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Mmmmm. Root Beer! Early versions of root beer were made by settlers and later popularized by Charles Hires in the late 19th century. Before the rise of The Cola, it was the most popular soft drink in America. Root beer is the tasty result of fermented roots, barks and herbs and to the palates of my Asian friends–”carbonated gargle medicine.” (sigh) Intercultural exchange still has a ways to go.

The state of soda has suffered a great deal in recent years: plastic bottles and aluminum cans that impart an unpleasant taste, corn syrup and artificial sweeteners instead of cane sugar which also distorts flavor, cheap flavorings substituting for the nuance of natural ingredients are three notable indignities. All this leads to the mass production of junk food that not only is not good for you but tastes terrible. Sorry, but I hold my empty calories to a higher standard.

However, micro-brewed craft sodas are making a comeback. One of the shining spots in the fizzing firmament is Sparky’s Root Beer. Named after their pet cat (who presumably plays no role in the production process) it is crafted by the Knox Family of Pacific Grove, CA. Sparky’s started out as a hobby, then an item dispensed at farmer’s markets, and finally sold in individual bottles. The 22-ounce version is a whopping howitzer of a root beer that works best when shared with a good friend.

Sparky’s nuanced flavor comes from pure cane sugar and honey. Its herby and rooty up front and finishes sweet, but unlike some root beers, this one has a bite. Beware! Carnivorous soda ahead. (Maybe this is where the cat comes in…?) I have to say, the stuff is unique and addictive.

How to get your Sparky’s? I got my case from the crazy, over-sugared, but lovable folks at Real Soda in Torrance. They say Sparky’s is “The Best Root Beer Ever” They should know. (See RealSoda.com…click on the button “Czech out our Selection” to see the product list. It is a sight to behold.) Another sight to behold was my case of 24 red and white Sparky’s Bottles. I gave away more than half the box so that other’s could enjoy some Sparky’s and my waistline wouldn’t suffer too much.

If you like root beer, you might LOVE Sparky’s. Thank you, Knox Family!

By Secret Asian Man (see more of his posts). You can find more writing at his own website The Digestive Tract