Squamscot root beer

Background information: (from the website) "The Conner family has continued a time honored tradition that dates back to the Civil War.  From the landmark Conner Bottling Works, in Newfields, New Hampshire, the Conner Family has for the past five generations been producing and bottling "Squamscot Old Fashioned Beverages". Known more commonly today as a tonic or soda, the many flavors of Squamscot Beverages has been quenching the thirst of New Englander's for more than one hundred and forty one years."

(from the bottle) "Experience the Past...One Sip at a Time."


Product details: 12 fl. oz.  Produced by Conner Bottling Works, Newfields, NH 03856.  1-877-4NH-SODA.  ? calories, ?g sugar.  Glass bottle with twist off top.  www.nhsoda.com


Ingredients: Pure Carbonated Water, Cane Sugar, Natural Flavorings, Citric Acid, Clove Oil, and Caramel Color.  Preserved with Sodium Benzoate.


My thoughts: I'm having a hard time finding anything nice to say.  The flavor is uninspiring, with a mediocre-at-best root beer taste.  The aftertaste is strange, with the flavor reminding me of the taste of the wooden sticks that Popsicles come on intermingled with a slightly metallic cooling sensation (possibly an effect of the clove oil?).  Carbonation is piss-poor.  This is one flat drink with only the slightest cues of carbonation.  Yuck.  On a brighter note, the sweetness is good, providing just the right amount without feeling syrupy.  This drink is a mess.  The name of the drink makes me think of a Sasquatch that is squatting  and this beverage might be what is left behind on the ground after said Sasquatch has finished his (or her) squatting session.  Squamscot, a good drink you're not.

Rating: F+
flavor: F+
aftertaste: D
sweetness: B
smoothness: C
carbonation: F