Original New York Seltzer Root Beer

Now truth be told, I'm not big on seltzers. I've always found them to be quite bitter. But Original New York Seltzer has something of a cult following. Interestingly, the drink did not begin in New York, but in California, where father and son team Alan and Randy Miller started producing the drinks in 1981. In the 1980's producing any kind of soda, seltzer or otherwise without coloring, preservatives, or caffeine was something of an oddity. Nevertheless, the brand grew quickly and the father and son team had a penchant for a large and flamboyant lifestyle, complete with exotic animals. The Original New York Seltzer beverages were discontinued in 1994. However, in 2015, the brand staged a comeback with new leadership featuring the same fist-sized glass bottles as the original. 

Firstly, before I even get to tasting this, I really miss these little bottles. I can no longer find any brand of ginger ale made in the tiny green glass bottles anymore. I found the smooth metal screw off cap a little difficult to remove, it needs a little more texture for easier grip. This bottle certainly smells of root beer. Well now that is surprising to taste. It doesn't taste bitter like I often find sparkling flavored waters and seltzers to taste, but it does taste like regular root beer. With only 120 calories and 5mg of sodium per 10oz bottle it might sound like a healthier option, but be aware it also has 31g of sugar in it. Overall though, I give it a thumbs up for a smooth root beer flavor, albeit not a very "creamy" tasting one.