There’s nothing quite like enjoying a cold root beer on a scorching day. Root beer, often referred to as “Ginger Beer” in some parts of the world, holds a special place in the hearts of many Americans. It’s a classic soft drink that has been a favorite for generations. But with so many brands flooding the market, how do you know which one to choose?
Which root beer will truly satisfy your taste buds on a sunny afternoon? In this guide, we’ll take you through our top picks of root beer brands, providing you with insights on what to get, where to find it, and how to get the best value for your money.
The Research
- A&W
- Barq’s
- Dad’s
- Mug
- IBC
What We’re Looking For
Our goal is to enhance your root beer experience, and here’s what we’re focusing on:
Flavour Profile: Root beer should tantalize your taste buds with a balanced blend of flavours. We’re on the lookout for brands that strike the perfect balance between sweetness, herbal complexity, and spiciness.
Price: We evaluate whether a brand justifies its price tag by assessing the overall experience it offers, from flavour to packaging. This ensures that you can make informed choices based not only on taste but also on your budget.
Sweetness: Great root beer finds the sweet spot. We assess sweetness levels to ensure they enhance your overall experience without overwhelming your palate.
Root Beer Type: Whether traditional or craft, both types have their charm. We explore both categories to provide you with a diverse range of root beers. Traditional options may evoke nostalgia, while craft creations offer unique twists.
Our Selection
We’ve scoured the market for brands that capture the essence of root beer and offer something special. From iconic names that have been enjoyed for decades to smaller-batch craft creations, our selection caters to every root beer lover’s palate. We’ve considered factors such as taste, uniqueness, and the overall experience each brand brings to the table. So, without further ado, let’s dive into our handpicked selection and explore some of the best root beers out there.
A&W Root Beer
Verdict: A&W Root Beer delivers a satisfying and well-balanced root beer experience at an affordable price, making it a great choice for all occasions.
Price: US $5 (12 cans) from Walmart, AU $60 (24 cans) from Dan Murphy’s
Pros:
- A delightful blend of vanilla and spices creates a satisfying taste.
- Enjoyable on its own or as a base for root beer floats.
- Affordable and offers great value for its quality.
- Available in most stores.
Cons:
- If you’re seeking a more artisanal or unique root beer experience, A&W might not be your top choice.
A&W Root Beer, an iconic classic since the early 1900s, offers a familiar and sweet blend of vanilla and spices, striking a perfect balance between sugary and spiced notes. Whether you enjoy it straight from the can, over ice, or in a root beer float, it never fails to hit the spot. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, allowing you to savor its deliciousness without breaking the bank. You can find it in practically every store, making it a convenient go-to whenever you crave that classic root beer taste.
Barq’s Root Beer
Verdict: Barq’s Root Beer delivers a bold and distinctive taste, making it a standout choice.
Price: US $8 (12 cans) from Walmart
Pros:
- Offers a unique and daring taste.
- Features an enticing foamy crown.
- Affordable and easy to find.
Cons:
- May not be the best choice for those who prefer milder root beer.
Barq’s is not your average root beer. It offers a flavor explosion with a spicy kick that stands out. It’s unafraid to go heavy on the spices, which sets it apart. Plus, when you pour it into a glass, it foams up like a root beer volcano, adding to the experience. Price-wise, Barq’s Root Beer is budget-friendly and conveniently available at most stores. Keep in mind that if you prefer sweeter and milder root beers, Barq’s might come on a bit strong for your taste. However, if you’re up for an exciting and flavorful experience, it’s definitely worth a try!
Dad’s Root Beer
Verdict: Dad’s Root Beer is a classic and comforting sip of nostalgia that’s budget-friendly and readily available.
Price: US $43 (12 bottles) from Amazon
Pros:
- Boasts a recipe perfected over nearly a century, delivering a taste deeply rooted in tradition.
- Budget-friendly option.
- Readily available.
Cons:
- Flavor may sometimes differ from expectations.
Dad’s Root Beer, established in 1937, takes you on a delightful journey back to the roots of traditional root beer flavors. Its blend of wintergreen, sassafras, and vanilla perfectly balances sweet and spicy notes. It’s like a comforting trip down memory lane, reminiscent of the root beer floats savored during carefree summer days. While some inconsistencies in flavor and sweetness levels have been noted, it still offers a budget-friendly and nostalgia-inducing root beer experience with its classic flavors and creamy foam.
Mug Root Beer
Verdict: Mug Root Beer brings a unique twist to the classic root beer, and it’s a decent option in its own right.
Price: US $6 (12 cans) from Walmart
Pros:
- Smooth vanilla flavor.
- A great option for root beer floats.
- Affordable and widely available.
Cons:
- Leans towards the sweeter side.
- Excessive consumption may cause bloating.
Mug Root Beer, once an overlooked soda option, surprises with its complexity. On a hot day, it’s worth a try. It has a creamy and slightly spicy flavor with hints of vanilla and wintergreen. However, it tends to be on the sweeter side, which may not suit everyone’s palate. It’s budget-friendly and convenient to find in many places, making it a simple and hassle-free drink that pairs well with almost any meal. While it’s decent, there’s room for improvement in balancing sweetness and spiciness.
IBC Root Beer
Verdict: IBC Root Beer offers a balanced, welcoming taste that appeals to both root beer enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Price: US $13 (4 bottles) from Walmart
Pros:
- Delivers a traditional root beer taste.
- Comes in a glass bottle for a touch of nostalgia.
- No unpleasant aftertaste thanks to pure cane sugar.
- Widely available.
Cons:
- Not the best option for those with a sweet tooth.
IBC Root Beer, a classic since 1919, stands out with its pure cane sugar, eliminating the syrupy aftertaste found in some other brands using high-fructose corn syrup. It offers a familiar flavour, making it an excellent choice for first-time root beer enthusiasts. The soda comes in a cool glass bottle, and you can easily find it in most stores, making it a simple and accessible option. While it might not be the sweetest root beer around, it offers a balanced taste without any unexpected surprises.
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