The long awaited Faygo bottled root beer. This is a real treat for me. I know that Faygo has a long running history, especially as an alternative (and vastly more affordable) to traditional brands. It’s been a pretty prominent part of my childhood. However, I’ve never had a chance to really get my hands on a bottled version of any of their pop, let alone root beer. Given that they have an endless supply of flavors, and notoriety (Faygo is a huge deal around these parts,) I’m hoping that this is a really enjoyable experience.
Made in Detroit, Michigan
It’s odd to see a bottle of Faygo, truly. I don’t think I’ve ever seen one before this year. Sorry, I just can’t get over how rare this opportunity is. Cans and plastic bottles are prevalent. That being said, I’m actually pretty impressed with the first bottled Faygo product I’ve come across. The bottle is clear, stout, and clean. The branding itself is fairly traditional, and the Faygo text adorned with the crown is a nice touch.
Background
Like I said earlier, Faygo has a long history, which started in 1907. Actually, I don’t entirely think it would be fair to rehash the entire history, when Faygo has put so much effort into creating a short, yet enjoyable experience on their own website. Check out the Faygo history postcards, if you want to learn more about them.
Ingredients
- Carbonated Water
- Cane Sugar
- Caramel Color
- Potassium Benzoate (As Preservative)
- Citric Acid
- Natural and Artificial Flavor
- Gum Acacia
I knew going into this that it was going to be a pretty artificial concoction. Faygo is just designed that way. From Redpop to Moon Mist Blue, there’s not really an expectation of a natural experience. Anyway, still not a fan of natural and artificial flavor, don’t worry.
First Taste
I don’t think that I’ve hid that I like flavor, and Faygo delivers. Despite having a fairly bitter taste, the traditional root beer essence is in full swing. Sort of. Although I would consider it to be a traditional root beer, I’d say that Faygo’s take on it is different enough to be considered unique. That’s a hard combination to imagine, but Polar also cemented a similar thought, as far as I recall. Overall, I’d say that despite not being as sweet as I’d like, it’s a pleasant flavor. Unfortunately, the carbonation is way out of control. If it weren’t so strong, I’d say this was one of the smoother brews I’ve enjoyed.
After Time
After about forty minutes, it’s easy to appreciate some of the more nuanced flavors. Seriously. Despite the bitterness, there’s a lot more depth than you’d think in this brew. For instance, there’s a distinct hint of mint, which is not only appreciable but something I rarely can pinpoint in more traditional brews. The carbonation, though. It just doesn’t quit. Which is honestly making it hard to enjoy. Further, for as bitter as it is, I expected it to be less sticky. It certainly coats the mouth with a thickness. The aftertaste isn’t bad though.
Conclusion
I’m actually surprised that Faygo is producing something this good in the niche avenue of bottled root beer. Okay, I’m a little biased. I never thought I’d use the term “nuanced” with Faygo. Unfortunately, I’m not a bitter root beer kind of guy and I definitely don’t favor heavy carbonation. I’d have this again, but sparingly. There are better alternatives, but it’s not bad in the least. If you like affordable, bitter, and carbonated brews, this is a pretty decent avenue to explore despite the stickiness.
Rating: ♛♛♛♕♕ – 3/5