Great Rootbeer at Spec's

[Chefdavis]

When my wife and I moved back to Texas, we were very sorry to leave behind our favorite rootbeer, Henry Weinhard's. We even moved two cases with us.

Was happy to discover that this rootbeer can be found at Spec's along with their cream soda.

I have not been to the North location, but the South location does have it.

[exlnghrn]

Has anyone else tried Abita's rootbeer? I've had it on tap at Gingerman ages ago and occasionally buy a 6-pack at Central Market. It's made with Louisiana spring water and cane sugar (instead of corn syrup).

It's one of my favorite rootbeers, primarily because it tastes strong without having a harsh or artificial taste.

[crippstom]

Can you get Sioux City Saparilla around here?

[Hsien_Ko]

I've seen Sioux City Sasparilla at Central Market.

[Beau_in_Bouldin]

Have you ever tried Virgil's Root Beer?

I tried it a few years ago, and at the time, it was clearly the best Root Beer I'd ever tasted.

I think they were bought out, and I'm curious if the quality has been maintained.

[DrkBgrk]

When Virgil's first showed up around here and was only available in the stopper bottles, it was bar none my favorite root beer ever. i recommended to anyone i though might appreciate it and got back nothing but bad reviews.

as soon as the 6 packs showed up the taste was totally different. watery with a hint of soap. being bought out would fit with my experience. no, the quality has not been maintained.

[chucklesmcfarland]

FYI, the store on airport only stocks the root beer, for the cherry and vanilla cream you need to hit the other two locations, yes I had them check inventory. :)

[Chefdavis]

cstrombe,

if you find Cheerwine anywhere in the vicinity please let me know.

The other drink I am interested in is Sundrop, if you hear anything please let me know

[El General]

Guys,

Cheerwine has gained in popularity such that I have seen it in gas stations here, though I can't remember where. I don't drink it often, but I always notice it because a buddy if mine is a fan.

[Chefdavis]

El General,

If you can remember, please post this info immediately.

According to the cheerwine web site there are no distributors anywhere near here

http://www.cheerwine.com/find_cheerwi...

[MPH]

Thanks for the tip, Chefdavis.

I'm not sure if you've tried Bolyan's root beer, but I think it's quite good, too. (See one discussion of it here: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/421979 ). I also highly recommend their cola, birch beer, and black-cherry soda. Whole Foods carries all of these varieties. World Market also stocks a weird selection of Boylan products, but I can't say for sure whether the root beer is one of them.

[cstrombe]

Concur on the Boylan Black Cherry--great stuff. HEB carries it as well. Now I just need a source for Cheerwine.

[nytexan]

if you got out to eat bj's brewery in south austin has great homemade rootbeer

[TroyTempest]

Another good Root Beer available at Spec's is St. Arnold's. I really liked it, but it was a bit spicy for some of my kids.

[chascates]

I'll second St. Arnold's root beer! It's better on tap I think than the bottle. Dog Almighty on south Lamar had it for a while but went back to Maine Root Beer. I even emailed St. Arnold's to ask about getting a keg of it but they didn't want to deal with retail. I need to bribe a distributor I guess.

[TroyTempest]

If you find anywhere else in town that has it on tap, let us know.

[chascates]

The Ginger Man, http://austin.gingermanpub.com 304 W. 4th St., is supposed to have St. Arnold's Root Beer on tap. I haven't made it by there yet. I just got laid off & The Ginger Man looks like a place I would hang around way too much!

[chucklesmcfarland]

Oh, great to know we can get it in austin, I had their cream soda and cherry recently. Far superior to anything I've had previously.

[Hsien_Ko]

I wonder whether Specs carries birch beer. I can only find it at Central Market---at a premium.

[Centexraider]

Thanks, I'll give it a try. My boys and I love good root beer.

Be sure and try "Bulldog Root Beer" available at World Market. It's the best that I've ever had.

[exlnghrn]

What do you like about Henry Weinhard's? I'm not familiar with it, but I've always loved good root beer. Currently, my favorite is Abita, which Central Market carries.

[Chefdavis]

Sorry have not answered a few questions posted.

Henry Weinhard's has a rich full flavor that is almost creamy (possibly from small amount of honey added). It is creamy, not cloying such as a A&W float. It has a draft quality (in CA restaurants can get it by the keg).

Bulldog rootbeer is also very good. I need to check it out again

Boylan's cane cola is awesome (made with cane sugar), but their rootbeer doesn't float my boat for some reason.