Big Red is a distinctive American soft drink, originally created in 1937 in Waco, Texas, by Grover C. Thomsen and R.H. Roark. It is a variety of cream soda known for its bright red color and unique flavor profile

. Flavor:
Big Red has a sweet, creamy taste that many describe as a blend of lemon and orange oils combined with vanilla, giving it a fruity and creamy flavor. Although some people mistake its taste for bubble gum or cinnamon, the actual flavor is citrus-vanilla based rather than cherry or berry, despite its red color

. The flavor is often described as "red" and "louder" than typical sodas, with a sweetness sometimes compared to cotton candy

. History and Popularity:
Originally called Sun Tang Red Cream Soda, the name was changed to Big Red in 1969 after a golf caddy's casual reference to the drink. It has a strong regional following, especially in Texas and parts of the Southern United States, and is considered Texas barbecue's unofficial signature soda

. It was once primarily sold in Texas but is now available in some other states like Kentucky and southern Indiana

. Production:
Big Red is produced and distributed by various independent bottlers, including Keurig Dr Pepper, under license from Big Red, Inc., which is based in Austin, Texas. The original production facility remains in Waco, Texas

. Additional Info:
Big Red contains caffeine, about 36 mg per 12-ounce can, which is slightly more than classic Coca-Cola but less than many other sodas

. There are also other flavors under the Big Red brand, such as Big Blue, Big Red Zero Sugar, Big Peach, and Big Pineapple

. In summary, Big Red is a sweet, red cream soda with a unique citrus-vanilla flavor, deeply rooted in Texas culture and popular in the Southern U.S.