Review: Heritage Dr Pepper
Jan 13th, 2010 by Steve
Update: Another "real sugar" version of Dr Pepper is coming Summer 2010… learn more about Dr Pepper "Made With Real Sugar"
In early December, we posted a rumor about a "sugar-sweetened Dr Pepper" coming to market. Thanks to BevReview readers, we were able to confirm that Heritage Dr Pepper did exist!
Heritage Dr Pepper
If you can image a Dr Pepper version of Pepsi Throwback, then you get the right idea about this drink. In fact, Dr Pepper Snapple Group, the makers of Dr Pepper, are working with Pepsi to bring this product to market. It's only being bottled in markets where Pepsi already handles Dr Pepper, most likely tapping into Pepsi's supplies of cane & beet sugar being used for Pepsi Throwback and Mountain Dew Throwback. The Pepsi relationship limits distribution, unfortunately. For example, BevReview HQ is located here in Chicago, and we do not have access to Heritage Dr Pepper (because Pepsi does not handle the Windy City's Dr Pepper bottling). Fortunately, my sister lives in Indiana and was able to send me some.
The folks at Dr Pepper Snapple Group haven't made an official announcement about the product, but we were in touch with their Corporate Affairs department. Unfortunately, all they felt like confirming was "yes, the product exists" and "please ask Pepsi any future questions." Well, apparently, they're not very talkative. Go figure.
10-2-4
The packaging itself features a background with vertical yellow and red lines sitting behind a retro-styled "Dr Pepper" logo on an oval shape. The word "Heritage" sits above the name, anchored at 3 points by the classic "10-2-4" numbering reflecting "Dr Pepper Time". What's this, you ask? Per the folks behind Dublin Dr Pepper, one of the only sources for real sugar Dr Pepper on a year-round basis…
Those well-known Dr Pepper numbers of 10, 2 and 4 weren’t selected at random. They represent the times of day when the human body needs a little “pick-me-up” to avoid an energy slump.It was in the 1920s that Dr. Walter Eddy at Columbia University studied the body’s metabolism. He discovered that a natural drop in energy occurs about 10:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. But he also discovered that if the people in his research study had something to eat or drink at 10, 2 and 4, the energy slump could be avoided.
After Dr. Eddy’s research findings were released, Dr Pepper challenged its advertising agency to come up with a theme which would suggest that Dr Pepper should be that 10, 2 and 4 drink which would keep the energy level up. The result was one of the most enduring of Dr Pepper’s advertising themes: Drink a bite to eat at 10, 2 and 4.
Below the logo is a callout that mentions "Made with Real Sugar", following the same pattern used by the current batch of Throwbacks — and unlike the April 2009 releases which referenced "Natural Sugar" instead. Assuming the same source for sugar is used in Heritage Dr Pepper, we can assume this is a combination of cane and beet sugar and is NOT Kosher.
So what's inside? Here's a comparison of Heritage vs. high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) Dr Pepper:
Heritage Dr Pepper
Carbonated Water, Sugar, Caramel Color, Phosphoric Acid, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Caffeine
HFCS Dr Pepper
Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Caramel Color, Phosphoric Acid, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Caffeine
What's interesting is that Heritage Dr Pepper actually lists the caffeine content, something that Pepsi does, but not usual protocol for the Doctor (in fact, when we've asked for this information, Dr Pepper Snapple Group historically has said "We don't publicly provide this information.") Heritage Dr Pepper comes in at 3.4 mg/oz. In comparison, sugar-sweetened Pepsi Throwback is 3.2 mg/oz. and Mountain Dew Throwback contains 4.6 mg/oz.
HFCS Dr Pepper
The colors of both Heritage and HFCS Dr Pepper are pretty much the same. When you first open a Heritage Dr Pepper, you'll note that there isn't much scent. This contrasts HFCS Dr Pepper, which definitely produces a cherry/cola smell. And what about the taste? Well, surprisingly, the difference wasn't as substantial as I originally expected, especially after the obvious improvement experienced with Pepsi Throwback.
