Photography by David B. Moore

In a blind taste test, Phoenix Home & Garden staff tried six brands of root beer. The results follow:


1.) HANK’S GOURMET
Rather than a true root beer taste, this entry had a flavor similar to that of cream soda, according to panelists.
 

2.) STEWART’S
Many thought this dark root beer was overly sweet.


3.) VIRGIL’S
A lack of bubbles and a too-sweet taste left many panelists unimpressed with this brew.


4.) A&W - VOTED BEST
This option edged out the competition with its creamy flavor, pleasant aroma and “genuine root beer taste.”


5.) BOYLAN BOTTLEWORKS
Although most found this selection’s thick head appealing, many were turned off by a medicinal taste.


6.) BULLDOG
Spice dominated this beverage’s aroma and flavor, with one taster noting hints of cinnamon and nutmeg.



A WORD FROM CHEF ALLAN

Although the taste of root beer might have changed over the years, one thing has stayed the same—its all-American presence, says Chef Allan Schanbacher. While history tells us that various types of “root” beers were being made in Colonial days, it likely was Philadelphia pharmacist Charles Hires who sparked its popularity for modern times.

Hires’ 1800s version was a low-alcoholic beverage that contained the flavors of more than 25 herbs, berries and roots, including sassafras and sarsaparilla. Over time, root beer has become a popular nonalcoholic soft drink.

A prized treat during Chef Allan’s childhood, root beer’s sweet and creamy flavor elicits memories of sipping the frothy beverage straight from a carton container, he says. He can’t think of a more classic combination than that of a root beer float—scoops of vanilla ice cream slowly melting into the spicy soda.