Reed's Jamaican Ginger Brew

And Other Ginger Ales
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Over the years I have drank my way to the bottom of every ginger ale bottle I could find. Maine Root Ginger Brew, Reed's Jamaican Ginger Brew (especially the Extra Ginger Brew), and Cock N' Bull are three of the best I have ever found. They have complex flavors and rather strong ginger bites to them. And they have a price to match unfortunately.
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Now for the ones that don't come in traditional glass bottles there are a few good mass produced ones out there. Canada Dry is a good everyday ginger ale along with Seagram's Ginger Ale. But like I said... they are the kind I drink every day simply because I can't afford to have a Reed's ginger beer in my hand whenever I want.
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As for the price... Canada Dry sells for four bucks or so at any given big box grocery store. Seagram's is about the same. But Maine Root goes for around seven bucks for a four pack (only have found it at Whole Foods thus far). Reed's (my personal favorite) Extra Ginger Brew sells for 1.25 to 1.50 for a single bottle and 5.99 or so for a four pack (can only be found at Fresh Market, select Kroger stores, and Whole Foods). Cock N' Bull is a Fresh Market favorite of mine but once again is a single bottle drink that goes for about 1.50 a pop.
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So what is the difference between a Jamaican Ginger Brew and Canada Dry?
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Everything. Reed's has a traditional way of doing things that is like comparing a micro brewery and Bud Light. The flavor has a little bit of a floral taste at first with a nice strong ginger bite if you buy the Extra Ginger Brew (the original is good but doesn't have that strong ginger bite at the end). Canada Dry is more like the Bud Light of ginger ales. It is cheap and easy to find. As for the flavor, well it is OK but just isn't as complex as the Reed's line.
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What about the store brand ginger ales?
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When times are tough and money is tight... just about always anymore... Dollar General has a variety that is great. It is right up there with the other big box stores ginger ale. However like Canada Dry, Dollar Generals ginger ale is good for those days when I can't afford Reed's.
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So I would have to suggest to anyone out there looking for a new drink to try that will stimulate the taste buds... Reed's Jamaican Extra Ginger Brew. It is simply unbeatable for those of you who like a nice flavorful ginger ale.
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P.S. for those of you who like using ginger ale with liquor, Cock N' Bull has a recipe for what they call a real Russian Mule. I don't drink so I haven't tried it.