I had the most unique opportunity to get a hold of this brew before it came to market. The fine people of Capone Family Secret told me that they wanted me to try a salted caramel root beer that they will start selling in World Market in 2014. Interestingly they’re doing it under a new beverage line, Cicero Beverage Company. I have no idea why. You’d think that an already successful brand like Capone’s Family Secret could incorporate a salted caramel root beer. That is, unless, their story on the label about it being found in Al Capone’s warehouses was true and they really didn’t want to upset his legacy. Either way who am I to complain about new root beer, well complain too much. It arrived in what must be the best way to ship soda EVER, a treasure chest containing two burlap sack wrapped bottles. They had to one up themselves from their Capone delivery evidently. Cicero’s theme is Chicago style sodas with a picture of the city with a river flowing through the middle. For this flavor the river is caramel being poured in the top and then leaking out of the bottom of the picture.
The Body has a rich caramel flavor accompanying the traditional root beer flavors. It’s a little salty but not too much. Bite is mostly from carbonation and has a smooth finish. The Head is medium-short but is very frothy and lingers long enough to be adequate. The Aftertaste is a luscious salted caramel flavor that lasts just the right amount of time.
Wow! I love a caramel flavor in my root beer and this takes it to a new level without overpowering what a root beer should taste like. Striking the perfect balance with a flavored root beer such as this is difficult, as is evidenced from all of the butterscotch brews I’ve had, but they’ve nailed it perfectly. See how it rates against other root beers.
