Dad's Old Fashioned Root Beer

Dad's Old Fashioned Root Beer was created in 1937 by Ely Klapman and Barney Kerns in the basement of Ely Klapman's home in Chicago. This drink grew quickly in popularity in the American Midwest and in the 1940's was the first drink sold in six-pack format. During the 1940's the brand was sold as a "family" of sizes with the Papa being a full half-gallon bottle. Dad's was purchased by the Monarch Beverage Company, of Atlanta, in 1986.  In 2007 the beverage returned to it's Midwestern roots when it was purchased by Hedinger Brands, based in Jasper, Indiana. Like many drinks with regional beginnings you can find loyal Dad's fans around the Midwest.

This soda is caffeine free and made with cane sugar, and yes, bottled in Jasper, IN. It has a pleasing, old-fashioned root beer fragrance. As much as I was hoping to like this root beer, I found it to have a distinct chemical overtone to it. I found it to be too much for me to enjoy sipping it.