The Sweet Legacy of Root Beer: Uncovering the Best Brew
Root beer is more than just a sweetened carbonated beverage; it has become an iconic drink enjoyed worldwide. Despite its name, root beer bears little resemblance to actual beer and is entirely alcohol-free. It's interesting to note that while there are countless brands of root beer, only a few have risen to the top of the heap over the past century. So, which root beer can claim the title of the definitive brew?
Root beer has deep roots—literally. Its origins are attributed to medicinal teas made by Native Americans that utilized various leaves, roots, barks, fruits, and flowers. By the mid-19th century, it emerged as a carbonated soft drink, with many people finding relief in its unique flavor combinations.
The first major player in the root beer game was pharmacist Charles Elmer Hires, who marketed the drink in the late 1800s from his Philadelphia base. His initiatives laid the groundwork for the commercial root beer industry we recognize today, dominated by prominent brands like A&W, Barq's, Mug, and IBC.
Belfast Beverage Company initially introduced Mug Root Beer in 1885, albeit under the less appealing name Dr. Sweats. Over the years, it underwent several name changes before landing on the sleek Mug Root Beer, thanks in part to aggressive marketing campaigns. Acquired by Pepsi in 1986, Mug became known for its creamy taste and true draft flavor. The introduction of a sugar-free formula further showcased its innovative approach, making it a go-to choice for many.
Founded in New Orleans, Barq's Root Beer was bottled for the first time around 1900. Edward Barq was determined not to infringe on Hires's trademark and opted for a simpler label. The company crafted a product that was distinctively more carbonated yet less sugary than its contemporaries. Owned by Coca-Cola today, Barq's remains notable for containing caffeine—unlike many other root beers—reflected in its tagline, “Barq’s has bite!”
Perhaps the most well-known root beer brand, A&W, was created by Roy W. Allen in 1919. Starting from a simple root beer stand, Allen expanded his venture into a franchise, developing what would become the first restaurant franchise in the U.S. A&W's wide reach was solidified when bottled versions became available in the early 1970s. Characterized by its smoothness and creamy texture, A&W remains a staple in the soft drink market, even as it faced competition from other brands.
IBC, or Independent Breweries Company, was formed in 1919 amidst the Prohibition era to capitalize on the legal sale of soft drinks. However, the brand fell on hard times during the Great Depression and changed ownership several times. Today, IBC features a diverse product line, including diet versions, and moved away from high fructose corn syrup to cane sugar.
The Current Landscape of Root Beer
When it comes to the definitive root beer, sales often play a critical role. Traditionally, A&W, IBC, and Barq's account for approximately 80% of root beer sales in the U.S. However, 2023 saw the rise of Prebiotic root beer from the brand Ollipop, which claims to offer health benefits through its use of botanical extracts.
Despite Ollipop's sales success, its taste tends to vary and doesn't consistently top taste test rankings. Generally, taste testers have frequently placed A&W at the forefront of their lists, praising its creamy texture and approachable flavor, despite some criticisms regarding its sweetness.
Crafting the Perfect Root Beer Experience
While A&W may dominate for many, craft sodas like Sioux City, Virgil’s, Stewart’s, and WBC Chicago Style Root Beer are also worth exploring for those seeking something unique and flavorful. These brands cater to an audience eager to embrace the artisanal movements in food and drink.
With the rich historical narrative and vast variety of flavors, root beer has much to offer anyone looking to indulge. So what's your favorite root beer? Join the discussion in the comments and share your favorite picks from this refreshing legacy.
Part 1/8:
The Sweet Legacy of Root Beer: Uncovering the Best Brew
Root beer is more than just a sweetened carbonated beverage; it has become an iconic drink enjoyed worldwide. Despite its name, root beer bears little resemblance to actual beer and is entirely alcohol-free. It's interesting to note that while there are countless brands of root beer, only a few have risen to the top of the heap over the past century. So, which root beer can claim the title of the definitive brew?
The Origins of Root Beer
Part 2/8:
Root beer has deep roots—literally. Its origins are attributed to medicinal teas made by Native Americans that utilized various leaves, roots, barks, fruits, and flowers. By the mid-19th century, it emerged as a carbonated soft drink, with many people finding relief in its unique flavor combinations.
The first major player in the root beer game was pharmacist Charles Elmer Hires, who marketed the drink in the late 1800s from his Philadelphia base. His initiatives laid the groundwork for the commercial root beer industry we recognize today, dominated by prominent brands like A&W, Barq's, Mug, and IBC.
A Look at Iconic Brands
Mug Root Beer
Part 3/8:
Belfast Beverage Company initially introduced Mug Root Beer in 1885, albeit under the less appealing name Dr. Sweats. Over the years, it underwent several name changes before landing on the sleek Mug Root Beer, thanks in part to aggressive marketing campaigns. Acquired by Pepsi in 1986, Mug became known for its creamy taste and true draft flavor. The introduction of a sugar-free formula further showcased its innovative approach, making it a go-to choice for many.
Barq's Root Beer
Part 4/8:
Founded in New Orleans, Barq's Root Beer was bottled for the first time around 1900. Edward Barq was determined not to infringe on Hires's trademark and opted for a simpler label. The company crafted a product that was distinctively more carbonated yet less sugary than its contemporaries. Owned by Coca-Cola today, Barq's remains notable for containing caffeine—unlike many other root beers—reflected in its tagline, “Barq’s has bite!”
A&W Root Beer
Part 5/8:
Perhaps the most well-known root beer brand, A&W, was created by Roy W. Allen in 1919. Starting from a simple root beer stand, Allen expanded his venture into a franchise, developing what would become the first restaurant franchise in the U.S. A&W's wide reach was solidified when bottled versions became available in the early 1970s. Characterized by its smoothness and creamy texture, A&W remains a staple in the soft drink market, even as it faced competition from other brands.
IBC Root Beer
Part 6/8:
IBC, or Independent Breweries Company, was formed in 1919 amidst the Prohibition era to capitalize on the legal sale of soft drinks. However, the brand fell on hard times during the Great Depression and changed ownership several times. Today, IBC features a diverse product line, including diet versions, and moved away from high fructose corn syrup to cane sugar.
The Current Landscape of Root Beer
When it comes to the definitive root beer, sales often play a critical role. Traditionally, A&W, IBC, and Barq's account for approximately 80% of root beer sales in the U.S. However, 2023 saw the rise of Prebiotic root beer from the brand Ollipop, which claims to offer health benefits through its use of botanical extracts.
Part 7/8:
Despite Ollipop's sales success, its taste tends to vary and doesn't consistently top taste test rankings. Generally, taste testers have frequently placed A&W at the forefront of their lists, praising its creamy texture and approachable flavor, despite some criticisms regarding its sweetness.
Crafting the Perfect Root Beer Experience
While A&W may dominate for many, craft sodas like Sioux City, Virgil’s, Stewart’s, and WBC Chicago Style Root Beer are also worth exploring for those seeking something unique and flavorful. These brands cater to an audience eager to embrace the artisanal movements in food and drink.
Part 8/8:
With the rich historical narrative and vast variety of flavors, root beer has much to offer anyone looking to indulge. So what's your favorite root beer? Join the discussion in the comments and share your favorite picks from this refreshing legacy.