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We’ve been obsessed with Sprecher Brewery sodas since we were little kids. Their Root Beer (which you may remember from our Root Beer Float cocktail) has won prizes and accolades of all sorts, and they can add one more: It’s so good, we were convinced to order soda pop from out of state.
It was a bright, sunny day two years ago when we walked into our favorite grocery store, looking to buy a refreshing drink for the walk home, only to find that Sprecher had disappeared from the shelves. We stood there in shock, debating whether the manager would think us insane if we burst into hysterical shouting in the aisles. Deciding that decorum was called for, even in tough times, we vowed to find a way to ensure a steady supply of our ambrosial brew.
Sprecher Brewery is located in Glendale, Wisconsin, and offers a full line of gourmet sodas and premium beers. We can’t speak to the quality of their microbrews (though we’ve heard good things) but their sodas are nothing short of amazing. The secrets to their root beer (they claim) are pure Wisconsin honey “direct from the comb,” aromatic botanicals and a gas-fired brew kettle. We’d be willing to believe them if they said they rubbed the inside with the scalps of angels.
However, actually ordering soda pop online and having it shipped hundreds of miles was a tough mental leap to make. We knew that we might be mocked, at least until our friends tried the soda. Then, we’d face the opposite problem: hiding it from them until we’d had our fill. What finally convinced us was the price. For a case of twelve 16 oz. Bottles, the total cost (with shipping) was $23.69. At around $2/bottle, that’s less than we were paying retail. A cheap luxury for hard times.
If we ever get tired of the Root Beer, we might try their Cream Soda, Orange Dream or Ginger ale. We’ll let you know. On the other hand, we know our next order will include a bottle of their Root Beer BBQ sauce - let grilling season commence!
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Sprecher Root Beer is the greatest chaser for Jameson whiskey ever. You can get both in the pool room bar at The Gingerman with a mug straight out of the freezer if you ask nicely.
Their cream soda is heavenly!
Delish, indeed. Has anyone else experienced the sugar-filled joy that is Cheerwine? Or Ale-8-One? I love southern sody pop.
Omg! I had totally forgotten about Ale-8-One. In college we used to go camping in Kentucky and that was almost the best part of the trips. I love that stuff!!!
I recently picked up some Ale-8-One while hitting Kentucky for a wedding. Frankly, wasn't too impressed. Posted a review over, for those interested:
http://www.bevreview.com/2008/12/31/ale-8-one/
It would seem the appeal of this drink is largely regional, but when compared with other offerings, it just doesn't stand up.
Locals refer to Ale-8 as Winchester Swamp Water (it's bottled in Winchester, a Lexington satellite state). You have to have been born sucking it from a bottle given to like it. We know it's bad, even if we can't stop drinking the stuff.
Sprecher's introduced a cherry cola last year that is absolutely divine...and to the best of my knowledge is not being distributed in Illinois at all! Fortunately, all you have to do is go a few miles over the state line to Woodman's in Kenosha to get the full Sprecher's selection.
And yes, maeveywavey, I too adore Cheerwine and wish I could get it up here! Ale 8-One not so much; that stuff always tasted like flat ginger ale to me.
If you ever in need in a pinch, my local Menard's (on Clybourn Ave) sells 4-packs of the stuff regularly.
Scooter's Custard does their RB floats with Sprecher.
As for their beers. Their German styles are usually pretty spot on. The Black Bavarian is awesome, their hefe is pretty good as well as their Bocks. Their English styles (IPA, Russian Imperial Stout) leave a little something lacking.
A trip to the brewery is worth it. It is inexpensive and they are generous with samples (unlimited soda). Then wander down to Solly's Diner for a butter burger.
Even if you don't like ginger ale, theirs is fraking amazing. Completely different from what you get in 2-liter bottles, its quite spicy. They had it at Twisted Spoke last I went (which was about 4 years ago now), and I know Sam's Wine and Binny's sometimes have 4-packs.
ohh man eamon could not be more right, i just found their root beer at woodmans off of I90 and randall rd and was making jamo and root beer cocktails all night!!!