Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Red Rock Golden Ginger Ale


It is rather rare that I find a "true" ginger ale that I feel that I can recommend to everybody. There was a time when it was even difficult to find a ginger ale that actually tastes and bites like real ginger, particularly in the southeastern region of the United States. Luckily, this scarcity seems to be dwindling, and I have begun to see many more "natural" ginger ales on all sorts of store shelves. Unfortunately, this also means that it will grow harder and harder to easily discern the good from the bad, particularly considering that a previously untasted ginger ale tends to be a relatively high-risk purchase. Red Rock's ginger ale, I am happy to say, is one of the best ginger ales that I have had in quite some time, and I think that most individuals with even a moderate taste for ginger will definitely find something to like in this one.

Lauding itself as having "just the right bite," Red Rock is a sort of fusion between the more contemporary, sweet ginger ales that you would find in most gas stations and the more old fashioned, spicy concoctions that you might purchase at a general store or health foods market. The slogan is certainly a bold one, as different people like different levels of bite, but after having tried it, I think that Red Rock is right: this ginger ale really does have just the right amount of kick. The added sweetness of the drink helps to bring the typical sting of natural ginger ale down a notch, but not so much that it undermines the ginger's taste. The ginger is still at the forefront of the beverage's flavor, and it still maintains that sort of notorious, dry spiciness. However, the sugar makes the overall experience more palatable, as I did not find myself growing tired of the taste after a few drinks as I often do with other more "hardcore" ginger ales. Red Rock's ginger ale was strong without being too strong, and was easy to drink all the way to the bottom of the bottle.

All in all, this is a great ginger ale. I would probably even go so far as to rank this one as one of my "top three ginger ales," and I think that it is definitely worth a try, even if you don't like ginger. If you are on the fence about stronger ginger ales, I really do think that this is the one that will change your mind. If you already like stronger ginger ales, then you are almost certain to enjoy this one, but if you don't like ginger then...well, then you probably shouldn't be drinking ginger ale, anyway.

Verdict: Highly Recommended

Purchased: Jasmine Cafe [Columbia, SC]
Size: 12 fl. oz. [355 mL]
Price: $1.99 

7 comments:

  1. Great review!

    I am drinking one now and it is definetely clearing my sinuses! Whew! It sort of gives me a wasabi reaction. Either way, the flavor is on point. I find this drink challenging, yet enjoyable.

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  2. I visited a friend in Atlanta and stopped at a Kroger on the way out of town in Duluth and saw this. Thought I'd try it as I am a Ginger Ale fan. This wasn't bad but I did find the bite to be a bit much.

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  3. great for a bad belly from a hangover also. when I was a kid and got sick I got red rock and chicken noodle soup

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  4. I drink a 12 oz. On ice every Sunday morning before leading worship. Clears gunky throat like nothing else can. Natural ginger is great for vocal chords too !! Just don't pour into a glass and lift it to your face right away as the carbonated bubbling will pop right into your eyes! It's powerful stuff !!

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  5. I am a fan of the classic high ball. When you mix Wild Turkey's American Honey with Red Rock, you have an absolutely beautiful drink.

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    1. Great drink. We used to sneak a little of a friend of mines father "MOONSHINE" and mix with it. That was good until I found that the true way to drink shine was just as it comes out of the jug, Straight.

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  6. When I was a child and would get the flu, or cold, my mother would give me Red Rock ginger ale and chicken noodle soup. Most people can not drink red rock because it does have a bite. I was told from a exc. of Red Rock that a while back they introduced putting cayenne pepper in the formula which is good for you in the first place. But for all of you hard party people, the best thing in the a.m. if you have a hangover is find a few Red Rocks. Believe me it helps. Long Live "RED ROCK"

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