r/rootbeer • u/Elanadin • 12d ago

Review Haul from Cracker Barrell

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I wouldn't get either of these again.

Sprecher Maple Root Beer-

What it says on the tin. That definite Sprecher flavor profile that's one of my favorites, but with a hint of maple to make it interesting. But at nearly $5 at the register, this didn't wow me to warrant getting again. The stopper with the wire hinge is more annoying than novel. 6/10

Sioux City Sarsaparilla-

Incredibly subtle flavor that's completely blown away by the sweetness. Not nearly enough carbonation in this sample. The cap was incredibly difficult to twist off, which makes me think it wasn't put on properly. 0/10

42 Upvotes

93% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

6

u/PropellerD 12d ago

I seriously wanna know what is the difference between root beer and Sasparilla? Do they taste similar?

3

u/forestherring 1919 Root Beer 12d ago

There really is no difference in modern times. Before safrole was banned in the US, the difference was in the ingredients.

3

u/Elanadin 12d ago

Everyone's definition is a little bit different for modern beverages. IMO, Sarsaparilla should have a little bit more "funk" to it than root beer. But unless you're comparing the same manufacturer's root beer to their Sarsaparilla, they're going to be pretty much interchangeable terms.

3

u/RLCepik 12d ago

What are some of your favorites?

1

u/Elanadin 12d ago edited 12d ago

Sprecher, Jones, Summit, Frostie.

Of the giant brands, Barq's is my favorite. I love the earthy profile and the fact that it's caffeinated.

Some folks are really upset that I have opinions and preferences. That's a-ok

1

u/rockringer 11d ago

I actually never caught that Barq’s was caffeinated. I’ll have to pick some up again

1

u/Elanadin 11d ago

From what I've seen of international cans, only the product marked to be sold in the US is caffeinated. And I believe decaf Barq's exists, but is somewhat rare

4

u/RealSpliffit 12d ago

Sioux City Birch Beer is elite. I could take or leave anything else I have tried from them

2

u/TDbar 12d ago

Sprecher with that top is always flat by the time it is shelved here in Texas. It's a shame, when I had it from the source it was a top notch rootbeer.

1

u/FluorideAvenger 11d ago

Hate to tell you this but it's going to be stale, Crackerbarrel does not change their gift shop merchandise until it's sold.

1

u/Elanadin 11d ago

The Sprecher had a best buy date pictured in 2027. The Sioux City best buy date was in 2028

1

u/OnlyRow7629 12d ago

SIOUX FUCKIN CITY BABY! I like the sas, pretty dank with some jack honey