Best source for root beer extracts

ELittle · 05-03-2009, 12:29 AM

Hi, im looking for source recommendations for root beer extracts. I have found tons of them online, but im wondering if there is a golden standard or some well liked ones out there. Thanks for any help.

**PintOfBitter** · 05-03-2009, 12:38 AM

I've only ever seen 2 brands around - Rainbow and Gnome. I believe Gnome is well regarded, but never used either. Have you considered going with raw ingredients?

ELittle · 05-03-2009, 07:16 PM

Yeah, im thinking about making both kinds, I just wanted to try extract first so i could see how they compared.

**mysteryberto** · 05-04-2009, 08:45 AM

My favorite is Gnome but Rainbow is good as well. Try both they each have a unique flavor.

**Shooter** · 05-04-2009, 06:41 PM

I've been using Hoptech's extracts with pretty good results. FYI, they are located in Dublin, CA.

ELittle · 05-04-2009, 10:30 PM

Ha! I was in Dublin a few days ago. Damnit. Thanks for the info.

**Shooter** · 05-04-2009, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ELittle

Ha! I was in Dublin a few days ago. Damnit. Thanks for the info.

As was I, picking up more root beer extract. They have their own brand. If you decide to try it, make sure you ask at the counter. They have third party extracts on the shelf, but you have to get the root beer extract from behind the counter. They have three different flavors of root beer. I've tried their #2 and #3, both good, but I prefer #3. The #1 extract is their biggest seller. I've got a bottle of that carbonating right now.

brewdragon · 05-07-2009, 09:23 PM

Sprecher makes the best root beer extract we have ever done. It is a huge success with all our friends and family (cream soda is good too).

(Note: must be kegged...not an option to yeast carb.)

**Shooter** · 05-08-2009, 03:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shooter

As was I, picking up more root beer extract. They have their own brand. If you decide to try it, make sure you ask at the counter. They have third party extracts on the shelf, but you have to get the root beer extract from behind the counter. They have three different flavors of root beer. I've tried their #2 and #3, both good, but I prefer #3. The #1 extract is their biggest seller. I've got a bottle of that carbonating right now.

Just a further update. The #1 Hoptech root beer is done and also very good, a tad more licorice flavor, hard to say which I like better #1 or #3. My wife likes the #2 best...so, great, now I have to keep all three on hand!

Mad_Milo · 05-08-2009, 03:22 PM

Look for Zatarain's root beer extract... very tasty with a bit more mint/spice than Gnome or Fermentap. I made it a few times with brown sugar to give it some body and further flavor.