A&W Locale: Plano, TX Type: root beer Bottling: can Packaging: Faux barrel design is contemporary, but harkens to former days. Inviting. Sweetener(s): corn syrup Calories: 170 Caffeine: no Head: Quick-rising, lightly colored head with satisfying staying power. Color: deep caramel Smell: Not a strong aroma. Sassafras and an earthy rootiness. Initial Taste: Pleasing sweetness and classic sassafras root beer flavor Bite: Nice bite.  Not the first thing you notice, but very present. Aftertaste: Minty wash as the sweetness departs. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 9

A. J. Stephans Locale: Boston, MA Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Plain label is light brown with white undecorative name banner. Sweetener(s): cane sugar Calories: 170 Caffeine: no Head: Thin head doesn't have much body, but lasts well through first swigs. Color: muddy sienna Smell: Heavy wintergreen and cinnamon aroma. Initial Taste: Heavy cinnamon is reminiscent of ginger bread with a touch of licorice flavor. Bite: Moderate bite. Aftertaste: Clean sweetness with a cinnamon and sassafras finish. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 7

Abita Locale: Abita Springs, LA Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Unique design of blue on brown with green highlights and stylized name printing makes this a very recognizeable bottle. Sweetener(s): cane sugar Calories: 177 Caffeine: no Head: Nice cream-colored head rises fast and fades at a moderate rate. Color: light sienna Smell: Weak wintergreen smell with hints of sweetness. Initial Taste: Goot natural root origins in the flavoring. Sweetness follows. Bite: Moderate, pleasant bite. Aftertaste: Unique spiciness lingers, perhaps a blend of cinnamon and anise. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 8

Adirondack Beverages Locale: Scotia, NY Type: root beer Bottling: aluminum can Packaging: Solid Brown background with placid mountain scene. Sweetener(s): corn syrup Calories: 170 Caffeine: no Head: Moderate head fades quickly. Color: light amber Smell: A woody wintergreen aroma wafts past the nostrils. Initial Taste: Solid classic sassafras flavor is bold with a mild sweetness. Bite: Fare to middlin' bite. Aftertaste: Clean finish with a cinnamon hint. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 8

Barrel Brothers Locale: Salt Lake City, UT Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Clever "skinny guy - fat guy" label hints at a jolly good root beer time! Sweetener(s): corn syrup Calories: 170 Caffeine: no Head: Thin, light-colored head fades quickly. Color: lght amber Smell: Thick, sweet, malty root flavorings mix together. Initial Taste: Creamy vanilla flavoring is in the forefront with the sassafrass, sweetness, and  other spices taking a back seat. Bite: Gentle bite. Aftertaste: Thick finish with lingering vanilla flavor. Reminiscent of a cream soda…odd for a root beer. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 6

Berghoff Locale: Chicago, IL Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Classy lettering and label reminiscent of the Chicago namesake restaurant. Sweetener(s): sugar Calories: 125 Caffeine: no Head: Dark tan head rises moderately, but lasts past most. Color: dark amber Smell: Great wintergreen moderated with sassafras and anise. Initial Taste: Pleasantly sweet initial taste with a nice rooty flavor and hint of cinnamon. Bite: Moderate flavor bite. Aftertaste: Witergreen in finishing wash with pleasant sweetness. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 9

Berghoff Diet Locale: Chicago, IL Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Vertical stripes with scripted signature name and banner. Sweetener(s): sucralose Calories: 2 Caffeine: no Head: Quick rising foam with a thin body. Color: medium amber Smell: strong wintergreen aroma with the promise of a rooty bite. Initial Taste: Not sweet. A hint of clove is cloaked in a heavy vanilla flavor. Bite: Moderate. Aftertaste: Dry finish. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 7

Boylan Locale: Moonachie, NJ Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Classic / retro look with antique lettering. Sweetener(s): cane sugar Calories: 170 Caffeine: no Head: Bubbly head with quick expansion, cream color, and moderate dissipation. Color: dark caramel Smell: Cane sugar flavor prominent with anise and a hint of wintergreen. Initial Taste: Natural cane sugar flavor, slight anise. Bite; Crisp bite with smooth  presence. Not flat. Aftertaste: Root beer/sassafras flavor, smooth with lingering sweetness. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 7

