Bawls (#13 - Rated 6.25 out of 12)

Initially conceived as a beverage for gamers, Bawls Guarana was developed as a caffeine-rich alternative to coffee. Created by Hoby Buppert during a college class project in 1997, the beverage is a carbonated, non-alcoholic concoction made with Guarana, a highly caffeinated berry native to the Amazonian rainforest. This root beer stands out as a unique offering in the market.

The original variant, Bawls Guarana, is packaged in a cobalt blue, non-slip glass bottle, while Bawls EXXtra is available in a clear bottle. Both containers feature approximately 104 raised bumps for enhanced grip.

Introduced in 2008, Bawls Guarana contains approximately 64 mg of caffeine per 10 ounces. This caffeine content surpasses that of Mountain Dew Game Fuel. Notably, it contains nearly twice the caffeine of Dr. Pepper or Coca-Cola, according to caffeineinformer.com. The bottle prominently displays a warning label stating, “Warning: This product contains high levels of caffeine.”

In comparison, Bawls contains 6.4 mg of caffeine per fluid ounce, while Barq’s has 1.9 mg per fluid ounce. Regarding energy drinks, KickStart offers 6.0 mg of caffeine per fluid ounce, whereas Monster offers 9.4 mg per fluid ounce.

Click here for the rating criteria and a summary table of all the root beer brands tested.)

Ingredients: 

Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Caramel Color, Citric Acid, Natural Guarana Extract, Sodium Benzoate (preservative), Caffeine, Natural & Artificial

Nutrition information from the label (per 10 oz): 

• 130 Calories (13 per oz)
• 35mg Sodium.  (3.5 mg per oz)
• 36g Sugar (12%) of Daily Carbohydrates  (3.6 per oz)
• 64 mg Caffeine  (6.4 mg per oz)

Aroma and Flavor – 1.25 out of  3 mugs

Using high-fructose corn syrup lowered my score by 0.5.

When I opened the beverage, the aroma was outstanding!  The taste was nothing special, but it was good.  It has the commercial root beer taste (like A&W) and carbonization with an unidentified fruity aftertaste.  That may be the caffeine and Guarana? It left my mouth a little dry.  

Head -- 2.25 out of  3 mugs

The head is one of the best I have tested.  Full and frothy, lasting to the last drop.  Its only negative effect is that it impacts overall enjoyment.  

Zip -- 1 out of  3 mugs  

The zip is actually strange.  It has a peculiar sensation that leaves the mouth slightly dry.  While not disappointing, it is nothing special either. 

Post Consumption Impression – 1 out of 3 mugs

This is a typical root beer. I would consider drinking it again, but only for breakfast. The caffeine content was quite noticeable. When I experience this type of caffeine buzz, I usually feel it when the effects are absorbed by my internal organs. In fact, the buzz was so intense that I actually became dizzy and felt unwell for several hours. In reality, this is a solid energy drink that lacks the necessary vitamins. While I enjoy energy drinks, I typically take 6-8 hours to finish one, and I could not imagine doing that with root beer.

Would I recommend this at 6.25 out of 12 mugs?

Although not exceptional, given its impact on my internal organs and its unremarkable taste, I am considering whether it would be my preferred root beer. While it would likely be ranked at the bottom of my preferences, its strong initial impression was noteworthy.

Other Reviews

Anthony’s Root Beer Barrel – 71 out of 100

Cosmo’s Root Beer Review – 5 out of 10

Edrinkblog - 6 out of 10

The Impulsive Buy - 7 out of 10

Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer –  2.5 of 5 barrels

Rob’s Root Beer Reviews –  8 out of 10

Steve’s Root Beer – 4.5 out of 10      

Thirsty Dudes – 4 out of 5   

Kyle’s Root Beer Galacticus - B

Dog n Suds (#12 - Rated 9.0 out of 12)

This root beer originated from an in-car (A&W style) drive-in restaurant. The first Dog n Suds was opened in 1953 in Champaign, Illinois. Two University of Illinois music teachers, James Griggs and Don Hamacher, founded the chain. The chain expanded, and a training center was established in Champaign, named “Rover College” after the dog on the restaurant sign. At its peak, there were over 500 restaurants.

