I have always been a fan of root beer. When my sister and I were kids, our intake of sugary drinks was actively monitored by our mom and so there wasn't much in the way of soda in our house. When we'd go out to eat, my dad would often get a root beer while we had to content ourselves with milk. We'd beg for sips from his glass on those occasions and so I associate root beer with comfortable family outings and special treats. When I heard that Thomas Kemper, craft brewer of quality sodas (out of my hometown of Portland, OR) had developed a low calorie root beer that was sweetened with Splenda and honey, I was really excited to taste it. The box arrived last week with three artfully arranged bottles of soda and I popped the whole thing into the fridge to chill.
A couple of hours later it was cool and ready to taste (I must say that drinking soda out of a glass bottle is far more satisfying than out of a can). Twisting off the cap, I took a long pull and swallowed. It was nice and fizzy, but sadly didn't live up to the flavor profile of Thomas Kemper's sugar version of root beer. It is missing the sharpness that root beer typically delivers. This product is totally drinkable and for those folks who are watching their calorie and sugar intake, I would say that it's a terrific option. But personally, I would rather have a single, sugar-based root beer once a month than drink this version on a more frequent basis.
This root beer is available starting this month, and they will be following it up with low calorie versions of their ginger ale and black cherry soda in April.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
2-12-2008 @ 7:34PM
Red Icculus said...
Traditional root beer is brewed like real beer, but has really low alcohol. I don't know how this would be brewed, so I question its taste compared to traditionaly root beer. Either way, I hope it is delicious!
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2-15-2008 @ 8:05AM
doodoolemonque said...
I have to say that that there is a significant difference between bottled and canned beverages. The cans simply impart a distinct flavor, which I find unpalatable. I have been challenged on this claim and have several times set up blind taste tests, which confirmed my point. In response to one friend's assertion that I simply possessed gifted taste buds, I set up the same test. He likewise passed the level of burden of proof. I do not know why we allow the industry to continue assaulting us with canned colas, beers, fruit beverages etc. Bottle suckers of the world, PROTEST!!
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