Brigham’s Brew Root Beer - #108, 6.5 out of 12 mugs

In 1986, Wasatch Brewery was established in Park City as Utah's first and only craft brewery. It ignited the craft beer movement that has since transformed the state's brewing scene. Like many pioneering breweries, they developed a distinctive root beer. Brigham's Brew is a Utah-based, handcrafted root beer produced by the Wasatch Brewery and named in honor of Brigham Young, the first governor of the Utah Territory.

Later, Squatters craft beers joined the scene. In 2002, Wasatch and Squatters became sister breweries through the formation of the Utah Brewers Cooperative, marking a significant chapter in Utah's brewing history. Wasatch and Squatters Beers closed on May 23, 2025. The parent company, Monster Brewing, moved production out of state as part of a corporate consolidation to grow distribution and relocate production to other facilities, specifically in Colorado.

Ingredients:

Carbonated Water, Pure Cane Sugar, Maltodextrin, Honey, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Vanilla Extract, Yucca Extract, Caramel Color, Sodium Benzoate as a Preservative, Citric Acid, and Phosphoric Acid.

Nutrition 12 oz. serving (from the bottle)

180 Calories

40 mg Sodium

45 g (90%) of Daily Carbohydrates

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

Aroma and Flavor – 1.5 out of 3 mugs

It is described as a dark, herbal root beer with a light, fruity finish, notes of vanilla, and a "draught-style" foam. Opening the bottle, I get the sense of vanilla and a subtle root-like aroma. This is the first brew I have encountered with maltodextrin, and only a few others contain yucca extract. Yucca is distinctive, and enthusiasts who appreciate its flavor will recognize it here.

Head – 2 out of 3 mugs

The head is full yet dissipates quickly. 

Zip – 1.5 out of 3 mugs

The carbonation is on the lower end. What earned the higher score was the unique blend of flavors. I associate that with the significant use of sweeteners.

Post Consumption Impression – 2 out of 3 mugs

Maltodextrin has a high glycemic index (185), while cane sugar has a glycemic index of around 65. To top off that sugar load, they have honey. This has one of the highest sugar contents of any brew I reviewed.

Would I recommend this at 6.5 out of 12 mugs (5 out of 9 mugs without the head)?

I appreciate the overall flavor; however, the high sugar content might deter me from choosing this brew as I age. When I was younger, it likely had less impact. Consequently, it receives a slightly lower score, though it remains a mid-tier option.

OTHER REVIEWS

Anthony’s Root Beer Barrel – 76 out of 100

Cosmo’s Root Beer Review – 8 out of 10

Eric’s Gourmet Root Beer – 4.5 of 5 barrels

Root Beer Respect – 5 of 10

Kyle’s Root Beer Galacticus - C+