In the early 1970s, the franchise was sold, leading to the business's abandonment. Approximately a dozen Dog n Suds restaurants still exist in Illinois and Ohio. The Dog n Suds brand of root beer was subsequently sold to a private bottler, who currently bottles it for Clover Club Bottling Corporation in Illinois.

Click here for a list of all root beers tested and rating criteria.)

Ingredients: 

Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS), Caramel Color, Phosphoric Acid, Sodium Benzoate (as a preservative), Natural and Artificial Color

Nutrition information from the label (Per 8 0z):

• 110 Calories  (13.75 per oz)
• 30mg Sodium.  (3.75 mg per oz)
• 30g sugar  (10%) of Daily Carbohydrates (3.75 g per oz)

Aroma and Flavor -- 2.2 out of 3

The use of high fructose corn syrup caused me to lower the score by 0.5. (So, it's really a 2.7 because I did not like the HFCS use.)

Upon opening the bottle, the aroma immediately reminds me of root beer. However, to my disappointment, there is no discernible vanilla scent. Upon the first sip, I found the beverage to be rich and creamy. It has a subtle vanilla note with a more pronounced caramel note. The overall flavor profile is unremarkable, comparable to many mass-produced root beers. While the lighter carbonation is characteristic of HFCS-based mass-produced root beers, which are typically overcarbonated, the syrupy texture is readily noticeable and tends to linger after consumption. 

  

Head -- 2.5 out of 3

The head of a drive-in root beer is characterized by its substantial sudsiness, which is desirable. However, the carbonation balance is crucial to the overall experience, and I particularly appreciate the head’s contribution to it.

Zip -- 1.9 out of 3

In this category, the beverage falls short. While its carbonation is slightly higher, it fails to compensate for the absence of a creative flavor profile. Achieving this balance is challenging, and based on my preferences, the beverage could be improved.

Post Consumption Impression -- 2.4 out of 3

This beverage would be an excellent accompaniment to a hot dog. While the name may suggest otherwise, it offers a unique experience by combining the flavors of a chili dog with the refreshing taste of root beer. However, it failed to quench my thirst and left a lingering, syrupy aftertaste that made my mouth dry. While I would not hesitate to try this beverage if it were available, I find other options to be my personal favorites.

Would I recommend this at 9 out of 12 mugs?

The Aftertaste also possesses a commendable quality. This root beer is undeniably enjoyable, though it could be improved. It is reasonable to assume that it differed significantly from the commercial brand I encountered today when it was first produced. 

Other Reviews - One hated it

• Anthony’s Root Beer Barrel – 87 out of 100   
• Cosmo’s Root Beer Review – 5 out of 10       
• Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer –  4 of 5 barrels 
• Handy Father -  2.75 of 5      
• Root Beer Respect – 4 out of 10     
• Rob’s Root Beer Reviews – 5 out of 10
• SodePop reviews - 7 out of 10
• Soda Jerks - A
• Steve’s Root Beer – 7 out of 10       
• Kyle’s Root Beer Galacticus - F

Rocky Mountain (#11 - Rated 7 out of 12)

I really had a hard time finding much information about this brand.  There is no real cool history on the webpage, not the wiki page, and no historical names to search.  From the websitehttp://www.rockymountainsoda.com/rocky-mountain-root-beer/

“Rocky Mountain Root Beer was the idea that started it all.  We wanted to make the best-flavored, all-natural root beer available. We set out to create a flavor that evokes memories of the old West.  Think warm vanilla and caramel notes that glide along a creamy cloud of delicious sassafras flavor.  We also add a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg to give a grounded earthiness that ends with a spicy finish.  We hope you enjoy the end result of our quest to create the best root beer made.”

They also say,” We custom craft each of our flavors in small batches and package every bottle by hand.  The benefit of our efforts is realized in every sip you take. We thank you for the opportunity to present our soda for your drinking pleasure. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do…Cheers!”

NOTE: This was not a twist-off top; even with an opener, it took work to open!

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

Ingredients: 

Carbonated Colorado water, Rocky Mountain beet sugar, natural flavors, and potassium sorbate as a preservative

Nutrition information from the label (Per 12 oz):  

• 135 Calories  (11.25 per oz)
• 36g sugars (12%) of Daily Carbohydrates  (3 g per oz)

Aroma and Flavor - Scored 1.5 out of 3 mugs

This beverage exudes a robust aroma, reminiscent of medicinal wintergreen and licorice. While I am not particularly fond of licorice, I was cautiously optimistic about this drink. Upon taking a sip, I detected vanilla, but the initial sensation was predominantly the tingling of wintergreen, which was slightly overpowering. The carbonation level is moderate, but the spices effectively offset it. The drink is difficult to identify and could easily be mistaken for an exceptional mouthwash.