Now, don't get me wrong. Heritage does taste better than standard HFCS Dr Pepper, but the difference is not as noticeable. It's finer. For example, HFCS Dr Pepper is very carbonated, producing a tanginess on your tongue with a bit of a bite. In contrast, Heritage Dr Pepper is much smoother and cleaner, allowing you to actually notice those "23 Flavors" that the company is always bragging about. This sensation reminds me of the original April 2009 version of Mountain Dew Throwback. That drink was somewhat different tasting from what we were used to, but because of the way it was made, you really were able to savor the flavors beyond that which you can normally do with HFCS versions.
Heritage Dr Pepper is for those who appreciate a good Dr Pepper. Unfortunately, for this review I didn't have a bottle of Dublin Dr Pepper handy, which has long been held as "the standard" by which Dr Pepper should taste. Maybe some of our BevReview.com readers can comment if they've tasted both and note how Heritage stacks up.
Yes, there's sugar!
In any case, like the Throwbacks, a product like Heritage Dr Pepper is welcomed in the marketplace. One wonders how it will accurately be measured as a success/failure given the limited distribution and general lack of awareness about the drink. It's almost as if it was just thrown out there in a "this seems like a good idea" situation after seeing Pepsi do their thing. Granted, Pepsi totally botched the first rollout of their sugar limited editions, so maybe we should cut the fine folks at Dr Pepper some slack.
I'm a Pepper. Would you'd you like to be a Heritage Pepper too?
Thanks for the review, I hope we can find Heritage Dr. here in Colorado. Lemme know if you want a bottle or 2 of Dublin Dr., we have a case of it and now we have a local reseller (http://www.sugarlandsodas.com/).
Thanks again, keep it up,
Brian
I love the heritage Dr. Pepper. I have also had the Dublin Dr Pepper. My opinion is that Dublin Dr. Pepper has an even better and sweeter taste than heritage. There is something to be said for the superior taste of pure imperial sugar over beat sugar.
"Heritage". Odd branding choice. As if we're dealing with a UNESCO-protected cultural artifact.
Interesting how the cola producers changed the very things that made their colas so popular. It is like the computer programmers and how they constantly update programs only to make them worse. If you have a good thing, stick with it. Look at the Paas easter egg decoration company, they haven't changed a thing, and they are still number one.
I live in south Texas, can't find this ANYWHERE.
I've had no luck finding this stuff in Central NC. Has anyone been able to locate it in the Carolinas? I want to try this stuff so bad it's not funny.
I actually just got back from the store here in Oregon and saw this at the store. I was skeptical and just bought normal Dr Pepper. I will have to pick some up next time I go.
alleyrulez, I actually had heritage Dr. Pepper over the summer when I was in San Antonio, at a small deli near the PBR brewery.
I just finished a can of HDP and it is better than regular DP but "Dublin" DP is still the best..Must be the cane sugar as it has more depth and a better finish than the other two. Just my opinion..
yeah im not sure where they're bringing it out but im skeptical that they'll bring it into ny. ny always gets cut out of good soda. now we might even have to pay more thanks to our great governor.
i don't really like dph but i enjoyed having the sugar version for a change, unfortunitly looks like ill have to get som from my cousins in ohio.
I bought a 12-pack of DPH cans at my grocery outside of Harrisburg PA. I agree that it is much smoother than regular Dr. Pepper. I like it. Nice change of pace from the regular Pepper.
I'd LOVE to try this. Retro + Real Sugar + Dr. Pepper, What's not to love!?
To Chris looking for Heritage DP in central NC: I just bought a 12-pack last night at a Harris-Teeter store in Greensboro.
Just found all 3 flavours at Walmart. I have several friends that work for Abtex our distributor and they had not told me it was coming knowing I'm an addict for Dublin!(Grew up 60 miles from there.) The heritage is good just doesn't have quite the kick of Dublin. I give it an A+
Live in the Chicago area and was wondering why I can't find this! You mean I have to go to Indiana to get this? Stupid. Please contact me if there is anywhere in the Chicago area where I can at least find Dublin Dr Pepper, I've always wanted to try it (I live in the west suburbs)
I can't believe I'm saying it but I like the modern version better than the Heritage. I got it in Central FL, and it tastes like diet to me. I love the Cherry Dr. Pepper though, that stuff is great. I'd love to find a cherry DrP slurpee.
