i like what they say on their website, finding the most authentic ingredients possible, no preservatives, as natural as can be these days, etc. i don’t think there are many natural sarsaparillas out there. Hanson’s had one but i have not seen it in a while. i was quite surprised to find out of the existence of this soda when i was browsing the Old52 website to order some sodas for my father in law. as i am the only website that reviews sarsaparillas (well, semi-exclusively, i know Thirsty Dudes does one occasionally and there are general beverage review places but they are less obsessive as the solely root beer reviewing sites), i don’t hear about new sarsaparillas and birch beers as often as the root beers. plus there are less of them really out there.
the full name of this is really “Caamano Bros. Soda Pop Co. High Noon Sarsaparilla” but that was too long for my tastes so i skipped a lot of the extra words.
even before trying this, the fact that they tried to be authentic to real, old style sarsaparilla is a bit scary. they other ones i have had that try to reproduce that flavor are much more medicinal than i like. taking a sniff does not alleviate those concerns.
yeah, it is kind of medicinal on the initial taste but it fades into a very pleasant flavor. hhmmmm… i like it. this is not something that most people would enjoy but i do. it is definitely a sipping soda, one to sit and enjoy the taste of, unhindered by life’s distractions and problems. it is not my favorite but i appreciate what they have made and it is unique and tasty. it definitely has a strong sassafras taste, along with something akin to ginger that makes this drink similar to a good ginger beer without the “hot” spiciness of ginger beer. it is a really good drink. hearty, complex and interesting.
Anthony’s Rating: 91
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User’s Rating: 74
# of ratings:3
| Type: | Sarsaparilla | Comes In: | 12oz glass bottle |
| Available: | CA, online | Obtained in: | order from Old 52 |
| Head: | Medium | Sweetener: | cane sugar |
| Calories: | 170 | Sodium: | 20mg |
| Carbs: | 43g | Sugar: | 43g |
| Caffeine: | No | ||
| Website: | http://caamanobros.com | ||
Ingredients: carbonated water, cane sugar, organic and natural flavorings, caramel color, organic acacia gum, citric acid
I’m looking forward to trying this one as I’m partial to a good “sarsy.” Despite our difference of opinion on Manhattan Special, we’re usually on the same page so I hope I find this for sale somewhere in NYC.
Wow, I’m surprised this got a 91 rating. This soda tastes way medicinal, and way too earthy. It is a mediocre soda, but it is not the best tasting sarsaparilla. This one was way to spicy and “natural” tasting. The only thing I liked about this one was that it tasted a lot like Moxie – and I like Moxie. I could only give this one a 71.
I agree with what (is) said, it was so earthy tasting that it tasted like dirt was in it. And it had a serious sour taste to it. I happen to have two bottle of this and will give it a second chance. But for now, I gave this a 55.Not very good.
Tried it tonight and I really like it.
Observing the “user” reviews above, I believe that most people don’t understand what real sarsaparilla, of the type consumed in the late 1800s actually tasted like, and that many of your users don’t like real sarsaparilla and would rather settle for the “natural & artificial flavor” mixes currently passed off as sarsaparilla.
Well, to each their own… but this is what real old-school sarsaparilla tasted like.
@M Glenn I recommend trying Manhattan Special. I always stock up when I can find it (usually in Brooklyn).
I was surprised at the mix reviews of this soda I thought it was excellent.
The head had small tight bubbles and the color was dark brown which I like.
The taste and smell defiantly is strong on the Sassafras but quite enjoyable. I feel it takes you back in time sitting at an old-time saloon with your boots up. As you sip this soda and I agree with Anthony it’s a sipping soda, as you are drinking your way through the bottle it has a mild over all sarsaparilla taste which is not overpowering with a smooth dark wood flavor. It also has a very nice syrup to water ratio. Again, it just has a really nice Sarsaparilla flavor.
The after taste was clean and has a nice lingering vanilla flavor effect. I would recommend this to anyone interested in trying a Sarsaparilla soda for the first time.
I give it under my scale a grade of A to A- or 90-95 on the Anthony scale.
Good job Caamano Bros. for putting out a soda worth drinking.