Briar's Locale: North Brunswick, NJ Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: 50's diner graphic with award banner look. Sweetener(s): corn syrup Calories: 168 Caffeine: no Head: Light colored minimal head. Color: amber Smell: Prominent wintergreen aroma. Initial Taste: Caramel flavor with a very sweet and thick body. Bite: No bite  in the flavoring.  Moderate bite through carbonation. Aftertaste: Thick, tongue-coating sweet aftertaste. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 6

Bulldog Locale: Mukilteo, WA Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Quality-looking label with paneled background and cute pair-of-bulldogs emblem encircled by grain, banner, and text. Sweetener(s): cane sugar and honey Calories: 160 Caffeine: no Head: Very little head…almost none. Color: auburn Smell: Sassafras and vanilla jumps from the mug. Initial Taste: Mild flavor with singular presence. Not very complex. Vanilla is noticeable. Bite: Low carbonation, but decent flavor kick. Aftertaste: Vague, broad sensation lingers. Primary sensation is sweetness on the front of the tongue. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 6

Capt'n Eli's Locale: Portland, ME Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Great New England seashore and rowboat scene on label. Sweetener(s): cane sugar Calories: 165 Caffeine: no Head: Fantastic head with strong, full-bodied presence. Color: dark auburn Smell: Great spicy smell with hints of clove and cinnamon to accompany the wintergreen. Initial Taste: Creamy, smooth taste with full-bodied complex flavors of sassafras, anise, cinnamon. Bite: Balanced and full presence of bite. Aftertaste: Spices come through strong in the finish followed by a clean close of sweetness. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 8

Clover Classics Locale: Chicago, IL Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Scenes from Chicago adorn this brown label. Sweetener(s): corn syrup Calories: 160 Caffeine: no Head: Thin head with a light colored foam. Color: light caramel Smell: Nice Wintergreen base with a rich butterscotch addition. Initial Taste: Thick texture with a very sweet flavor and buttery hints. Bite: Very gentle bite. Aftertaste: Lingering generic sweetness. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 7

Cold Spring Locale: Cold Spring, MN Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Basic round label with script. Sweetener(s): cane sugar Calories: 160 Caffeine: no Head: Head is thin, but rises quickly. Color: ruby amber Smell: Vanilla and sugar come through. Initial Taste: Heavy vanilla and a sweet consistency. Bite: Light bite. Aftertaste: Creamy smooth finish. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 7

Columbia Soda Works Locale: Columbia, CA Type: sarsaparilla Bottling: bottle Packaging: Gold mine theme and strong shield logo harken to the good ol' days and the flavor of the "mother lode." Sweetener(s): cane sugar Calories: 179 Caffeine: no Head: Crisp foam rises quickly and falls quickly. Color: chocolate Smell: Wintergreen and anise. Initial Taste: Traditional sarsaparilla rootiness with strong contributions from licorice root. Bite: Moderate flavor and carbonation bite. Aftertaste: Smooth, sweet aftertaste that finishes moderately clean. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 7

Cool Mountain Locale: Des Plaines, IL Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Nature theme with glacial mountain panorama. Monochrome color scheme. Sweetener(s): cane sugar Calories: 160 Caffeine: no Head: Minimal head with moderately quick dissipation. Color: auburn Smell: Very sugary smell with wintergreen subtext. Initial Taste: Sweet sensation in the forefront. Not a robust flavor, though Bite: No bite. Low carbonation. Aftertaste: Unobtrusive flavor with moderate sweetness. Forgettable sensation. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 6

Dr. Brown's Locale: College Point, NY Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Brown can with old image of New York ice cream parlor is encircled with lettering and a claim of "full-bodied flavor." Sweetener(s): corn syrup Calories: 179 Caffeine: no Head: Tempestuous head flares up for amazing initial body and fades equally fast. Color: reddish caramel Smell: Great standard wintergreen cover with solid sassafras, molasses, and just a touch of cinnamon. Initial Taste: Great rooty flavor could have a mix of sassafras, sarsaparilla, and birch barks, and is assisted with anise and clove. Bite: Moderate bite with good flavor balance. Aftertaste: Clean, crisp finish with spices of cinnamon and clove giving the final wave. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 8

