Mints in tins really seemed to take off in the late nineties when Altoids introduced their wintergreen flavor. All of a sudden it seemed like mints were everywhere, knocking Certs (do they even still make those?) and lifesavers off of the prime candy aisle placement next to the gum. Riding this expanded interest in fresh breath, VerMints grew from making only peppermint mints, to a solid line of delicious little mouth fresheners. I don’t remember what the first flavor I had was, but I do remember thinking that it was pretty cool that a local company was making something that competed with a titan like Altoids.
By now I’ve tried most of the VerMints flavors, but keep coming back to ginger. The ginger flavor is noticeable as soon as you pop it in your mouth, but it’s refined and a balanced spice. The flavor builds the more you suck on the mint or if you bite it in half. It’s a really pleasant true ginger flavor, a bit like sucking on a piece of crystalized ginger (sans sugar) or a ginger chew. One mint will change the taste in your mouth, two will guarantee fresh breath.
Verdict: A terrific, flavorful mint.
We found these mints on sale at TJ Maxx of all places. The tins lists them as “Distributed by , VerMints, Inc. Burlington, Vermont.” You can follow VerMints on Twitter and like them on Facebook. Here are some ideas of what to do with your empty tins.
I get frustrated by companies who don’t list where their products are made. Labeling your product “Distributed by” or “Made for” gives the impression that A) you’re not making the product yourself B) that your product might not be made in Vermont. I understand that for some products contracting out production makes sense, but if it is made here, why the ambiguity of using either of these phrases?
