A Soda to Call Our Own

When we heard about Swamp Pop, the new line of sodas out of Lafayette from Collin Cormier and John Peterson, it was only a matter of time before we were overcome by curiosity at the Country Roads office. Even before the top is popped, the brand touts a lot of things to love. Just for starters--what a terrific name. How has it not been used before? Delving deeper, we've got the promise of local flavors generated by local folks. This is not some vague approximation of Louisiana's homegrown excellence. And cane sugar! For those of you who have indulged in Mexican Cokes, another beverage utilizing cane sugar instead of high fructose syrup, you know of the heady, rounded sweetness.

And so we arrived at the natural conclusion: office taste test. It may not be every Tuesday afternoon that you stand around the conference table with your coworkers, slurping soda out of a tumbler with a discerning look in your eye. But it's not an unenjoyable pastime, it must be said.

The verdict? Highly recommended. The flavors are vibrant, with the use of sugar cane seeming to emphasize the satsuma's buoyancy (Satsuma Fizz), the praline's caramel (Praline Cream Soda), and the plumpness of Louisiana figs (Noble Cane Soda).

I can only think of one downside, and that's the fact that Jean Lafitte Ginger Ale was out-of-stock at Calandro's. But now when I come across it, I can try it in extreme good faith.

Expect to see the sodas in Calandro's, Rouse's, and other state distributors. A full list can be found at drinkswamppop.com.