See my first post about Reed's here.
Reed's Ginger Brew, Virgil's Root Beer, and China Soda are the 3 main lines of premium soda's from a not so little soda company called Reed's Inc. Reed's sells these brewed sodas in health food stores, like Whole Foods, and in the big chains that carry healthier or premium sodas. I discovered Reed's after enjoying a Virgil's Root Beer. I enjoyed it so much that I looked further into the beverage's maker and discovered other gourmet beverages.
I decided to purchase a few for consumption and review, and I discovered a new world of soda drinking. All be it a more expensive indulgence for me, these sodas have created a more refined and sophisticated palette. I now drink sodas with the goal of naming ingredients used in making the beverage. Things like vanilla, clove, honey, lemon, cherry, apple, licorice, and other spices and natural ingredients are noticeable in the Reed's sodas. Their original line is their ginger brews. Called brews because they are actually brewed like beer, these Jamaican style sodas are delicious and boast of health benefits. They are made with real ginger and other natural ingredients. From their own site, here are the ingredients:
Reed’s Original Ginger Brew was our first creation, and is a Jamaican recipe for homemade ginger ale using 17 grams of fresh ginger root, lemon, lime, honey, fructose, pineapple, herbs and spices.
Reed’s Extra Ginger Brew is the same recipe, but has 25 grams of fresh ginger root for a stronger bite.
Reed’s Premium Ginger Brew is the wholesome ingredients version of Reed’s Original Ginger Brew, sweetened only with honey and pineapple juice.
Reeds Raspberry Ginger Brew is brewed from 17 grams of fresh ginger root, raspberry juice, and lime. It is 20% raspberry juice and sweetened with fruit juice and fructose.
Reed’s Spiced Apple Brew uses 8 grams of fresh ginger root, the finest tart German apple juice, and such apple pie spices as cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. Spiced Apple Brew is 50% apple juice and sweetened with fruit juice and fructose.
Reed’s Cherry Ginger Brew Our newest addition to the Ginger Brew Family. Freshly brewed from: sparkling filtered water, fructose,22 grams of fresh ginger root, cherry juice from concentrate, and spices.
I had the first 3 Ginger Brews, enjoying the Premium the most. It was a little more refreshing then the original, possibly because of the honey and pineapple juice used to sweeten it. The flavor reminded me of my mom's hot honey and lemon water we drank whenever we had a sore throat. But this is served cold and is so refreshing. I'm not sure about all the claims of health benefits, but I did drink one while suffering a headache and I noticed the pain was reduced a few minutes after drinking a Premium Ginger Brew.
Now, the Virgil's line has a Root Beer, Cream Soda, Cola, Black Cherry Cream, and an Orange Cream. I've had all but the Orange Cream and I have to admit, the Root Beer is some of the best root beer around, the Cola has a very nice vanilla hint, and the Black Cherry Cream is the best cherry soda in the history of cherry sodas (that I've drank). All these Virgil's sodas have a hint of vanilla that makes the soda such a smooth drinker. The Black Cherry reminds me of black cherry ice cream from when I was a kid. The nice vanilla bean adds a smoothness that, combined with the cherry and real cane sugar, makes this my new favorite cherry drink (if not my favorite drink period).
And hey Coca-Cola fans, there's a cola for you too. China Cola from Reed's reminds me of Coca-Cola. Most people know that I have a thing against Coke, since I'm a HUGE Pepsi fan. But, the difference here is this stuff is better, and better for you. China Cola is made with all natural ingredients like Reed's other sodas and was formulated by a Chinese master herbalist, according to Reed's website. It is also the top selling cola in natural foods. This makes since because it's the healthy choice for Coca-Cola lovers. For me, I'll stick to the Virgil's line for cola, root beer, and cherry.
Over all, I am so impressed with the goal of the company's CEO and founder Mr. Christopher J. Reed. Founded in 1987 and incorporated in 1991, Reed's Inc. is making great, health, delicious products. They have continued goals and plans for the future, one which includes marketing the health benefits to ginger. They are even planning a line of Reed's Ginger Brews with the R(x) like a pharmisist uses for the "R" in Reed's. I'll be watching for the new line in health food and natural food stores in my area.
Good luck Mr. Reed. I love your beverages.
Oh yeah. Good stuff!
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