Last week all of my preparations were complete for the big move, so my family and I hit the road on our epic road trip to Minnesota. In addition to the many road side attractions like Little Bighorn Battlefield and Mount Rushmore, I was determined to find some new brews. The first stop was Radio Brewing Company in Idaho, who, according to their online menu, had a house root beer and huckleberry soda. But it was all lies when we showed up. They stopped making their own root beer awhile ago. That’s what I get for not calling. So I determined to find another root beer, knowing that I’d passed at least one in Spokane. I found the Tamarack Brewing Company in Missoula which was just about when we’d need to eat dinner. They call their root beer Training Wheels because I assume they think it’s working up to something harder, rather than the best reason to visit the place. Across the street from the brewery is the carousel, which my children demanded to go on. I managed to get the brass ring and get a free ride! Then it was off to dinner and my work, root beer!
The Body is rich and creamy with standard flavor and some nice vanilla. There’s a slight fruity tinge that detracts but not much. The Bite is very mild and smooth, I wish it had more spice. The Head is very short but it is there and it doesn’t fizz away instantly. The Aftertaste is a creamy vanilla.
This stuff is pretty good, but just not quite there in several categories. It’s fine enough with their delicious food, and with outdoor seating, a fun place to kick back for a cold one after the carousel on a summer’s evening. The first day of my trip turned out well.