Dr. McGillicuddy's Locale: New Orleans, LA Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Clear adhesive label with lettering reminiscent of travelling physicians or snake oil salesmen. Great old fashioned feel. Sweetener(s): corn syrup and cane sugar Calories: 180 Caffeine: no Head: Awesome head. Light color with great substance. Color: amber Smell: Anise, rooty aromas perhaps mixing sarsaparilla, birch, and sassafras. A sweetness also permeates the smell. Initial Taste: Crisp, rooty flavor with hints of anise and moderate wintergreen. Bite: Nicely proportioned bite is flavorful and very present on the tongue! Aftertaste: Sweet finish is clean and quenching. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 9

Dog N Suds Locale: Chicago, IL Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Cartoon theme, but consistent presentation.  Kind of corny-looking. Sweetener(s): corn syrup Calories: 110 Caffeine: no Head: Quick rising head with light coloring and great staying power. Color: light brown amber Smell: Rooty sassafras smell with hints of liquorice. Initial Taste: Clean and crisp with a agreeable sweetness and lasting tingle from the liquorice flavor. Bite: Good bite…and not all carbonation. Aftertaste: Lasting sweetness and smooth sassafras has the last word. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 8

Empire Locale: Bristol, RI Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Basic label design with brown bottom, vertical grey stripes and crown logo. Sweetener(s): cane sugar Calories: 170 Caffeine: no Head: Quick, but thin head. Color: dark sienna Smell: Very minty smell with anise. Initial Taste: Wintergreen, sassafras, and cinnamon. Bite: Strong bite. Aftertaste: Lingering aftertaste prominently features cane sugar. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 8

Filbert's Locale: Chicago, IL Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Root beer barrel graphic over green and yellow.  Low-gloss paper leaves homemade impression. Sweetener(s): sugar, corn syrup Calories: 150 Caffeine: no Head: Thin bubble walls have a dark cream color, but stack better than other thin suds and stick around for the first taste. Color: reddish caramel Smell: The smell is a spicy sassafras with a minty whiff. Initial Taste: First taste is sweet with a good basic root beer taste anchored in a sassafras identity. Consistency is thin on the tongue, but crisp. Bite: Moderate bite makes no lasting impression. Aftertaste: Crisp following and finish with sweet, wintergreen reminders. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 7

Frostie Locale: Temple, TX Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Red lettering, snow, and elfish-looking mascot with a white beard make this label very Christmassy! glass is embossed with brand name. Sweetener(s): corn syrup Calories: 160 Caffeine: no Head: Quick rising, long lasting head with tan color. Color: red caramel Smell: Prominent wintergreen aroma. Initial Taste: Rather bland taste. Rooty, but very weak. Carbonation draws the most attention. Bite: Solid bite. Aftertaste: Unremarkable finish. Sweet, but not very flavorful. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 6

Frostop Locale: Hopkins, MN Type: root beer Bottling: plastic bottle Packaging: Bold 50's diner theme. Sweetener(s): sugar, corn syrup Calories: 165 Caffeine: no Head: Fantastic head rises quickly and stays through the experience. Amazing persistence. Light crème color. Color: caramel Smell: Anise flavorings with wintergreen. Initial Taste: Fantastic rooty flavor of sassafras and/or sarsaparilla. Smooth. Definite cinnamon addition. Bite: On the low side of pleasing. Bite comes from rooty flavor, not carbonation, though! Slightly tannic. Aftertaste: Lingering anise and liquorice. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 9

Gale's Locale: Riverwoods, IL Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Simple text with graphic reminiscent of Winnie The Pooh illustrations. Sweetener(s): corn syrup Calories: 160 Caffeine: no Head: Good bodied foam fades quickly. Color: auburn caramel Smell: Strong wintergreen smell with liquorice undertones. Initial Taste: Rich palate of flavors includes very detectable cinnamon, slight ginger, and a faint softness induced with vanilla! Bite: Moderate bite. Pleasing. Aftertaste: Sweet, but not too thick. Vanilla comes through stronger with some classic tannic coloring. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 9

Goose Island Locale: Chicago, IL Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Red star label with plain font over the city of Chicago flag. Sweetener(s): cane sugar Calories: 180 Caffeine: no Head: Slow-rising, but resolute head establishes a nice cream color to the head. Color: light amber Smell: Barky sassafras and gentle mint. Initial Taste: Great sassafras flavor with a hint of vanilla and masked licorice. Bite: Gentle bite. Aftertaste: Finish is sweet, but clean and refreshing. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 8