 

Head - Scored 2 out of 3 mugs

The head is average, which is becoming commonplace for root beers I have tested. It was gone in less than a minute. It was just light foam, not bubbly like some heads.

Zip - Scored 1.7 out of 3 mugs

The taste is spicy, with a dominant licorice and wintergreen flavor, though you can also taste vanilla. The licorice and wintergreen almost overwhelm my tongue.  It is rather hearty!

 

Post Consumption Impression -  scores a 1.8 out of 3 mugs

One thing I noted is that root beer lists the distinction of being made with “Colorado Water.” Maybe I am getting some flavors from minerals in the water? I also love the claim that it’s “All Natural,” yet it lists potassium sorbate. I had no clue that neutralizing sorbic acid with potassium sorbate was natural. (Sarcasm intended!)  But then, just like most “all-natural foods,” they know most consumers won't notice the difference. 

I am uncertain about this brew. The beet sugar flavor is different yet pleasing, and I can’t compare it to any other.

Would I recommend this at 7 of 12 mugs (5 of 9 mugs without head)?

This beverage would be suitable for social occasions. However, its flavors are so strong that I would avoid eating it with a meal. The combination of ingredients may be unconventional. I would reconsider this brew in the future.

Other reviews

• Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer –  2.5 of 5 barrels
• Anthony’s Root Beer Barrel – 81 out of 100
• Root Beer Respect –  5 out of 10
• Cosmo’s Root Beer Review – 3 out of 10
• Reviews by ZP - 7 out of 10
• Steve’s Root Beer – 6 out of 10
• Kyle’s Root Beer Galacticus - B+
• Thirsty Dudes - 4 or 5 mugs

Thomas Kemper Small Batch (#10 - Rated 7.8 out of 12)

Since 1989, the Thomas Kemper Brewing Company, one of the Northwest's first Microbreweries, has held an annual Oktoberfest celebration at its brewery. Starting out as a small event, the Thomas Kemper Oktoberfest soon drew thousands more people to Poulsbo, WA, each autumn. Andy Thomas and Will Kemper first brewed Thomas Kemper Soda as an alternative to Oktoberfest beer in 1990. 

The bottle reads, “One honey of a Root Beer.  This wonderfully rich and complex Root Beer was first brewed for our Oktoberfest company in 1990.  It quickly became such a hit that we invented Novemberfest.”

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

Ingredients: carbonated water, cane sugar, maltodextrin, honey, caramel color, natural flavor, sodium benzoate (for freshness), gum acacia, phosphoric acid, salt, and vanilla extract.

  

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

• 160 Calories  (13.75 per oz)
• 45mg Sodium.  (3.75 mg per oz)
• 40g sugar  (10%) of Daily Carbohydrates (3.75 g per oz)

Aroma and Flavor - Scores 2 out of 3 mugs (average of 3 aroma and 1 for flavor)

This beverage exudes a distinct and inviting aroma, initially evoking the impression of aver, upon uponting, I encountered light disappointment. The body of the drink is somewhat soft, characterized by a dominant honey and fruit-like flavor profile. It resembles a root beer-flavored, juicy fruit gum beverage, akin to Juicy Fruit gum. While it offers a pleasant initial experience, its flavor diminishes rapidly.

Head - Scored 2.8 out of 3 mugs

Upon pouring into a glass, the head is exceptionally tall and frothy. This is the most esteemed aspect of the beverage.

Zip - Scores 1.5 out of 3 mugs

Although this root beer is exceptionally flavorful, it lacks a distinct bite and fails to provide a long-lasting sensory experience. The carbonation is minimal, and beyond the honey and fruitiness, there is little to appreciate.

Post Consumption Impression - Scores 1.5 out of 3 mugs

The beverage makes a strong first impression, but upon further consumption, it fails to deliver a truly remarkable experience. While I may consider drinking it again if faced with a choice between commercial brands such as Barq’s or A&W, the latter’s offerings do not provide a compelling alternative.

Would I recommend this at 7.8 out of 12 mugs (5 out of 9 without head)?

