Hansen's Natural Soda: Creamy Root Beer

I found Hansen's root beer in the organic section of our local Stop-&-Shop. This in itself was not too unusual, as a few other brands are also often there, but what continues to strike me as strange is that it comes in twelve ounce cans. I don't know that I can think of another limited-distribution root beer that comes in cans. Adding to the peculiarity, it comes in single cans, rather than in six or twelve packs. The label notes that Hansen's supports City of Hope, to fight breast cancer, and encourages you to do the same. But enough about the packaging.

On opening the can there is a distinct, slightly minty smell that reminds me a bit of Wintergreen Altoids. The soda is not syrupy, nor is it thin, and carbonation is good. There is a wintergreen aspect to the flavor, too, but there's another flavor there, too. Unfortunately, it's mostly overpowered by the wintergreen, and I can't figure out what it is. Some sweetness becomes apparent as the soda warms from cold to cool.

Hansen's is a distinctive root beer, which will be enjoyed by wintergreen fans. Others may find that it is too far from normal to be enjoyed as a root beer.

Grade: 4

160 Calories per 12 ounce can = 13.3 calories per ounce (normal)
Kosher (OU)
www.hansens.com