Hank's Locale: Trevose, PA Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Classy looking seal label with medal and banner motif. Sweetener(s): cane sugar Calories: 180 Caffeine: no Head: Head is quick and thick! Color: dark amber Smell: Very natural wintergeen flavor dominates. Initial Taste: Smooth and sweet with a hint of vanilla. Bite: Not a very big bite. Aftertaste: Sweet, thick finish. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 7

Hank's Diet Locale: Trevose, PA Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Classy looking seal label with medal and banner motif. Sweetener(s): aspartame Calories: 0 Caffeine: no Head: Great rising head that lasts. Color: dark brown Smell: Sweet anise aroma reminiscent of black jelly beans. Mint unperpinnings. Initial Taste: Rooty flavor with cinnamon. Bite: Soft bite. Aftertaste: Chemical aftertaste leaves very little "life" on the tongue. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 5

Hansen's Locale: Corona, CA Type: root beer Bottling: can Packaging: Silver bubble motif is overlain with a 50's font and graphic scheme. Sweetener(s): cane sugar Calories: 160 Caffeine: no Head: Strong head with quick fizz and lasting strength. Color: light caramel Smell: Sweet mint with hint of licorice. Initial Taste: Presents the tongue with a complex mix of woody flavorings and sweetness. Bite: Moderate bite. Aftertaste: Flavors seperately present as vanilla, anise, and sassafrass. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 7

Hog Haus Frisbee Dog Locale: Fayetteville, AR Type: root beer Bottling: growler jug bottle Packaging: Bottled from the tap in a 1/2 gallon "growler" jug, this root beer bears the simple, but classy, label of the Hog Haus Brewing Co. Sweetener(s): cane sugar Calories: n/a Caffeine: no Head: Moderate head with considerable staying power. Color: dark auburn Smell: Wintergreen with a mild sassafras hint and a very present sweet, sugary aroma. Initial Taste: Initial taste is full with sassafras accompanied by licorice. Bite: Moderate, balanced bite. Aftertaste: Smooth aftertaste with a lingering licorice flavor. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 7

IBC Locale: St. Louis, MO Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Unlabeled brown glass bottle with emossed logo and lettering. Classic, understated image leaves the door open for the drinker to form their own opinion of the root beer. Sweetener(s): corn syrup Calories: n/a Caffeine: no Head: Light-colored and quick rising, this head promises an exciting experience and sticks around to share in it. Color: auburn Smell: Sweet wintergreen aroma. Initial Taste: Crisp, strong sassafrass flavor integrating tannic underpinings with a comfortable sweetmess. Hints of vanilla and anise. Bite: Perfect moderate bite; mix of flavoring and carbonation. Aftertaste: Clean finish with sweet presence and a tingle on the tongue. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 10

Ithaca Locale: Ithaca, NY Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Wooden barrel motif with earthy orange tones. Sweetener(s): cane sugar Calories: n/a Caffeine: no Head: Light bodied foam and light coloring. Moderate amount of froth. Color: auburn Smell: Wintergreen and anise. Initial Taste: Vanilla mingled with cane sugar is followed by a rooty sensation. Bite: Nice, satisfying bite with good carbonation. Aftertaste: Sweet flavor with a clean aftertaste. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 9

Jackson Hole Brewing Co. Buckin' Root Beer Locale: Jackson, WY Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Western motif with a bull launching a cowboy. Sweetener(s): sugar Calories: n/a Caffeine: no Head: There is very little head to this root beer. Color: caramel Smell: Pleasant anise and licorice hints accompany a standard root and wintergreen flavorings. Initial Taste: Surprisingly strong taste, but not overwhelming. Very present sasafrass root flavor. Bite: Nice flavor bite is a great complement to the balanced carbonation. Aftertaste: Clean finish. Refreshing. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 9

John Barleycorn Locale: Putney, VT Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Very original labeling with a blend of folksy graphics with a psychedelic feel. Sweetener(s): fructose, cane sugar Calories: 140 Caffeine: no Head: Almost no head. Color: opaque chocolate Smell: Smells like a beer with roasted grain and the flavorings of a chocolate stout. Initial Taste: Initial taste is nutty with a bitter roasted flavor. A mild sweetness is combined with a veiled citrus flavor. Bite: Very mild bite. Aftertaste: Aftertaste is mildly rooty with a tangy follow. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 4

