Root beer

NORKA Sparkling Beverages Root Beer

The NORKA Beverage Company · Classic cane-sugar root beer

Akron, Ohio, USA

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A revived Akron, Ohio heritage brand (NORKA is "Akron" spelled backward) first bottled in 1924, this is a straightforward cane-sugar root beer built for easy, nostalgic drinking rather than bold complexity. The flavor reads subtle and sweet, leaning on a soft caramel-color backbone with gentle root and sassafras character and a clean, lightly creamy finish. Caffeine-free and free of high-fructose corn syrup, it sits firmly in the classic-American mold: approachable and refreshing, more comfort than connoisseur fireworks. Expect a friendly, middle-of-the-road profile that pleases a crowd without challenging the palate.

Taste profile
Flavor fingerprint for NORKA Sparkling Beverages Root BeerSweetness 4 of 5, Carbonation 3 of 5, Body 3 of 5, Creaminess 2 of 5, Bitterness 1 of 5, Spice-heat 0 of 5, Aroma intensity 3 of 5, Finish 3 of 5SweetnessCarbonationBodyCreaminessBitternessSpice-heatAromaFinish

Objective sensory intensities (how it tastes) — not a liking score.

Flavor wheel
Flavor wheel for NORKA Sparkling Beverages Root BeerHighlighted: Root & sassafras, Vanilla & cream, Caramel & molasses.RootWintergreenAniseSpiceVanillaCaramelWoodyHerbalOff-notes

Our editorial notes.

Scores

Our score
36/50
What drinkers think
7/9
early estimate
Critics vs. the crowd
-3
A crowd favorite

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The maker

The NORKA Beverage Company is an Akron, Ohio soda maker whose name is "Akron" spelled backward, originally founded in 1924 and produced through the early 1960s. The brand was revived in 2014 and now handcrafts sparkling beverages sweetened with pure cane sugar rather than high-fructose corn syrup, using natural flavors. Its lineup, including the root beer, is caffeine- and gluten-free.

Ingredients & nutrition

Carbonated water, Cane sugar, Natural flavor, Caramel color, Lactic acid, Potassium sorbate (preserves freshness), Sodium benzoate (preserves freshness).

12 fl oz · 170 cal · 44 g sugar(per serving, as labeled)