Rooty-toot-toot, and thanks for scooting over!
Stewart’s calls itself a Fountain Classic. Talk about conveying the imagery of a cold and frothy mug of crisp root beer. Well, I’m not reviewing Mug right now, so I’ll have to make do with this bottle of Stewart’s. Let’s not be confused though, this is the Original Stewart’s we’re talking about.
Rooty-tooty-point-and-what?
Stewart’s has decided to go with the classic dark bottle design. Imbued with a raised Stewart’s logo, their bottle is definitely fitting. The real seller though, is the Stewart’s logo plastered to the front. The barrel-like mug really pulls you in, and sells you on the root beer flavor you’re hoping for when you pop the cap.
Background
Stewart’s is proud of its background, and that’s definitely a good sign for a brand. According to the timeline, Frank Stewart opened a root beer stand to supplement his income in 1924. It took 66 years, until 1990, before Cable Car Beverage Company got their hands on the recipe and started bottling. In 1997 they were acquired by Triarc. In 2000, as part of an acquisition of Snapple and Mistic, Cadbury Schweppes PLC took control of the Stewart’s Fountain Classics brand.
The website could use some work, get in touch, Stewart’s!
Ingredients
- Carbonated Water
- High Fructose Corn Syrup
- Caramel Color
- Natural and Artificial Flavor
- Sodium Benzoate (a Preservative)
- Citric Acid
- Quillaia Extract
- Gum Acacia
- Yucca Extract
It’s been a while since I’ve updated but I think you all know how I feel when it comes to artificial product. High fructose corn syrup? Really? I don’t think I’d qualify as a professional, yet. I’m definitely an amateur, but I just don’t think some of these ingredients were used in 1924. I feel like I’m pulling a Bill Nye “I need a minute” moment. Stewart’s is, so far, not what I’m looking for.
First Taste
Smell means quite a bit when it comes to deciding whether or not I’m interested in a root beer. Stewart’s definitely has that classic smell to it. But what about taste? Well, it’s not unpleasant, but it’s not overly impressive. Generally speaking, these widely manufactured root beers haven’t faired so well. Stewart’s, however, is somewhat unique amongst the bunch. It’s a classical interpretation and I can taste that traditional root beer flavor hiding underneath the carbonation. Speaking of, the carbonation packs quite a punch. Too much. It’s not necessarily bitter, but it’s definitely not sweet. I’d honestly categorize this as a bit saltier than what I’m used to. Maybe a little sour? No, definitely salty. How strange is that? At least it’s not IBC.
After Time
After a little while, the carbonation has settled, and I can actually get a better handle on the flavors going on. Smaller bubbles is good. We’ve established that Stewart’s isn’t sweet, but it’s coating my mouth, and it’s leaving a less than thrilling after taste. I blame the syrup for this mess, as per usual. I’m starting to notice that the flavors that Stewart’s put forth almost seem a little watered down. I wouldn’t say that this brew is boring, because a saltier root beer is unique, but the flavors here are not standing out nearly as much as I would expect from a famous brand.
Conclusion
Of the mass produced root beers I’ve tried, Stewart’s isn’t terrible. I’d say my rating system fails in situations like this, because I’d rate it above some of the other mass produced root beers, but I wouldn’t recommend it over far more advanced and better flavored brews that I’ve reviewed in the past. The carbonation is difficult to get past at the start, and the saltiness isn’t for everyone. It’s certainly not for me. But for those of you who like a less than overwhelming flavor, you’d definitely dig Stewart’s. In any case, I’d give them a try, and let me know how you like it.
Rating: ♛♛♕♕♕ – 2/5