Chris,
I live in Bluffton, SC and picked it up in a Wal-Mart Super Center today… though we're just barely not Georgia so I don't know how much that will help you.
Look at the the label on your can of regular Dr Pepper and see who it is bottled by. If it is bottled by Pepsi, it sounds like you're in luck.
Mine says, "Canned by a member of the Coca-Cola Bottlers' Association … under the authority of the Dr Pepper Company…"
Damn… I guess we won't be getting any Heritage DP in Utah. It's a good thing I've got a few cases of Dublin DP tucked away.
Just bought a 12-pack at an independent grocer in Maiden, North Carolina. I put a can in the freezer for a quick 20 minute cool down, and then sampled Heritage DP.
It is AWESOME!
I don't know… I love Heritage Dr. Pepper. To me, it has a candy like aftertaste that makes me want to keep drinking more. I truly am addicted. I can clean up a 12 pack myself in one weekend.
This better stay on the market.
I'm a huge Pepsi throwback fan. Last summer I had prolly 30 cases in my closet to last me until the re-release came out in December. Which reminds me I really need to stock up on the re-release stuff in hopes that it will last me until the summer when they re-re-release it. (at least I hope!)
Anyway, in regards to the Dr Pepper… I have to say I am not noticing near enough of a taste change like the Pepsi Throwback. In fact I find it rather :diety: or water down a bit. Which I find disappointing a little because I hate HFCS. So I'm a bit torn that I feel the HFCS still taste better.
Oh well, we all have different likes and dislikes obviously and I hope the product stays on the market.
Heritage Pepper is by far much better than throwup mtn. dew and throwup Pepsi. The only cool things about the Pepsi throwback is the logo. They should bring pepsi clear back…lol……peace out
I found some bottles of it in Fridley, MN. Love it, hope they keep it around.
Excellent review! I personally LOVE this stuff and I never knew the 10, 2 and 4 had ANY relevance! Very cool!
I just found this at Target in ERIE PA. I got two 12 packs. This stuff is GREAT! I would buy this all the time if Dr Pepper would keep making this with Real Sugar. It is very smooth and refreshing. All the best.
Here in Eugene, OR it exists but only in bulk/warehouse stores such as Wal*Mart and WinCo. They are labeled with a $1-off coupon, too – and you can use these at checkout! WinCo prices are normally $3/12*12, but drop to $2/12*12 with the coupon (which works on any Dr Pepper drink).
Why do these sugar versions have to be limited releases? Why not make them year-round if they are popular enough?
HFCS is just as bad if not worse than sugar. I've stopped eating/drinking stuff that has HFCS, though the pitfall is that I need to limit my intake of anything with real sugar in it. Can't get enough of all natural Snapple for example.
I'd love to see if this version of Dr.Pepper makes it up here or not.
I live in KS and have found the Heritage at a Target Superstore. Was also in CO a couple of weeks ago and bought a 12-pk at a Safeway in Fraser. Did a taste test with the Heritage and HFCS DP and the Heritage by far, tastes much better. Am now on the hunt for Heritage… Am afraid I'll have to stock up when I do find it. I just hope they continue to make it.
Found some at the KwikTrip in Eau Claire WI last weekend. Which would make sense that it's there and in Fridley MN looking at this map from Pepsi Bottling Group:
http://www.pbg.com/about/central.html
Does this mean I have to drive to either Michigan or Eau Claire to get more?
I live in Fort Worth, TX. Texas! The land of Dr. Pepper! I can't find Heritage Dr. P for sh*t. The glass bottle Dublin Dr. Pepper is carried in a lot of grocery stores here, but it is rather expensive for 8oz six packs, you know?
If anyone finds a place where they are being sold in the Metroplex, please post here!
Beware! I suspect they've stopped making it, after checking a bunch of KS area Targets most were out and said more had stopped coming.
At the local (Kansas City, MO Metro area)Hy-Vee's, Price Chopper and Target stores DPH as well as (Mountain Dew Heritage) is about all you find. I hope they stick with it and leave the mercury laden high fructose corn syrup behind. Would love to see Coca-Cola do the same!
See ya'
Found some at Ultra Foods on Indianapolis Blvd in Highland IN on Sunday! They still had 6 or 8 12-packs when I left.
