Jackson Hole Soda Buckin' root beer

Background information: (from the website) "We produce incredibly delicious, high quality sodas that honor the pioneer spirit of the old west. When it’s time to relax after a long day in the saddle, there’s nothin’ better than knocking back one of our old-time soda fountain favorites. Our flavors are as varied as the sun setting over our beautiful Grand Tetons and will bring a smile to your face!"

Product details: 12 fl. oz.  Bottled for JH Soda, 970 W. Broadway, Suite E, PO Box 30000, #87, Jackson, WY 83002, (307) 920-0018. 198 calories, 53g sugar.  Glass bottle with twist off top.  http://www.jacksonholesoda.com/


Ingredients: Carbonated water, cane sugar, natural and artificial flavors, quillaia extract, caramel color, red #40, citric acid and sodium benzoate (to preserve flavor).


My thoughts: Jackson Hole is known for it's nature and outdoor life, which leads me to think that this root beer should also reflect the natural flavors and spices that can make a great root beer.  Well, if Cert's wintergreen mints are your idea of natural flavor, then this meets the criteria.  For me, not so much.  There is so much mint that the root beer flavor is quickly overwhelmed and the aftertaste is all wintergreen with some licorice/anise rearing its head.  I like a bit of mint, but this is just way too much.  Sweetness is fine (surprising, given the much higher than average sugar content), but the wintergreen still makes it seem candy-like, while the carbonation is average.  So if you like your root beers to  leave you feeling like you just brushed your teeth, then this one might be for you.  I, however, like to keep my teeth brushing and root beer drinking experiences separate (but equal!).


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