Jones Locale: Seattle, WA Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Unique label incorporates pictures that change regularly, and are often submitted by customers! Sweetener(s): inverted cane sugar Calories: 180 Caffeine: no Head: Quick rising, but thin, head. Color: clear auburn Smell: Sharp rooty smell is a very good start! Initial Taste: Nice anise and sassafrass, but the sweetness is syrupy. Bite: Good firm bite. Aftertaste: Taste dominated by syrupy sweetness of "inverted" cane sugar. This processed sugar neither acts nor tastes as true cane sugar. Disappointed that Jones uses it…much more that they use the words cane sugar to promote a "good old soda" image. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 6

Judge Wapner Locale: Gardena, CA Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Great label with portrait of a very directive Judge Wapner. "I sentence you to drink my root beer!" Sweetener(s): cane sugar Calories: 190 Caffeine: no Head: Great head! 1.5 inches of caramel ivory foam gently ride until the first swig. Color: dark amber Smell: Rooty wintergreen with pervasive sweetness to the odor. Initial Taste: Gentle flavorings moderated with sweet vanilla. Bite: Moderate. Not overbearing. Aftertaste: Sweet, creamy finish with strong sassafras farewell. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 7

Kutztown Locale: Kutztown, PA Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Bright color and graphics attract attention; old towne lettering add a hint of class. Sweetener(s): cane sugar Calories: 160 Caffeine: no Head: Slow-rising and dark in color. Color: dark sienna Smell: Minty with an edge of molasses or caramel. Initial Taste: Moderately sweet and smooth with weak sassafras flavor. Bite: Slight bite. Aftertaste: Gentle aftertaste with lingering sweetness. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 6

Maine Root Locale: Portland, ME Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Natural-themed label gives appearance of recycled paper, but with eye-catching color scheme. Sweetener(s): cane sugar Calories: 165 Caffeine: no Head: Great quick-rising foam with light crème color and amazing persistence. Color: amber blond Smell: Natural cane sugar smell mingled with wintergreen. Initial Taste: This one keeps it simple with natural rooty sassafras and perhaps a touch of cinnamon. Bite: Present, but non-dominant bite. Aftertaste: Great cane sugar finish leaves the tongue refreshed for more. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 9

Maine Root Locale: Portland, ME Type: sarsaparilla Bottling: bottle Packaging: Natural-themed label gives appearance of recycled paper, but with eye-catching color scheme. Sweetener(s): cane sugar Calories: 165 Caffeine: no Head: Substantial and lasting head is snowy white and formes in small distinct bubbles. Color: green tea-tinted clear Smell: Delightfully barky and minty. Initial Taste: Rather dry impression with tannic rootiness and heavily laced wintergreen flavor. Bite: Weak but flavorful bite. Aftertaste: Sweetness follows the first impression with a thick finish. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 7

Mug Locale: San Fransisco, CA Type: root beer Bottling: can Packaging: Contemporary. Faux mug theme with overflowing suds and mascot. Sweetener(s): corn syrup Calories: 160 Caffeine: no Head: Quick-rising head fades quickly. Color: caramel Smell: Initial impression is sarsaparilla akin to the root beer barrell candy.  Twinge of wintergreen in the background. Initial Taste: Overall viscous sensation with a rooty and fundamentally sound flavor. Bite: Minimal bite.  Border-line flat. Aftertaste: Corn syrup is identifiable. Thick sensation remains. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 6

Natural Brew Locale: Chico, CA Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Pin-stripe "barn side" label background topped with naturescape etching is enticing. Sweetener(s): cane sugar Calories: 180 Caffeine: no Head: Solid, substantial head has a pleasant light creamy color. Color: blond auburn Smell: Weak mint smell overpowered by licorice, clove, and cinnamon. Initial Taste: Not too sweet. Licorice, cinnamon, clove, and other strong spices dominate the taste. Bite: Gentle, sustained bite. Aftertaste: Clove flavor lasts the longest on the back of the tongue. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 6

Old Dominion Locale: Dover, DE Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Great classic wood panel look with stag silouette. Sweetener(s): sugar and honey Calories: 170 Caffeine: no Head: Great stable head. Lasts substantial amount of time! Color: dark auburn Smell: Sassafras and strong cinnamon aroma. Initial Taste: Spicy and sweet flavor is heavily influenced by cinnamon. Bite: Moderate. Aftertaste: Clean, crisp, and pleasing finish. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 7

