Had a similar experience with Vernor's Ginger Ale, a local soft drink favorite in Detroit. When I moved away, relatives would come to visit me bringing car trunks full of Vernor's. Running family joke was, "If you don't take Janet some Vernor's she won't let you in her house". Sadly the company was sold and the formula changed, now it's just not the same and I've put the word out "Don't bring the crap into my house" LOL
Guess it's true, "You can't go home again"