They have it in DC. Just got some at the Dupont Circle Safeway! It is tasty.
I just picked up some Heritage Dr. Pepper in East Stroudsburg, PA. It's definitely better and tastier than the HFCS stuff. However, it can't hold a candle to the Dublin Dr. Pepper. The Dublin stuff is a taste treat and you can savor so many of the flavors in the formula, they actually change as you are drinking it if that makes sense. Heritage is better than the average fare but leaves a candy-like after taste and the flavors of the drink itself aren't as bold or well defined as they are in the Dublin Dr. Pepper.
i'm near athens, ga and have a fridge full of 20 oz bottles and 12 oz.cans of heritage – not easy to find, though. i agree totally about the "tang" aspect of the doc with hfcs when i try to drink it now, too.
I had a couple of cans in at work in Hartford, CT last week. It was in the caf for 2 days, sold out, not to be found now. It was superb ……. won't touch another 'corn-syrup' Pepper again. If I can't buy Heritage, I'll buy Dublin.
I live in Indiana and my husband drank his first Throwback Mt Dew and said it was so much better! If it's so much better tasting and better for you, why don't they just discontinue the ones we all have to drink now (ones with corn syrup) and just make the newer improved ones? Makes too much sense I guess. I hope they don't stop doing it before it really has a chance to take off.
The Heritage DP tastes sooo much better than the corn syrup!! Big difference and I sure hope they continue to make it as Old Doc's is expensive to have shipped. Now that is the TRUE Dr Pepper I grew up with!!!
I had 2 cases of Heritage Dr P not too long ago, maybe 2 or 3 months ago, but havent seen it since then here in Evansville,IN.
Were a hot spot for having new things being tested and tried out here for some weird reason.
I have been drinking Dr P since I was 9 yrs old now im 20 lol, Ill drink it forever. You can barely taste the difference of the new Dr P, but I do agree it does taste better and the flavor lasts on your taste buds too. Im glad they came out with this new Dr P.
Finally was able to track down some 20 oz bottles of Heritage Dr Pepper (thanks to a nice friend on Twitter).
My co-worker and I did a taste test today, comparing the Heritage to the HFCS version of Dr Pepper. Hands down, Heritage DP won. So much smoother, less bite and no HFCS aftertaste (which I get with most HFCS sodas). Out of 8 bottles, there are 5 left and I'm trying to stagger them out until we can find more.
I miss the natural sugar sodas.
Here in West Texas we have had Dr Pepper with Imperial Pure Cane sugar for nearly a decade. The bottler in Abilene Texas started it as a promotion and it took off. This is a good thing for me since I use to make a twice yearly trip to Dublin Texas to "stock up" on Real Dr Pepper.
I notice a few months ago, however that the supply of Imperial Sugar DP on the store shelves started to getting less space and it was hard sometimes to get my quota for the week. Then last week nothing…now I know why. Heritage Dr Pepper!
I can tell you right now the taste is different. The 'Real Sugar' logo is a dead givaway to the cheaper beet sugar and it taste like a 90 day old can of the real DP. Very weak and way too much foam on pouring.
Throwback has nothing to do with it. A six-pack of 12 oz. plastic bottles went for $3.29. The Heritage is on sale now for $3.50 for a 12 20oz. case. Cheaper…yes…better…no. You get what you pay for. I'm going to call the comment line on the can and tell them to bring back the Cane sugar bottles. I'm willing to pay for it. If they don't…well…I havn't seen Dublin in several years. Might just take a road trip…Ya'll take it easy now…hear!
I love the Heritage Dr.Pepper. I hate that they brought it out for just a few months and now you can't get the 12pks. Please bring it out permanently.
While traveling about 2 weeks ago I found "Imperial Pure Cane Sugar" Dr Pepper in the 6 pk glass bottles, 12 pk cans, and 6 pk plastic bottles in a Brookshires grocery in Flint, TX!!!! I was so excited! It tastes so much better the the frutose sodas. The sad thing the cans said it was bottled in Plano, TX, but here I am and can't easily find any. I was so disappointed since they are the smaller glass bottles and more expensive. Please Dr Pepper bring it back permanently!!!
