What could possibly be better than beer? Of course, the answer is simple: nothing. But hear me out – alcoholic root beer is delicious, and it’s coming soon to a party near you. In the past few years there has been an onslaught of alcoholic root beers to hit the market, combining low alcohol content with a sweet taste comparable to soda or a sweet cocktail. Alcoholic root beer is perfect for those who are not looking for a heavy lager but still want to enjoy a refreshing beer(ish) taste on a warm summer day.
Sound good? Let’s take a look at some of this year’s best contenders.
Tale of the Tape:
1) Best Damn Rootbeer
Hometown: St. Louis, Mo. (Anheuser-Busch)
Alcohol Level: 5.5% ABV
Scouting Report: A unique beer-ish taste with a mild hoppy bitterness and a slight hint of Vanilla in the aftertaste. Somewhere in between a beer and a soda,
2) Coney Island Brewing Company Hard Root Beer
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY. (Coney Island Brewing)
Alcohol Level: 5.8% ABV
Scouting Report: A molasses flavored drink with a fizzy taste and a smooth finish. Perfect for those cold winter nights in front of a fire.
3) Forbidden Root Beer
Hometown: Chicago, IL. (Forbidden Root Brewery)
Alcohol Level: 5.5% ABV
Scouting Report: If you are looking for the root-beer most like an actual beer, then look no further. A “botanically inspired craft beer”, this tasty beverage offers a smooth but not too sweet drink geared towards traditional beer drinkers.
4) Not Your Father’s Root Beer
Hometown: La Crosse, WI. (Small Town Brewery)
Alcohol Level: 5.9% ABV
Scouting Report: If you’re not really sold on beer, but are still looking for a delicious alcoholic beverage with a sweet aftertaste, then this is the drink for you. Perfect if you’re looking to make a root beer float with a twist.
5) Root Sellers Row Hard Root Beer
Hometown: Memphis, TN (Memphis’ Root Sellers)
Alcohol Level: 6.7% ABV
Scouting Report: A thick, foamy drink with a hint of sugar cane in the aftertaste. Always served in the classic Memphis’ Root Sellers can.