Understanding the Alcohol Base: It's a Malt Beverage
Not Your Father's is, at its core, a flavored malt beverage. This means the alcohol is produced through the fermentation of a malted barley base, similar to how traditional beer is made. However, its identity is far from that of a standard lager or IPA. Instead of hops dominating the flavor profile, Not Your Father's relies on a unique blend of spices and botanicals to create its distinctive taste. The alcohol by volume (ABV) for the most widely distributed version is 5.9%, making it comparable in strength to many craft beers.
The Role of Small Town Brewery
Originally developed by Small Town Brewery, Not Your Father's was a pioneer in the hard soda space. The founder, Tim Kovac, experimented with recipes to create a product that tasted just like classic root beer but included an alcoholic kick. This commitment to nostalgic, soda-like flavor is what differentiates it from products where the alcohol is simply added to a sugary soda base. The brand's early success created a national trend, leading to a partnership with Pabst Brewing Company for national distribution in 2015.
Ingredients That Create the Root Beer Experience
Not Your Father's achieves its authentic root beer taste through a blend of natural ingredients. Unlike some commercial sodas, the flavor is built from botanicals and spices that give it depth and character. The core ingredients that define its profile are:
- Wintergreen: Provides that classic, slightly medicinal root beer bite.
- Sarsaparilla Bark: Adds an earthy, deep layer of flavor.
- Anise: Contributes a subtle, licorice-like note that many associate with old-fashioned root beer.
- Vanilla Bean and Honey: These are essential for balancing the spiciness with a creamy sweetness.
- Malt and Hops: These are the base elements for the fermentation process, though their character is masked by the bold root beer flavors.
How Not Your Father's Compares to Other Hard Sodas
The rise of hard sodas brought many competitors to the market, but Not Your Father's stands out due to its specific brewing process and complex flavor profile. The table below highlights some key differences.
| Feature | Not Your Father's | Best Damn Hard Root Beer | Sprecher Hard Root Beer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alcohol Base | Spiced ale (flavored malt beverage) | Flavored malt beverage | Fire-brewed malt base |
| ABV | 5.9% (Standard) | 5.5% | 4.0% |
| Flavor Profile | Complex, with natural spices; vanilla-forward | Lighter, less complex flavor | Honey-forward, slightly sweeter |
| Brewing Method | Traditional brewing with botanicals | Mass-produced | Fire-brewed, old-fashioned process |
Beyond the Bottle: Serving and Food Pairings
While delicious straight from a chilled bottle, Not Your Father's versatility is a key part of its appeal. The most popular use is in an adult root beer float, where it's paired with high-quality vanilla ice cream. The company's unique blend also makes it a great ingredient for cocktails, offering a nostalgic twist to classic drinks. In terms of food pairings, its sweet and spiced notes complement barbecue dishes, especially pulled pork or ribs. It can also be paired with desserts like pecan pie or bread pudding, where its flavors enhance the sweetness. A cold glass in a frosted mug on a hot day is a simple pleasure that highlights its authentic root beer character.
A New Category of Nostalgia
Not Your Father's Root Beer wasn't just a product; it was a phenomenon that created a new category of alcoholic beverage. By effectively disguising a spiced ale as a nostalgic soda, it bridged the gap between beer lovers and non-beer drinkers alike. This ingenuity sparked a revolution in the market, prompting many larger breweries to follow suit with their own hard soda lines. Despite the increased competition, Not Your Father's holds its position as the original, celebrated for its authentic taste and quality brewing process. For those who enjoy a flavorful, unique alcoholic experience, it remains a go-to choice.
For more detailed information on Small Town Brewery's history and other products, you can visit their website.
Conclusion
In summary, the alcohol in Not Your Father's is a fermented malt base, not a distilled spirit. It is technically a spiced ale, officially classified as a flavored malt beverage, with a 5.9% ABV. Its classic root beer flavor comes from a blend of botanicals and spices, including vanilla, sarsaparilla, and anise. This unique brewing process and authentic taste set it apart from other hard sodas and make it a beloved beverage for a wide range of consumers.
