I love Mr. Pibb. It is my ambrosia, my divine nectar, my highest aspiration in beverage choice. For those who have never tasted from this sugar fountain of delicious, it is a spicy cherry soda similar (but better) than Dr. Pepper. For years I have endeavored to secure myself a consistent supply of this amazing product, but it has proven to be a devilish task. I’ve lived in Arizona, New York, and Wisconsin and not once have I managed to see Pibb for sale in a grocery store. Soda Fountain sightings have also been disturbingly rare. Finally, I have managed to search out this elusive treasure.
So, where can Mr. Pibb be found?
First, let me break the bad news. It can’t be found, at all, ever. Mr. Pibb, simply put, no longer exists. See here.
Pibb Xtra, however, is still fairly prevalent within certain regions. Within the United States the South and West seem to be the predominate distribution areas for Pibb Xtra, although sporadic locations in the north and central Atlantic seaboard report Pibb sightings. Sadly, there are no current bottling locations near me in New York and neither Arizona nor Wisconsin showed any signs of Pibb abundance in my experience.
So, how can I acquire Pibb, that glorious libation of soda and sugar?
Going back to that sodafinder website, Pibb Xtra is for sale $20 for a 12 pack. Is this a bit expensive for soda? Probably, but this is a straight case of supply vs. I NEED MY MR. PIBB.
After years of searching I might finally have an regular (if still infrequent) access to Mr. Pibb, the greatest of the sodas.
