WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Rookie's Root Beer

Burlington, Vermont - May 8, 2009

It looks like hot tea, but it's really just the start of another recipe.

Jenny Rooke chuckles, "I'm proud to say I make root beer for a living!"

Jenny and Dave Rooke launched their home-based root beer company 4 years ago, as what Jenny Rooke calls a "happy accident."

Dave Rooke used to run his own catering company, but he's also a hobbyist beermaker. On a whim, he tried his hand at this alcohol-free kind of beer. Dave Rooke says, "I never knew it was such a big part of people's lives."

Friends and relatives liked it so much, the upstart soda maker labeled his product Rookie's and brought it to Burlington's Farmers Market. He burned right through that initial supply, ditched catering for root beer, and now can't imagine doing anything else.

Dave Rooke explains, "It's tough going to work every day and working for someone else and making a paycheck. And here we are, making more than a paycheck. We're making people happy."

The husband and wife team discovered there's something about root beer; something other sodas don't seem to have. Dave Rooke smiles, saying, "It brings back so many memories."

Memories of childhood and old-fashioned soda fountains, they say, chalking that up in part to the drink's distinct smell. It's sweet and woodsy.

Jenny Rooke explains, "It's simple, and fun, and nostalgic. These days, who doesn't want a little of that in their lives?"

The slurp-worthy soda is all-natural: no extracts, high-fructose corn syrup or caffeine.

Rookies is now an established Burlington brand. It is only on tap--not in bottles--at the outdoor market and at area restaurants. The Rookes call their key ingredient their "Made in Vermont" pride.

Jenny Rooke beams, "Vermont is a place to be proud of!"

Rookie's Root Beer is on tap at nine area restaurants including all three American Flatbread locations. To order kegs of the drink for events, call (802) 861-6777.

At the Burlington Farmers Market, the couple serves their drink plain or with "Made in Vermont" ice cream from Island Ice Cream in Grand Isle.

Jack Thurston - WCAX News - Made in Vermont