Exploring the Varieties of Different Root Beers: A Tasting Adventure

Root beer stands as a distinctly American beverage with a rich history and diverse flavor profiles. Unlike its name suggests, most root beers contain no alcohol and offer a unique alternative to traditional sodas. The variety of different root beers available today ranges from mass-produced classics to artisanal craft brews, each with its own character and taste signature.

History of Root Beer: From Medicinal Tonic to Popular Beverage

Root beer originated in North America as a medicinal beverage made from sassafras roots. Native Americans had used sassafras for its medicinal properties for centuries before European settlers adopted the practice. In the 1870s, pharmacist Charles Hires commercialized the first root beer, marketing it as a temperance drink during Prohibition.

The evolution of root beer containers parallels other beverage packaging developments. Similar to standard beer bottles, root beer was traditionally sold in glass bottles before aluminum cans became popular in the mid-20th century.

Main Ingredients and Brewing Methods

Traditional Ingredients

Classic root beer recipes included:

• Sassafras root bark (until banned by the FDA in 1960 due to safrole content)
• Sarsaparilla
• Wintergreen
• Licorice root
• Vanilla
• Molasses
• Honey
• Cinnamon
• Anise

Modern commercial root beers typically use artificial sassafras flavoring or safrole-free sassafras extract to achieve the traditional taste without health concerns.

Brewing Processes

Root beer production methods vary widely:

• Fermented: Traditional method using yeast, producing trace amounts of alcohol
• Non-fermented: Modern method using carbonation and flavor extracts
• Barrel-aged: Specialty craft approach for complex flavor development

The brewing process significantly impacts the final flavor profile, much like how different spirits develop distinct characteristics through their production methods.

Popular Brands and Their Distinctive Characteristics

Major commercial brands each offer a unique take on root beer:

• A&W: Smooth, creamy vanilla notes with medium carbonation
• Barq's: Known for its caffeine content and sharper bite
• Mug: Sweet with pronounced vanilla and less complexity
• IBC: Rich, old-fashioned flavor with balanced sweetness
• Dad's: Strong wintergreen notes with a creamy finish

These brands are typically found in standard beverage containers, similar to other popular drink packaging options.

Craft Root Beers: Small-Batch Excellence

The craft root beer movement parallels craft brewing in the beer industry, with small producers creating distinctive, premium products:

• Virgil's: All-natural ingredients with complex spice notes
• Sprecher: Fire-brewed with honey for a distinctive caramel flavor
• Boylan's: Bold, spicy profile with pronounced anise
• Maine Root: Organic fair-trade certified with a crisp, clean finish
• Abita: Brewed with Louisiana cane sugar for a distinctive sweetness

Many enthusiasts enjoy sampling different root beers in large format gatherings or party-sized events where multiple varieties can be compared side by side, similar to wine or craft beer tastings.

Flavor Profiles and Tasting Notes

When evaluating different root beers, consider these characteristics:

• Sweetness level: From barely sweet to candy-like
• Carbonation: Light fizz to aggressive bubbles
• Body: Thin and watery to thick and creamy
• Dominant flavor notes: Vanilla, wintergreen, licorice, molasses, honey
• Finish: Clean and crisp vs. lingering sweetness

Professional tasters often use a scoring system similar to those used for evaluating fine spirits, rating aroma, flavor complexity, mouthfeel, and finish.

Hosting Your Own Root Beer Tasting Event

Equipment Needed

For a proper root beer tasting, gather:

• Clear glasses (similar to tasting glasses used for spirits)
• Palate cleansers (plain crackers or bread)
• Water
• Tasting note cards
• Ice bucket (optional for chilled samples)
• Bottle opener

Tasting Process

Follow these steps for a structured tasting:

1. Serve root beers at the same temperature (slightly chilled is ideal)
2. Pour samples simultaneously to compare appearance
3. Evaluate aroma before tasting
4. Taste in order from lighter to more robust flavors
5. Take notes on flavor profile, mouthfeel, and finish
6. Cleanse palate between samples

Consider organizing samples by style or region, similar to how one might arrange a whiskey or vodka tasting.

Future Trends in Root Beer Innovation

The root beer market continues to evolve with several emerging trends:

• Alcoholic root beers: Hard root beers with 5-7% ABV gaining popularity
• Artisanal ingredients: Small-batch producers experimenting with foraged botanicals
• Reduced sugar options: Health-conscious alternatives using natural sweeteners
• Regional specialties: Hyperlocal ingredients reflecting terroir
• Crossover flavors: Root beer infused with cold brew coffee, fruit, or spices

As with many beverage categories, packaging innovations also drive the market forward. Custom bottles with distinctive shapes, similar to specialty spirit bottles, help craft root beers stand out on crowded shelves.

The world of different root beers offers a fascinating journey through American beverage history, brewing techniques, and flavor development. Whether you prefer a classic creamy A&W or an artisanal craft brew, there's a root beer variety to suit every palate and occasion.