I go to Texas two or three times a year, and when I'm there I buy as much Dublin Dr. Pepper as my wallet can handle. I have it shipped to California via horse trailer. Last night I was at my local Raley's store here in Sacramento and discovered Heritage Dr. Pepper…WOW, I'm a happy girl !!!!! I'll probably still get Dublin Dr. Pepper whenever I can because it's the real deal. Thanks, Dr. Pepper!
hi. i live in east texas. i haven't found heritage dr p. but i have found 20oz plastic bottles of dr pepper with a green label. looks just like the heritage label but with green background. it says made with imperial pure cane sugar. but it doesn't say dublin or heritage. it's great stuff but what is it and has anyone else seen these mystery dr peppers?
was never able to find it…
I have the green label DP here. It came from a 7-11 in Smithville, TX, 45 minutes SW of Austin. No "Heritage" but with "Imperial Pure Cane Sugar." I'm thinking this is Dublin going main stream. They just stocked up with a new batch yesterday. Cap says "Bottled by a member of the Coca-Cola bottlers' association, Atlanta, GA 30327"
This is not Pepsi's stuff.
[...] and many others have done so as well, like Pepsi and Mountain Dew Throwback, Jones Soda, Snapple, Heritage Dr. Pepper, Hunt's Ketchup. Oh, all of this happened after the Corn Refiners Association has launched [...]
[...] 8th, 2010 by Steve Well, if you missed out on Heritage Dr Pepper when it was available for a limited time earlier this year, then you are in luck… because Dr [...]
Knowing a good amount about Dr Pepper, I can tell everyone the following:
Those who live in Texas and most southern states purchase bottles of DP produced by Dr Pepper/Snapple Group. US regions who do not have an actual DP bottler in the area purchase bottles produced by Coca-Cola or Pepsi, depending on the area and who has the contract.
REAL Dublin Dr Pepper is produced in Dublin, TX by the Dublin Dr Pepper Bottling Company, who has a distribution region of a 45 mile radius outside of Dublin. DDP is made using Imperial Cane Sugar, and is made in house for returnable bottles. Non-Returnable bottles and cans of the good stuff are actually made about 90 miles away in Temple, TX, because DDP does not have the bottling machines to produce the cans/non-returnable bottles.
The Temple DP bottler's distribution region does sell Imperial Sugar DP, including at the Dr Pepper Museum in Waco, TX. While I know DPM does ship some cans, Dublin does ship bottles and cans of the good stuff worldwide.
I purchased a retro case of DP last week here in Southeastern PA, but was saddened to find that it was made with Corn Syrup, not Sugar. Checked the manufacturer, it was listed as Coca-Cola.
Hopefully I can find the good stuff locally soon!
I just bought a pack of what I guess is Heritage Dr. Pepper at Albertson's. (Though it doesn't say "Heritage" on it, but it does come in retro packaging with "Celebrating 125 Years" all over it, and proudly proclaiming it's made with "real sugar.") Mine says it was bottled by Coca-Cola.
Both me and a friend thought it definitely had a different taste. We both described it as a "floral" taste. To me, it almost has a "lilac" aftertaste to it. It certainly has less of a "caramel" flavor than Dublin Dr. Pepper, which we buy quite frequently at a local candy shop.
I'm wondering if these retro editions of these sodas taste different in part because they're returning to previous, slightly different recipes.
They should use only CANE sugar. BEET sugar is GMO (genetically modified) and has not been proven safe except by the big agri-business companies that produce and profit from genetically modified foods, like the company Monsanto. NO GMO in our food. Write your congressperson!!!!!!!!!!
The green label Dr Peppers that are made with Pure Cane sugar are starting to show up more places. I found them in Mart, TX back in May and the botte caps said bottled by Temple Bottling Company, Temple, TX. I thought I had died and gone to heaven when I found these and ended up buying 12 of them to have. I have recently found them in a shell station along I35 in Belton, TX and at the Brodie Lane Food Mart off of Brodie Lane in Austin. All 3 locations had the same label and tasted the same, yet the Belton and Austin location where in the usual bottles that most soft drinks come in now and said bottled by a member of the Coca Coca bottlers association yet were made with pure cane sugar. I wonder if these are being bottled in Temple as well, just have a different bottle cap.