i was not sure i would ever get to sample this soda either. it was hard to tell just how wide the distribution was on the bottles and any soda on tap across the country is a soda i doubt i will taste. yet one day a very kind reader offered to send me a couple bottles and here i am reviewing them! woo hoo!
i am surprised at the quite low level of carbonation in this drink. i thought maybe it was a fluke with the first bottle so i tried the 2nd one also and it was about the same. very little fizz, tiny head. it does take away a couple points in my mind, i want SOME fizz in my soda!
i was also surprised at the lameness of the back label based on the fine design on the front. i won’t show you the back one since i am lazy but it is a very generic deal with the ingredients and UPC and junk on a white background with a small logo above it. now i guess it may save on ink which is less pollution and helps save the earth a little, but still, it looks like they ran out of effort. at least a nice color scheme would be nice. no matter though.
they proudly proclaim the 100% cane sugar-ness, which is always nice to see. the taste is right up my alley, quite sweet and not too sharp without being syrupy at all. if it had more of a head i think this might crack the top 15 or 20 or so. alas. there is nothing too special here, just spot on great taste. perhaps it is a touchy too underwhelming in that regard, after 400 some odd sodas i DO welcome one that is predictably just right but i more want one that is just right AND a little different. still though, this brew passes muster quite well.
Anthony’s Rating: 90
User’s Rating: 76
# of ratings:12
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| Type: | Root Beer | Comes In: | On Tap |
| Available: | OR, WA | Obtained in: | sent by loyal reader |
| Head: | Tiny | Sweetener: | cane sugar |
| Calories: | 160 | Sodium: | 60mg |
| Carbs: | 41g | Sugar: | 41g |
| Caffeine: | No | ||
| Website: | http://www.craterlakesoda.com | ||
Ingredients: sparkling water, pure cane sugar, caramel color, natural and artificial flavors, sodium benzoate (preserves freshness), citric acid
One of my favorites. Excellent line drive root beer, could be sent to another planet to represent the concept of root beer. Calculated not to offend anyone, but also not patronizing. An excellent back to basics product.
I gave this one a 75.
this one is not a strong root beer flavor, more like sugar water with a hint of root beer. does not make make top ten, but I would drink it if given to me.
I agree with rick b on this one. I had to give this one a 74 because it was kind of weak. Even though it was weak, I could still taste the spices in it. In all honesty it smelled better than it tasted. Really shocked Anthony gave it a 90. It does not have a smooth taste that I like, but instead has a harsh aftertaste that I don’t really like. I would get this one again only if I had too, but all in all this one’s just ok.
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