Wednesday, January 19, 2005

the official soft drink of Steve-land


Blenheim Ginger Ale has to be experienced in person to truly appreciate its uniqueness. Once a local soda odditiy in eastern South Carolina, Blenheim has beeen introduced to much of America through both word of mouth advertising and the merchandisers of stores like Restoration Hardware and Larry's Market, both of which have featured the drink over the last few years. The internet is also a good resourse for Blenheim, with dozens of stores stocking it.

For more on this history of the soft drink, dating back to 1903, click here

My friend and old roomate Doug Lovegren was the first person I knew that let me try some of the #3 about ten years ago. I only had a little, but I'll never forget that first taste. As ginger ale in this country has become increasingly bland, it's a shocker to feel bubbles go up your nose and burn from the intensity of the soda. Both hot and sweet, with a satisfying ginger flavor, you'll never taste anything remotely like it. You've simply got to try some.

There are four types of Blenheim Ginger Ale:
  • Old #3 HOT (my favorite) - Spice lovers rejoice! This beverage is VERY spicy and must be slowly sipped. The ginger flavor is nice, but once again, very spicy. To top it off, it has a nice sweet finish that kept us coming back for more. Blenheim 1903 Hot Ginger Ale is a spicy ginger brew with a beautiful glass package. Definitely a high quality beverage.
  • #5 NOT AS HOT - While Blenheim NAH Ginger Ale is the mild version of Blenheim's more powerful 1903 Hot Ginger Ale, it has a powerful flavor that is quite adventurous. The flavor has a nice spicy ginger bite, with a sweet finish. It's a high quality ginger ale for those who like a spicy beverage!
  • #9 DIET - Not only is this a great mildly spiced ginger ale, but it is one of the best diet beverages that I've ever had. In addition, the use of artificial sweetener is completely masked by the flavor of the ginger. Blenheim Diet Ginger Ale has the same great bite as the original line (only slightly milder) so I recommend that you try this flavor as well.
  • #11 GINGER BEER - Blenheim Ginger Beer, which is visibly different from the rest of the line due to its white paste-on label, is the mildest brew of the Blenheim line. The flavor does have a subtle spice to it, but it is much easier to down this flavor than the others. Overall, a great tasting ginger soda with a truly old-fashioned feel to it.

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