Empire Sarsaparilla #109 - 5.75 out of 12 mugs

Just a little southeast of Providence in Rhode Island lies Bristol, a charming town often mistaken for the larger, more renowned Bristol in Connecticut. From this quaint locale comes Empire Bottling Works, a humble family-run business that has been crafting regional sodas since 1930. Despite its long history, Empire remains modest in size and presence, notably lacking a website. It was a lengthy process to get this information from the quiet company.

Ingredients:

Natural Artesian Spring Water, Pure Cane Sugar, Natural and Artificial Flavor Extracts, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate as a Preservative

Nutrition 12 oz. serving (from the bottle)

170 Calories

35 mg Sodium

45 g (15%) of Daily Carbohydrates

0 Caffeine

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

Enjoy a first sip of light, earthy flavors accented by a hint of anise, resting on a rich sarsaparilla base. The aroma is subtly inviting, beautifully capturing the essence of sarsaparilla.

Head – 0.5 out of 3 mugs

There was some score for effort. But there was little or no head from this brew.

Zip – 1.75 out of 3 mugs

The brew lacks the punch of commercially sold high-carbonated sugary drinks. It is very simple and straightforward. It’s a lightly carbonated beverage with a smooth taste. I prefer a bit more carbonation.

Post Consumption Impression – 2 out of 3 mugs

This is a root beer to sip on! I’d enjoy it in a social setting, though not necessarily with a meal. The flavor is so captivating that it makes you crave another sip just minutes later, and the delightful sensation lingers long after I’ve finished the brew.

Would I recommend this at 5.75 out of 12 mugs (5.25 out of 9 mugs without the head)?

This is a brew I would tend to as a smooth-sipping beverage around a fire.

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