Last month I found myself in St. Louis, DERMSing again after a fun vacation. As it was my first time there my primary objective after work was done was finding a new root beer. Carl’s Drive-In has been in St. Louis for over 60 years, though it was in 1975 they aquired the formula for their homemade root beer. This place has atmosphere. Just two counters with a kitchen sandwiched in the middle. The staff making your food and pouring your brew. If it’s a nice day you can eat outside on some tables as well. It’s changed ownership a few times since the original Carl started it, but each time the new owner has the same committment to maintaining the classic tradition of the place. The root beer is made fresh every day, the burgers are smashed flat on the grill and spread out. This place oozes with the feeling it’s all gonna be amazing.
The Body is sweet and rich and full of vanilla with a classic flavor that’s clean and delicious. It really is just a perfect creamy root beer Body. The Bite is spicy with good carbonation fizz, giving complexity to the brew. The Head is nice and foamy, they generally try and pour it medium but it can build if you ask them. The Aftertaste is a strong creamy, spiced vanilla that lasts the perfect amount of time.
Wow! Just wow. This is hands down one of the best root beers I’ve ever had. It really blew me away. Which, after 500+, is nearly impossible. With my first sip I knew this was at least a 4.5 and as I drank more, and fully experienced all it had to offer I became more certain of it. It’s not quite perfect, nor is it quite the best, but it is clearly an Elixer of the Gods. They serve their brew from one of those old IBC Keg dispencers and claim it’s the “original IBC recipe.” I’ve drank a lot of IBC and it tastes nothing like this, so if what they say is true, IBC has changed a lot. The burgers were also top tier, some of the best I’ve ever had. I pray that work takes me back to St. Louis, soon and often.
