Small Town Brewery's Not Your Father's Root Beer isn't your average root beer. This isn't the sugary soda you remember from childhood. Instead, it's a craft beer that cleverly blends the familiar taste of root beer with the complexity and kick of an alcoholic beverage. Its unexpected success story is a testament to innovative brewing and clever marketing. This article delves into the beer's popularity, its unique characteristics, and answers some frequently asked questions.
What is Not Your Father's Root Beer?
Not Your Father's Root Beer (NYFRB) is a 5.9% ABV (alcohol by volume) root beer-flavored cream soda ale. It's brewed with a blend of spices and herbs reminiscent of traditional root beer, but with the added complexity of a craft beer. The result is a surprisingly smooth and enjoyable beverage that bridges the gap between soda and ale, attracting a broad spectrum of drinkers, including those who wouldn't typically consider themselves beer aficionados. The unexpected sweetness, coupled with the subtle bitterness and creamy mouthfeel, creates a unique and refreshing taste profile.
What makes Not Your Father's Root Beer so popular?
The popularity of NYFRB can be attributed to several factors. Primarily, it's its unique flavor profile. The clever combination of familiar root beer flavors with the alcoholic kick of a craft beer appeals to a wide range of palates. It also successfully taps into nostalgia, evoking childhood memories of root beer floats and summer days. Additionally, the creative marketing and branding have played a significant role in building the brand's recognition and driving sales.
Is Not Your Father's Root Beer actually root beer?
While it tastes remarkably like root beer, Not Your Father's Root Beer is technically a beer, not a root beer soda. It uses traditional beer brewing methods and contains alcohol, unlike its non-alcoholic counterparts. The brewers cleverly replicate the taste of root beer using a blend of spices and herbs during the brewing process, resulting in a remarkably authentic flavor.
How many calories are in Not Your Father's Root Beer?
The exact calorie count can vary slightly depending on the serving size and specific brewing batch, but generally, a 12-ounce serving of Not Your Father's Root Beer contains around 190 calories. It's important to remember that this is still significantly higher than a typical non-alcoholic root beer.
Does Not Your Father's Root Beer have gluten?
Unfortunately, yes, Not Your Father's Root Beer does contain gluten. It's brewed using barley, a common ingredient in most beers that contains gluten. Individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should avoid this beverage. Small Town Brewery does not currently offer a gluten-free version.
Where can I buy Not Your Father's Root Beer?
Not Your Father's Root Beer is widely available across the United States. You can find it in many grocery stores, liquor stores, and even some convenience stores that carry craft beers. Availability may vary depending on your location, so it's best to check with local retailers or use store locators on beer-finding apps.
What other flavors does Not Your Father's Root Beer come in?
While the original Root Beer flavor is their flagship product, Small Town Brewery has expanded the Not Your Father's line to include other unique and intriguing flavors. These variations often leverage a similar approach, blending familiar soda flavors with a craft beer base. Check your local retailer for availability of these seasonal or limited-release variations.
Is Not Your Father's Root Beer a seasonal beer?
While the original Not Your Father's Root Beer is generally available year-round, some of the seasonal or specialty flavors may only be available during particular times of the year. Always check with your local store for availability. Seasonal offerings frequently add to the brand's appeal, keeping consumers engaged and anticipating new releases.
The success of Small Town Brewery's Not Your Father's Root Beer showcases the potential of creative brewing and clever marketing. It's a testament to the fact that innovation within established categories can yield remarkable results, creating a craft beer that appeals to both seasoned beer drinkers and those seeking something unique and exciting.
