Henry Weinhard's Root Beer is a popular beverage with a strong following, especially on the West Coast of the US. It is a product of Henry Weinhard's, a company with a rich history dating back to 1851 when Henry journeyed from Germany to Portland, Oregon, with a passion for beer. The brand has since expanded its offerings to include a range of sodas, including root beer, which was introduced during the Prohibition era to cater to beer drinkers. While the root beer was initially available mainly on the West Coast, some sources indicate that it could be found as far east as Utah and Ohio. However, in recent years, there have been concerns about its availability, with some reports suggesting that it might be discontinued due to poor sales.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Distributor | MolsonCoors |
Owner | MolsonCoors |
Manufacturer | Henry Weinhard |
Availability | AZ, CA, MT, OK, OR, UT, WA, online |
Ingredients | Carbonated water, cane sugar, natural and artificial flavor (caramel color, acacia gum, potassium sorbate (preserves freshness)), sodium benzoate (preserves freshness), phosphoric acid |
What You'll Learn
Henry Weinhard's Root Beer recipe
Henry Weinhard's Root Beer is made from a recipe developed during the Prohibition era to give loyalists something to drink during the "dry spell". The recipe has stayed the same since then and includes a mix of sassafras, vanilla and honey to create a soda that's "anything but ordinary".
The ingredients are: carbonated water, cane sugar, natural and artificial flavours (caramel colour, acacia gum, potassium sorbate (preserves freshness)), phosphoric acid, and sodium benzoate (preserves freshness).
Some people have speculated that the recipe has changed, with the vanilla, honey and sassafras being removed from the listed ingredients. However, MolsonCoors, the owner and distributor of Henry Weinhard's, has denied this, stating that the recipe remains the same.
If you want to try making your own root beer at home, here is a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 tsp yeast
- 2 tbsp root beer extract
- 1 gallon warm water
Directions:
- Put the dry ingredients in a one-gallon jug and pour in one quart of warm water.
- Stir or cap the jug and shake until well mixed.
- Finish filling the jug with warm water, cap, and store in a cool, dry place.
- Let sit for two days to two weeks, then refrigerate.
This recipe is easy to make and can be a fun project for kids. You can adjust the amount of root beer extract to suit your taste preferences.
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Henry Weinhard's Root Beer availability
Henry Weinhard's Root Beer is a well-loved brand of root beer that has been described as "harmonious", "balanced", and "memorable". It is owned and distributed by MolsonCoors.
In terms of availability, it seems that Henry Weinhard's Root Beer is primarily a West Coast brand, with one source expressing surprise at seeing it sold as far east as Ohio. However, another source mentions that it is available in Denver, Colorado, and that it can be purchased online.
The brand's website also mentions that it is available in the following states: AZ, CA, MT, OK, OR, UT, and WA.
Despite its popularity, there have been concerns about the product being discontinued due to poor sales. However, as of November 2024, there has been no formal announcement regarding this, and it is still possible to find Henry Weinhard's Root Beer in stores and online.
If you are located on the East Coast or in a region where Henry Weinhard's Root Beer is not typically sold, your best option may be to purchase it online.
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Henry Weinhard's Root Beer reviews
Henry Weinhard Root Beer Reviews
Henry Weinhard's Root Beer is a beverage with a long history, dating back to the Prohibition era when it was created as an alternative to beer for drinkers who wanted to stay out of "trouble". It is said to be crafted with the finest ingredients, including sassafras, vanilla, and honey, resulting in a unique and delightful flavour.
Reviews for Henry Weinhard's Root Beer are generally positive, with many people expressing their love for this beverage. One review describes it as "the best root beer I've ever had in my 60+ years of life", while another person mentions that it is their "favourite root beer". The root beer is praised for its well-balanced flavour, combining classic root beer elements with a refined sweetness and subtle undertones, creating a memorable taste experience.
Some reviewers highlight the nostalgic and familiar taste of Henry Weinhard's Root Beer, with its prominent notes of sassafras and wintergreen providing a traditional root beer foundation. The addition of hints of vanilla and caramel is also appreciated, adding depth and complexity to the flavour profile.
However, there are also some mixed reviews, with one person expressing disappointment and stating that it is "nothing special". Additionally, some people have mentioned that they have had difficulty finding the product in stores, with one reviewer indicating that they thought the brand had discontinued it years ago.
