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June 26, 2008
The NY Times goes in search of a good root beer
They get one critical aspect wrong, however. (link to article)
We tasted 25 different root beers, not from frosty mugs but in our usual wine glasses. This was a clinical environment, after all, a time for analysis and debate. Frosty mugs? We don’t need no stinkin’ frosty mugs!
Wine glasses? That shouldn't be legal. Anyway, they give 2 stars to Fitz's and 3 stars to IBC. Personally, I would argue the reverse. Stephen Karlson will be happy to know that Sprecher's garnered 3 stars.
The article also links to this rating site for root beer. (Ah, this Internet. We do indeed live in wonderful times.)
But the best root beer I've ever tasted would have to be 1919 root beer. It might be a little tough for you to find, however, as it is a draft root beer--no bottles or cans for this precious drink. The last time I had it was about a year ago at the Whiskey River Emporium in St. Peter, Minn. Southern Minnesota is about the only place I know of where restaurants serve it. It's a must when I pass through the area.
Posted by William Polley at June 26, 2008 02:33 AM
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Comments
Of the mass retail brands, I think Mug is probably the best but somewhat on the sweet side. A&W while not as good still beats most of the common ones (Barqs, Dads) and is not quite so sweet. Few are widely distributed though.
Posted by: Lord at June 27, 2008 11:00 PM
I have always preferred Hires Root Beer, but it is not available where I live; is it available anywhere?
I suspect I like it because that's what we had, when we had root beer, as I was growing up.
But compared with Hires, most of the others taste too sweet and too flat -- Hires always seemed to have extra sparkle to it.
Posted by: EclectEcon at June 28, 2008 09:14 PM
Doesn't Chili's serve 1919? It has been too long for me to remember.
Posted by: Lord at July 3, 2008 01:37 PM
I'm not sure. I suppose it is possible that they do in some markets.
Posted by: William Polley at July 3, 2008 04:37 PM
I used to drink 1919 draft at Jakeenos on Chicago in S. Mpls. The best root beer I've ever tasted!
Posted by: Tim at July 7, 2008 02:21 PM
Hires rootbeer can be found in Lancaster Pa. at Kirchner Beverage at 2740 Charlestown Rd. 717-872-1400
Posted by: mike at July 11, 2008 11:24 AM
Berghoff's (Chicago) makes a pretty tasty brew...
Posted by: Uncle Jeffy at July 17, 2008 02:00 PM