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.

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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