upon opening the bottle, the aroma is not excessively potent. It possesses a subtle caramel popcorn scent. Initially, the brown sugar flavor is discernible. This unique method of incorporating sweetness into the beverage is noteworthy. While it had a slightly syrupy texture, it was relatively small compared to other options and did not resemble water. Instead, it possessed a creamy, exceptionally creamy consistency. The distinctive flavor is enjoyable, though the sweetness is slightly higher than my personal preference. 

Head - 2.5 out of 3 mugs

This is the largest head I have seen, even though only five reviews have been completed! The foam is exceptionally frothy. However, it is not a long-lasting head, which is my preference. This is the highest-scoring head to date, as it precisely matches the level of foam I desire in a solid pour.

Zip - 2.2 out of 3 mugs

Carbonization is low to moderate, which may coincide with the creamy feel intensifying. I like moderate to high carbonization. One disappointment is how quickly the beverage went flat. This is not a beverage you want to savor for an hour, but within 30 minutes, it is hard to beat.

Post Consumption Impression - 2.6 out of 3 mugs

Unlike many beverages, this one was exceptionally satisfying and did not leave me wanting a second serving. A subtle hint of wintergreen and vanilla is discernible more after consumption than during the actual drinking experience. While the post-consumption phase may likely curb overconsumption, it did not leave me yearning for another.

Would I recommend this at 9.9 out of 12 mugs (7.4 out of 9 mugs without head)?

Although this is not the first soda I would typically reach for, it is undoubtedly among the top ten. While I would not consume it regularly, it occasionally fills a specific void in terms of overall quality.

Other reviews:

Eric's - 4 of 5
Rob's - 9 of 10
Soda Jerks - A