Jul 072012
 

One of the world’s most delicious and unique root beers, Glewwe’s Castle Brewery Spring Lake Root Beer has just gotten even cooler. As the photos show, they have just added Eric’s Seal of Approval, which they so justly earned, to their labels in the top right corner above the castle. They are the first root beer to date to do so, though I’m sure they won’t be the last.

True, the Seal is a little small on their label but it is still quite legible in real life. They had to request a special black and white version since they currently don’t print in color. I must say that this is the fulfillment of a dream I have had ever since I came up with the concept of the Seal of Approval, and thus my joy is overflowing. One more lifetime goal accomplished! So now if you’re ever in a store and want a good root beer but can’t remember if Spring Lake is worthy of imbibing, rest assured, my Seal of Approval will be there, reminding you that it is.





Spring Lake Root Beer in all of it’s many forms.

A closeup of the standard bottle.


May 042012
 

The III Dachshund’s Beer Company has just recently changed the recipe of their beloved root beer. Said Joe Halser IV, owner and creator of III Dachshund’s Beer and Cider, “We actually just tweaked our recipe and made our rootbeer a pure cane product. We also have a new label to brighten the appearance of our rootbeer bottle.” This is good news for those who try to avoid high fructose corn syrup, though it remains to be seen if the root beer will taste the same, better, or worse. Here’s hoping it will be better.

Update: It tastes exactly the same. Good.



Feb 272012
 

After nearly 20 years of the same design, Barq’s is going back to their roots in a graphic way. They’re redesigning their packaging to look more like the classic glass bottles (which I’ve already noted are pretty awesome). I must say that I’m impressed with the new theme, especially with the glass bottle six-pack. Now if they’d just make those six-packs available to more of the country, then there would be a huge reason to celebrate. See the press release below.

New Barq’s Package Design
Serves Up a Fresh Look with Bite

ATLANTA, Feb. 16, 2012 – Like any true classic, Barq’s keeps it fresh while staying true to its roots.

In its first redesign in more than 20 years, Barq’s root beer is unveiling a completely new look to pay homage to the brand’s Gulf Coast heritage and classically crisp, bold flavor. The new design will be featured on all of Barq’s packaging and is currently rolling-out nationwide.

While the cans will maintain their distinctive silver color, the new look features a diamond pattern reminiscent of the drink’s original 1898 12 oz. glass bottle packaging, which is still available in the Gulf Coast area. Additionally, the label helps celebrate the brand’s 114-year history by keeping the simple slogan “It’s Good. Since 1898.”

“When a beverage as beloved as Barq’s undergoes a significant packaging evolution, we have to remain true to the brand’s heritage and tradition while ensuring the brand is relevant to today’s consumers,” said Christina Manganaro, senior marketing activation manager, Coca-Cola North America. “We think the new design presents a cleaner, simpler look that captures the brand’s essence in a way that will ultimately resonate with both dedicated Barq’s fans and those who are new to the brand.”

Barq’s traces its heritage back to New Orleans, Louisiana and Biloxi, Mississippi where the beverage was founded and first produced by Biloxi Artesian Bottling Works. The brand was later purchased by The Coca-Cola Company in 1995. Since then, the sarsaparilla-based root beer has maintained its trademark bold flavor and caffeine kick reflecting the brand’s well-known tagline “Barq’s has Bite.”

Click to download hi-res images