I was sitting in the stogie press lounge the other night and one of my Stogie Heads stopped in and brought over something new and exciting. No; I am not talking about a cigar, he brought some bottles of Root Beer. Now this is not your every day root beer, it is “Not Your Fathers Root Beer” seriously that’s the name of it. I have to say root beer is one of the best non-alcoholic beverage pairings for a cigar especially if that cigar has some spice in the flavor profile. But this is an ale – yep 5.9% ABV. I was skeptical at first until I popped it open and poured a glass of the brown liquid. The aroma was definitely root beer. So I gave it a taste and all I can say is whoa!! Are you kidding me? This tastes just like the fountain root beer I drank when I was a kid. It was sweet and had that root beer spice to it. The flavor was full and it had a long finish to it. I happened to be smoking a Grey Cliff cigar which has a terrific exotic spice to it and this beverage brought out that spice even more as the notes of the cigar and ale blended perfectly.
This wonderful brew comes to you from The Small Town Brewery. I am not sure how they make this brew but the label states that it includes added spices that create the flavor.. They certainly nailed it. The sweetness was just right although I wonder what the caloric content of this brew is. Between the sugar and the alcohol I admit it was a nice lift to the evening. The Small Town Brewery site states:
Because of the overwhelming response to Not Your Fathers Root Beer, we have had thousands of requests from all over the country for this product in a package format. We’ve worked relentlessly with experts that make up over 80 years of brewing experience for almost two years to figure out how to increase production to meet demand while keeping the cost to consumers reasonable.
As I was enjoying it I did a little web surfing and I made a mental note that Not Your Fathers Root Beer is taking off like wild-fire on Instagram and Facebook. I would be careful about how easy this is to drink as I could easily drink quite a few in one sitting. I have even seen postings where it is used to make adult versions of root beer floats. I will need to try that next.
This beverage is so popular that retailers carrying it sell out in days some in hours. I know you can get it at Total Wine and Spirits but only if they have it in stock. I went there the other day and was told the brewery is completely sold out and is brewing the next batch. Wow that is the kind of business we all want eh?
So if you want a unique pairing sensation for your next smoke go find some of “Not Your Fathers Root Beer”, kick back and enjoy the moment. Just keep it away from the kids and those underage college students as I am sure it will be a huge hit at fraternity and sorority parties this school year.
In closing i feel in a couple of years they will have to change the name to “It’s your fathers root beer”.