Soda Pop

I have not, and will likely never jump on the bandwagon of craft beers. I am good with a simple Mich Gold on ice during a hot summer day, or maybe an Illusive Traveler - a tutti frutti malt beverage - if I can find it on a happy hour menu. Craft cocktails are great, if you can afford them. Wines are always fun to explore. But sometimes I am met with disappointment on opening the wrong bottle that just didn't hit the mark and then having to finish an entire litre of acidic grapes. I am a freak that still grabs the Bartle's & Jayme's from the back of the grocery store for a guilty pleasure.

But when it comes to soda pop, I am all in. I'm a Pespi guy over Coke. And anything with artificial sweeteners in it, just curdles in my mouth. Sugar rush for me. But I tend to gravitate to the unusual flavors; like a Mug rootbeer or a Vernor's ginger ale. A childish pilgrimage for me is heading West out to Jim's Apple Farms where I can explore their massive coolers of small-batch pops. Everything from Grape to Creamsicle. When I get the occasional horrible concoction, it is only a few sips lost and then you move onto the next.

On a recent flight out East, I was taken by a feature in the magazine that pointed out a new website called Five Star Sodas by So Hearn and Zach Slaight. It is basically a blog listing of any possible small batch soda in the US. They target mom and pop shops that have a Regional following. Boot's Coconut Cream Soda - "imagine a pina colada with notes of pie crust." Root's Soda Kaleidoscope - "like a fruit punch with balsamic vinegar, but so much better than it sounds." The possibilities are endless. The web page sorts them in knowing categories like Citrus, Colas, Fruits, Root Beers....... The art direction of the photos themselves deserves mention. Each explicit review starts with the History of the product as well as where to find it. Then the taste buds are highlighted in Nose, Taste, Finish and finally a rating. It is a slick, informative and playful way to experience the wonder that is soda pop. Check it out!
Five Star Soda