Nothing hits the spot, when your thirsty like a good sarsaparilla. They aren't as readily available as their root beer cousins. So when I find a new one that I haven't tried before, I quickly snatch one up. Recently I was able to try one made by AJ Stephans. They make their old fashioned style soda near Boston. They claim they make "New England's Best Tonic". They use water from an artesian well and sweeten their drinks with cane sugar.
This sarsaparilla had a nice sweet taste with the right amount of carbonation. But it is missing something. It's missing a punch. Maybe a little bit of spice would have made it a 5 star sarsaparilla. I think the sarsaparilla made by the Jackson Hole Soda Company is better. However that doesn't mean you should pass up on a bottle of AJ Stephans. It may be kind of one dimensional in flavor, but that one dimension is pretty good. It is definitely worth your time and money.
Where to Buy
I got mine through the online business of the Old 52 General Store. They have a limited supply of this drink, so act fast! They also have over 300 other flavors of soda pop. Their physical store is located in Sabin, Minnesota.
Jeff Rose
As the owner of AJStephans I appreciate your fine review.
Your comment about adding "punch" however deserves a reply.
I don't think spice is the way to go, as you suggest, because that would take away from from the other qualities, which are mint, ainise, and sarsaparilla. Maybe a little vanilla, but that's a root beer trick. So I would suggest maybe a bit more wintergreen and I'll try it.
Maybe also you are looking for a more Birch Beer type flavor and that has a lot of wintergreen. I make a great one and I also make a Spruce Beer which I market under the Empire Label. It has a really pungent sprucy/mint flavor. Not for the weak hearted, trust me. Thanks again.
is
Hey Jeff Rose, do you think you could bring back the "Olde Style" Sarsaparilla? It was much better than the "Pure Cane Sugar" Sarsaparilla. The "Pure Cane Sugar" Sarsaparilla has way way too much carbonation in it. I can barely taste any flavor and it makes me feel full. That's why I don't buy it. Thanks.