Vernor's: The Original Ginger Soda
Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 5:36AM Ginger Ale... I'm sad to say that I went 25 years of my life without ever trying it. When I did try it I was amazed, it was what Sprite should be. Sprite, while drinkable, is not my favorite soda, but that's for another time.
I let CJ, my girlfriend, pick out what I was going to review this go round. She did pretty well selecting the Vernor's. First off, I don't think you can compare this to Ginger Ale which is where I went wrong to start off with. It it clearly labeled as a Ginger "Soda", and the original one at that. In comparison with Canada Dry, there is no comparison, they don't taste much alike... aside from the bit of ginger you might taste. *Update* This is indeed a Ginger Ale, it's just marketed as Ginger Soda. In fact Vernors Ginger Ale, along with Hines Rootbeer, is the oldest American born soda dating back to 1866! *Update*
Originally I thought that there was a Viking on the can of Vernor's (I keep wanting to spell it Wernor's due to my taking German). Oddly enough, it's a gnome. The fact that gnomes go into the making of this soda amuse me to probably buy more in the future. My next descriptive term is going to turn a lot of you away from trying this beverage. It tastes a bit like carbonated egg nog. I know that sounds gross, but that's because you're probably combining egg nog and seltzer water... it's nothing like that. It's really a pleasant flavor. It's not overly sweet, it leaves a nice after taste, and it has a gnome on the can. Really the more I've consumed this, the more it's grown on me.
While it is a Ginger Soda, by no means would I make this my first choice if I had a stomach ache. I think it might be just a little to sweet for that. Overall I recommend it to those who are fans of ginger drinks, if I remember correctly it wasn't so overly expensive that you'll have to only buy it on special occasions.
Verdict: Buy a Pack!
~A
;)
Reader Comments (5)
This is, beyond any shadow that a doubt might have, my favourite ginger soda.
One important detail that you forgot to mention is the method used to MAKE the drink. According to the can, it's AGED IN A BARREL FOR THREE YEARS. Whoa. That's all I have to say. Just whoa. (I think that they grow ginger in those same barrels. It would explain the strength, at least.)
This soda is really great, and I have a better description than "carbonated egg nog". You know how a lot of christmas card designs feature Santa with rosy cheeks and a warm smile? Well, that's because he drank a can of Vernor's before posing for the portrait. This is a drink that warms you on the inside, in the most pleasant and delicious way imaginable. I drink it cold, but the warming effect is the same. It's not an uncomfortable heat, like standing under a spotlight for too long (believe me, it's REALLY unpleasant to do that). It's more like snuggling in bed with a soft, fuzzy, warm blanket. Except that you're probably actually sitting in a chair, with full daytime clothing on.
The only problem with this beverage: it's comparatively hard to find. Because it's not made by a major company, it's only found in certain areas. As a result, I only get to have it when I go visit my Grandma in Maryland.
That is a better description than the one we have listed. This was one of our earlier reviews so I'll attribute this poor description to us not being "on our game". Good word usage though!
Thanks,
~A
This Ginger Ale/Soda was made in Detroit, Michigan for a century or more. I am not sure if it is still made here or not, as it was bought and sold a couple of times. It used to be aged 4 years in wooden barrels. It is not for the faint of heart. A couple of things you may want to try with it. Mix this with equal parts vanilla ice cream or half and half, and you have a Boston Cooler. It is named for the Boston Edison district in Detroit and you will be addicted to the nothing else like it taste. Also, try Vernor's hot when you have a cold or just to warm up in the winter time. It cures everything.
"Carbonated Eggnog" hits it right on the head. bought a 12 pack from local wally world, as they were out of canada dry. It probably was a great drink before america flushed quality down the toilet in favor of profits
Recently, the grocery stores in my hometown started stocking this, so I no longer have to wait for holidays to have a Vernor's.
I also recently tried another brand, called Gosling's. I have to say that as far as strength goes, Gosling's makes Vernor's seem like water. It's so strong that by the time I finish the can (in small sips) it's completely flat. Gosling's is very good, but NOT for everyone. I still prefer Vernor's, but Gosling's is a nice change every once in a while.