Root beer has been a classic go-to soda since its invention by Quaker pharmacist Charles Hires back in 1876. The beverage has came a long way and is now produced worldwide with many different techniques and flavors, from sassafras and vanilla to alcoholic or simply “soft” soda. If you haven’t experienced the new and improved in the Pacific Northwest, here are a few to look at.
Snoqualmie Brewery and Taproom in Snoqualmie, Washington, makes its root beer with real vanilla extract, real sugar and lots of honey. Designated drivers, have no fear. This root beer is non-alcoholic and uncaffeinated, but still packs a strong taste. Suggested pairings include hot dogs and hamburgers, or with a nice dollop of vanilla ice cream right in the cup.
BuckSnort Sodas brings to you root beer, and other specialty sodas, which are brewed the old fashioned way in its Boise facility. Real ingredients, most of which are sourced locally, bring out a real fresh finish. The non-alcoholic root beer is a perfect follower to the one you just drank before.
Elemental Hard Cider created its root beer by infusing a hard cider—fermented bone-dry to 6.5 percent ABV—with sassafras and licorice to produce their NW Atomic Root Beer. Many different flavors surface such as vanilla and plum and fortunately, when you are at the Woodinville, Washington, tasting room, if you want another pint, you can certainly get one.
With the mother ship based in Newport, Oregon, Rogue not only produces beer, spirits and cider but the maker also have a line of handcrafted sodas, including its one-of-a-kind root beer. This non-alcoholic brew has nine ingredients all slammed into one bottle. Flavor is sure to burst. Rogue wants you to help join their fight against “blandification,” so flavor isn’t overlooked.
Laurelwood Brewing Co.’s house-made root beer brags about its unique flavors with a spicy anise kick. This Portland-brewed root beer’s classic taste will bring you back to when you first tried root beer. Not only will you be left quenched, but perhaps a bit of nostalgic memories will come forth.
A new release for Northwest Brewing Co. in Pacific, Washington, the Northwest Rock Hard Root Beer comes in at 6.5 percent ABV and has a harmonious marriage of ingredients. This hard soda claims to have found the perfect balance, but customer feedback is welcomed and encouraged. Stop by and give some input after having a round or two.
Phillips Soda Works in Victoria, British Columbia, brings to you Intergalactic Root Beer, a non-alcoholic, sediment-filled brew with a floral spiciness. When poured, it even creates a foamy head and then disperses rapidly. The complex taste of molasses, cinnamon and a floral addition takes you away from what you remember as a kid, but change is never a bad thing.