Old Town Locale: Temecula, CA Type: sarsaparilla Bottling: bottle Packaging: Bold, colorful label in green, white, and orange. Possible unintentional misspelling of sarsaparilla as "sarsparilla" on the label. Sweetener(s): cane sugar Calories: n/a Caffeine: no Head: Very little, quickly fading head. Color: dark sienna Smell: Sweet wintergreen aroma. Initial Taste: Cane sugar presence with smooth sassafras and anise chasers. Bite: Gentle bite. Aftertaste: Sweet finish, almost an insistant lingering of rooty flavor. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 8

Olde Brooklyn Locale: Ronkonkoma, NY Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Classic design, but looks over-produced. Sweetener(s): corn syrup Calories: 120 Caffeine: no Head: Very little head. Color: amber Smell: Hint of clove and sassafras with perhaps a bit of cinnamon. Initial Taste: Cinnamon flavor up front in flavor mix. Sweet, but weak presence overall. Bite: No bite. Flat. Aftertaste: Strange.  Almost a sour sensation. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 4

Olde Rhode Island Locale: Bristol, RI Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Great individualistic and simple label that tells it like it is. Sweetener(s): cane sugar Calories: n/a Caffeine: no Head: Premium, dark, persistent head promises a great experience. Color: dark chocolate Smell: Wintergreen and cinnamon. Initial Taste: Creamy, thick flavor with a full-bodied flavor that at times seems even a bit spicy. Bite: Good flavor bite. Aftertaste: Nice finish. Sweet, but not as lingering as one might expect a thick root beer to be. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 8

Pearson Bros. Locale: San Francisco, CA Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Red label with yellow border and picture of Golden Gate Bridge. Sweetener(s): corn syrup Calories: 180 Caffeine: no Head: Head is OK. Light colored foam fades quickly. Color: auburn Smell: Mild wintergreen, but not much aroma to speak of. Initial Taste: Mild sweetness infused with a  wintergreen flavor. Bite: Weak. Aftertaste: Sweetness lingers, but lasting flavors are understated. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 5

Point Locale: Stevens Point, WI Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Sepia tone photo of brewery with premium lettering. BTI Gold Medal winner. Humorous naming panel on reverse. Sweetener(s): cane sugar, corn syrup, Wisconsin honey Calories: 180 Caffeine: no Head: Sizzling head is slow to appear, but moderately persistent Color: caramel / auburn Smell: Spicy smell with heavy wintergreen accents. Initial Taste: Smooth and sweet. Flavor is not as spicy as the smell.  Vanilla and honey are both detectable, but the classic root beer flavor is not hidden at all. Bite: Pleasing.  Not shy, but not overbearing. Aftertaste: Clean, sweet taste.  Not syrupy or dominated by any one of the three sweeteners. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 9

River City Locale: Sacramento, CA Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Sepia tone label depicts nostalgic hometown scene. Sweetener(s): cane sugar Calories: 180 Caffeine: no Head: Thin head with dark, rich color. Color: burnt sienna Smell: Wintergreen and pleasant vanilla. Initial Taste: Standard sassafras evelopes cinnamon, wintergreen, and vanilla. Bite: Great bite…kicks the tongue! Aftertaste: Distinctive finish with a finish almost reminiscent of a candy sweetness. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 8

Route 66 Beer Locale: Wilmington, IL Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Classic and "road trip" retro. Slogan: "Get your kicks with Route 66 Beer." Sweetener(s): cane sugar Calories: 160 Caffeine: no Head: Medium head with creamy color and moderate persistence. Color: caramel red Smell: Sassafras flavor with cane sugar presence and wintergreen. Initial Taste: Weak flavoring. Not too sweet, but does have a nice natural sassafras flavor. Bite: Moderate bite. Aftertaste: Crisp finish with sweetness of cane sugar. Funny aftertaste…metallic? Overall Enjoyment Rating: 7

Saranac Locale: Utica, NY Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Classic solid label with stylized lettering and antique photo. Sweetener(s): corn syrup Calories: 180 Caffeine: no Head: Full, quick-rising head with crème color. Lasting presence. Color: dark caramel Smell: Heavy anise and wintergreen flavor. Sweet aroma. Initial Taste: Refreshing blend of sassafrass and a spiciness that may hint at a touch of cinnamon. Bite: Moderate biting flavor. Not overbearing. Aftertaste: Sweet finish with creamy character. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 8