I highly recommend this beverage if you prefer a honey-and-fruit root beer flavor. While I would not rush to purchase it, I would not hesitate to enjoy it over any High-Fructose Corn Syrup option.

Other Reviews

• Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer –  3 of 5 barrels
• Anthony’s Root Beer Barrel – 91 out of 100

Capone (#9 - Rated 7.75 out of 12)

Today, I decided to sample the Capone Family Secret Root Beer. The name suggests its origin in Chicago. The bottle is dark in color and features a vintage label. 

I tried to find some background, and there is little on the web.  The only story I found was:

During the 1920's Capone's warehouses were raided by the police 137 times, eager to seize their inventory of illegal alcohol.  Only a few items were found on every raid, and it was not alcohol.  It was cases of the "Capone Family Secret" Soda.  After 80+ years, the "Secret" Soda was finally made public, so families can enjoy great sodas while experiencing a piece of history.

Upon opening the bottle, my initial thought was that this secret family recipe is safeguarded. I envisioned figures such as Vinnie Drucci, Bugs Moran, and Hymie Weiss engaged in a struggle to either protect or reveal the secret. However, I should simply open the bottle and gain firsthand insight into the Family Secret.

Ingredients: Carbonated Water, Sugar, Caramel Color, Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Natural Flavor, and Citric Acid

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

• 180 Calories  (15 per oz)
• 30mg Sodium.  (2.5 mg per oz)
• 30g sugar  (10%) of Daily Carbohydrates (2.5 g per oz)

FOUND THE FIRST SECRET… Sugar of an unknown kind is listed.  Could be they listed it generically as it is “a secret”.

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

Aroma and Flavor - 2.0 out of 3 mugs

Upon opening, the beverage presented a creamy aroma, subtly influenced by licorice and wintergreen. While this scent was pleasant, it was not overpowering and maintained a balanced profile. Upon taking my first sip, I also detected a medicinal undertone emanating from the bottle.

Describing the taste is a challenge. Initially, I perceived a bitter sensation, but this was not entirely accurate. The carbonation level is notably low, resulting in a sensation reminiscent of cough syrup on the tongue. I am unable to accurately compare this flavor to any other, as it possesses a highly unique character. My tongue experienced a complex array of sensations, including a spicy, light caramel flavor, a burst of vanilla, a distinctive wintergreen tingle, a dry sensation, a hint of honey, and a lingering medicinal aftertaste that prompted another drink.

This is the most difficult to score! One side gives it a 0.5 as it is so unique, yet the distinctive flavor and aftertaste make it a 3.  Since I am more inclined to try it again, it scores a 2.0 out of 3 for aroma and flavor.   

Head - 1.5 out of 3 mugs

This beverage has a compact head that is quickly consumed. It is recommended to drink it directly from the bottle.

Zip - 2.0 out of 3 mugs

This bottle contains exceptionally low carbonation. The zip mechanism is somewhat perplexing, yet it evokes a strong desire for another. Unlike any other root beer I have encountered, the zip is initially subtle but becomes the most enduring sensation of any beverage I have reviewed. Despite its lack of bite, it is surprisingly palatable.

Post Consumption Impression - 2.25 out of 3 mugs

The distinct sensation of the “secret recipe” impedes my ability to discern the specific beverage I am consuming. It appears that multiple beverages are present at any given moment. Notably, the dry sensation I experienced after drinking this root beer was quite unique. It left me thirsty, which may be the primary reason for my desire to eat more. Initially, this root beer was at best an average beverage. However, as I continued to drink, I found myself savoring each sip more. This is a well-balanced brew designed to be enjoyed slowly, like a fine, dry wine.

Would I recommend this at 7.75 out of 12 mugs (6.25 out of 9 without head)?

If you seek a beverage that will provide an hour of enjoyment while you chat with friends, this is the ideal choice. Unlike other beverages that may lead to excessive calorie consumption, this drink is designed to be savored slowly, allowing you to fully appreciate its flavors and aromas. However, if you consume it too quickly, you may miss the whole experience.  

OTHER REVIEWS:
Handy Father - 3 of 5
Fear No Root Beer - 1 of 5
Eric's - 4 of 5
Cosmo's - 3 of 9
Anthony's - 87 of 100
Root Beer Reviews - A
Thirsty Dudes - 4 of 5