Despite the mixed reactions, many fans of Henry Weinhard's Root Beer were concerned about its potential discontinuation due to poor sales. Some reviewers even considered buying up as much stock as they could find, with one person commenting, "I try not to be too reactive to such news, but I am a fan, so I've been gathering 6-packs as I can find them."
Overall, Henry Weinhard's Root Beer seems to have a dedicated following, with many people expressing their love for its flavour and uniqueness. While there may be some challenges in terms of availability and mixed reviews, it remains a beloved beverage for those seeking a flavorful and sophisticated root beer experience.
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Henry Weinhard's history
Henry Weinhard was a German immigrant who settled in Portland, Oregon, in 1856. He had trained in the brewing trade in Stuttgart and, after moving to the US, worked in breweries in several states before arriving in Portland. There, he partnered with George Bottler to found the City Brewery, which would become the Blitz-Weinhard brand. Weinhard bought out Bottler in 1864 and remained the sole proprietor until his death in 1904.
The Blitz-Weinhard brand was among several regional Pacific Northwest beers that were popular in the decades following the repeal of Prohibition. However, as national brands began to dominate the market, Blitz-Weinhard responded by creating Oregon's first craft beer, Henry Weinhard's Private Reserve, in 1976. The brand was repositioned as a quality microbrew and regained its popularity.
Over the years, the Blitz-Weinhard brewery changed hands several times, eventually being purchased by Pabst Brewing Company and then Miller Brewing Company. In 1999, the original Portland brewery was sold to the Miller Brewing Company and closed down. Production of Henry Weinhard's beer moved to the Olympia brewery in Tumwater, Washington, until that too closed in 2003. Some of the beers were brewed under contract at the Full Sail Brewing Company in Hood River until 2013.
In August 2021, Molson Coors, the parent company of Henry Weinhard's, announced the end of production for Henry Weinhard's Reserve. However, the brand was revived by Eugene, Oregon-based Hop Valley Brewing in 2022.
While the beer brand has faced discontinuation and changes in ownership, the soft drink line that Weinhard started during Prohibition has survived to this day. This includes Henry Weinhard's Root Beer, which mixes sassafras, vanilla, and honey to create a unique soda flavour.
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Henry Weinhard's other products
Henry Weinhard's is a brand of beer first brewed in 1856 in Portland, Oregon, by German-American brewer Henry Weinhard. The brand was among several regional Pacific Northwest beers that were popular in the decades following the repeal of Prohibition.
In 1976, Blitz-Weinhard created what many consider Oregon's first craft beer, Henry Weinhard's Private Reserve, to compete with national brands that were eroding its market share. The brand was repositioned as a quality microbrew through a noteworthy advertising campaign in the late 1970s and 1980s.
In addition to beer, Henry Weinhard's also offers a line of soft drinks and gourmet sodas, including:
- Orange Cream
- Vanilla Cream
- Black Cherry Cream
In 2021, Molson Coors announced the end of production for Henry Weinhard's Reserve. However, the brand was revived by Eugene, Oregon-based Hop Valley Brewing in 2022, which brought back the Private Reserve beer.
Henry Weinhard's other beer brands, like Blue Boar Pale Ale, could also potentially make a comeback, according to a Molson Coors representative.
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Frequently asked questions
Henry Weinhard Root Beer is available as far east as Ohio.
It is unclear whether Henry Weinhard Root Beer is still being made. One source indicates that Molson Coors, the owner and distributor of Henry Weinhard's, decided to discontinue the product line due to poor sales. However, another source mentions that they have not seen any formal announcements about the product being discontinued and still spot it in stores.
The ingredients of Henry Weinhard Root Beer include carbonated water, cane sugar, natural and artificial flavors (including caramel color, acacia gum, and potassium sorbate), sodium benzoate, and phosphoric acid.
Henry Weinhard Root Beer offers a harmonious blend of classic root beer flavors, such as sassafras and wintergreen, with a touch of refined sweetness. It has a well-rounded and satisfying taste profile that appeals to those seeking a flavorful and sophisticated beverage.
Yes, Henry Weinhard was a real person who journeyed from Germany to Portland, Oregon, in 1851. He had a passion for beer and began working in a brewery, eventually crafting his own recipes. He was known for his eccentricity and love of bringing people together.