Sea Dog Locale: Portland, ME Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: East coast sea-faring pooch motif. Sweetener(s): cane sugar Calories: n/a Caffeine: no Head: Light-colored head is quick to rise and stays around through your first few swigs. Color: auburn Smell: Traditional root beer smell includes sassafras with a hint of mint. Initial Taste: Initial taste is sugary with a presence of anise.  Other advertised herbs and spices are lost. Bite: Bite is passable, but not a real contributor. Aftertaste: Dry and fleeting aftertaste doesn't leave much flavor memory to enjoy. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 7

Snake River Sarsaparilla Locale: Jackson, WY Type: sarsaparilla Bottling: bottle Packaging: Label displays a 1900's fishing picture and an old school sheriff's badge for antique flavor. Sweetener(s): sugar Calories: n/a Caffeine: no Head: Tan foam rises reluctantly and fades at a moderate pace. Color: auburn Smell: Wintergreen and sassafras with a hint of cinnamon. Initial Taste: Strong rooty flavor with wintergreen highlights. Bite: Very flavorful bite with low carbonation. Aftertaste: Sweet flavor moderated by a hint of peppery spice. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 8

Sioux City Locale: Whitestone, NY Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Ink-on-bottle printing with image of Old West gunslinger hoisting a mug with a card table in the background. Sweetener(s): cane sugar Calories: 160 Caffeine: no Head: Late blooming head rises after an itial delay and stays briefly. Color: auburn Smell: Strong wintergreen flavor with natural sassafras infusion. Initial Taste: Great rooty punch with strong wintergreen balancing out the second wave. Bite: Good flavor bite. Aftertaste: Lingering wintergreen with sweet, clean finish. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 8

Sparky's Locale: Pacific Grove, CA Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Simple, homemade feel. Sweetener(s): cane sugar, honey Calories: n/a Caffeine: no Head: Small head with light off-white color. Moderate staying power. Color: light amber Smell: Heavy wintergreen scent with anise undertones. Initial Taste: First taste is crisp with a lasting sweetness. Complex blend of flavorings challenges the tongue with sensations of anise, cinnamon, and sassafras. Bite: Nice, flavorful bite. Aftertaste: Creamy, sweet, and almost peppery at times. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 8

Sprecher Locale: Glendale, WI Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Mixed cartoon and old German lettering styles. Tan and brown root beer colored label. Sweetener(s): corn syrup, honey Calories: 165 Caffeine: no Head: Medium foaming head with moderately long sustain and a light tan color. Color: caramel Smell: Bold sweet aroma of sassafras with honey presence.  Wintergreen whiffs. Initial Taste: Smooth and sweet with a large vanilla presence. Bite: Appropriate carbonation gives an aggressive bite without being obtrusive. Aftertaste: Flavor fades quickly. No sticky coating leaves the mouth feeling refreshed. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 8

Sprecher Lo-Cal Locale: Glendale, WI Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Mixed cartoon and old German lettering styles. Tan root beer colored label. Sweetener(s): corn syrup, Wisconsin honey, sodium saccharin Calories: 22 Caffeine: no Head: Great fast-rising head with the color of lightly caramelized sugar. Big, thick, foamy body. Color: nearly chocolate Smell: Primarily classic root beer and sassafras flavor, but with a puzzling unpleasant mustiness. Initial Taste: The slightly musty flavor is apparent in the initial taste as well.  The natural sweetener of honey is lost. Not a big-bodied flavor. Bite: Moderate bite. Aftertaste: Leaves a thick feeling on the tongue. I suspect the chemical non-sugar sweetener is the culprit. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 4

Squamscot Locale: Newfields, NH Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Simple white label with gold title banner. Sweetener(s): cane sugar Calories: n/a Caffeine: no Head: Although the bottle made a satisfying "pop" when opened, there was very little foam. Color: light auburn Smell: Very subtle sassafras smell that makes me wonder about the flavor depth. Initial Taste: Nice sweet flavor with infusions of anise and clove. Bite: Moderate. Aftertaste: Unremarkable finish with pleasant sweetness. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 7

Stewart's Locale: Rye Brook, NY Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Classic soda fountain theme with barrel mug. Sweetener(s): corn syrup Calories: 160 Caffeine: no Head: Moderate, lasting head. Color: light amber Smell: Great rooty sassafrass smell. Initial Taste: Nice blended root beer flavor with hints of vanilla and general sweetness. Bite: Moderate bite. Aftertaste: Relatively clean with slowly fading vanilla and minty finish. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 8

Stewart's Diet Locale: Rye Brook, NY Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Classic soda fountain theme with barrel mug. Sweetener(s): aspartame Calories: 0 Caffeine: no Head: Great head sticks around with considerable resiliency. Color: light amber Smell: Edgy smell conveys very little promise of flavoring. Almost a chemical dryness. Initial Taste: Bland and empty. Rooty elements struggle to break through, but ultimately fail. Bite: Moderate bite. Aftertaste: Not sweet, not rich, not flavorful. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 4

Thomas Kemper Locale: Portland, OR Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Rust colored label with ribbon motif and small honeybee icon. Sweetener(s): cane sugar Calories: 160 Caffeine: no Head: Promising creamy foam with great lasting body. Color: blond amber Smell: Uncommited aroma hints at wintergreen, but doesn't present much else. Initial Taste: Sweet, vanilla flavor. Bite: Crisp bite. Aftertaste: Smooth flavor passes with a cinnamon finish. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 8

Tower Locale: Boston, MA Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Black label with orange accents and olde worlde lettering! Sweetener(s): cane sugar Calories: 170 Caffeine: no Head: Fast-rising, but thin, head. Color: reddish chocolate Smell: Spicy sassafras and molasses with clove and anise hints behind a strong wintergreen. Initial Taste: Great root beer flavor. Bold cinnamon and clove with classic rootiness. Bite: Wow! Combination of carbonation and flavor kick is wonderful. Aftertaste: Clean cane sugar finish. Classic. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 10

Tower Diet Locale: Boston, MA Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Black label with orange accents and olde worlde lettering! Sweetener(s): aspartame Calories: 0 Caffeine: no Head: Good vibrant foam body with moderate rate of fade. Color: dark auburn Smell: Weak, non-traditional rooty smell with weak wintergreen and sterile character. Initial Taste: Crisp, but not rooty or smooth. Bite: Just OK. Aftertaste: Definite artificial sweetener is the defining characteristic Overall Enjoyment Rating: 4

Triple XXX Locale: West Lafayette, IN Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Bold yellow and red label with prominent "XXX." Sweetener(s): cane sugar Calories: 170 Caffeine: no Head: Minimal head. Color: caramel Smell: Very tame sweet smell with no dominant flavor. Initial Taste: Clean, mildly sweet taste. Bite: Very little bite. Aftertaste: Slow fading finish with sweetness on the back of the tongue. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 7

Virgil's Locale: Los Angeles, CA Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Graphics with clear religious allusions claims "you'll swear it's made in heaven." Sweetener(s): cane sugar Calories: n/a Caffeine: no Head: Effervescent bubbles rise quickly and with great enthusiasm, but fade quickly Color: light amber Smell: Rooty sassafras smell leads the wintergreen. Initial Taste: Cinnamon, clove, anise, and wintergreen live well together. Not much sweetness. Bite: Very little bite. Aftertaste: Funny, tart aftertaste could be product of too many competing spices or an imbalanced carbonation process. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 6

Waialua Locale: Waialua, HI Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Earth tone label with hula girl communicates relaxed island mood. Sweetener(s): cane sugar Calories: 190 Caffeine: no Head: Small head volume fades quickly. Color: amber blond Smell: Sweet aroma with cinnamon and sassafras. Initial Taste: Cane sugar sweetness infuses the flavor, but an amazingly stron caramenl flavor dominates. Bite: Moderate bite is clean and perky. Aftertaste: Thick caramel aftertaste. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 6

Zuberfizz Locale: Durango, CO Type: root beer Bottling: bottle Packaging: Label is reminiscent of "zowie" comic strip design with logo and bottle cap shaped seal. Sweetener(s): cane sugar Calories: n/a Caffeine: no Head: Disappointingly weak. Color: red amber Smell: Spicey wintergreen tingles the nose. Initial Taste: Sweetness explodes right off the start, followed by a moderate sassafras with just a hint of licorice. Bite: Relatively weak bite. Aftertaste: Clean finish; not much sweetness lingers on the tongue. Overall Enjoyment Rating: 7

Brand Pending Review Locale: Type: Bottling: Packaging: Sweetener(s): Calories: Caffeine: Head: Color: Smell: Initial Taste: Bite: Aftertaste: Overall Enjoyment Rating: