Birch vs. sarsaparilla

[dr galaga]

This is probably a tough one - can anyone describe the taste difference between Birch Beer and Sarsaparilla Beer?  I know that they are from different trees, but is there really a difference in taste?

[dr galaga]

Hello?


How about which one is better tasting? '>

Wish I could help ya' Doc, but I've never had Birch Beer. Heck I thought that Sasparilla and Root Beer were basically the same thing. I too would like to hear an informed answer to all this.

[glassbottlesrule]

Not a big Sasparilla fan myself.  The best way I can describe most Birch Beer is it kinda tastes like Root Beer with less licorace(sp) flavor and more wintergreen.  To me Sasparilla taste more licorce tasting than Root Beer.  Boylan's Creamy Red Birch Beer is a good one.  Nice wintergreen taste with an awesome vanilla finish.  Top shelf stuff.

[dr galaga]

Okay, here's my report:
I've tried the Boylans birch beer (local supermarket carries it) and it is pretty tastey.
I tried the Kuntztown birch beer (I've read a few places that it is one of the better birch beers) and it is probably pretty comparable to Boylans.  I saw that they also carried sasaparilla and that is what sparked my question (I can get a sasaparilla drink near me, but it is HFCS instead of sugar).
Some people talk about some root beers are minty, I would have to say that the sasaparilla is "mintier" than the birch.  The sasaparilla also has a quicker bite (comes in strong - not too strong -  and then fades away and then you can taste the sassaphras.  They are both good, but if I had to pick one I would say that the Birch Beer is better.

[DanV]

Try Sioux City sarsaparilla. They have it in 4 packs at Jungle Jims for 3.99. Wonderful stuff. A great root beer with a little spicey kick. The Boylans creamy red birch bear is unique. Like 80% rootbeer, 20% creme soda (like Barq's red cream soda)

[dr galaga]

Quote (DanV @ May 07 2005,11:30)

Try Sioux City sarsaparilla. They have it in 4 packs at Jungle Jims for 3.99.

That's the stuff that is by me (cheaper than a dollar a piece, but don't remember the exact price).   I'm on a cane sugar kick, that's why I skipped it.  Once I run out of this stuff I'll try some of the Sioux City brand.  

My nephews were over last weekend and they loved the Birch Beer that I had - they didn't even touch the Mt. Dew (and they are Mt. Dew fanactics).   Oh well, means more Mt. Dew for me and it will last a little closer to the next Chicagoland Show!  

[DanV]

I quoted the price wrong. I think it was 3.39 a four pack.My boys are dew freaks too. I heard the 12 oz bottled dew from WJ bottlers is  the sugar dew. I have had it a few times and it tasted  a lot better. I grew up drinking the 12 oz hillbilly bottles. I wish I would have saved some. They are going for obscene prices on EBAY now. i am on a sugar kick too. Had a red rock cola tonight and have only two kosher coke 2 liters left '>. The red rock was good, a cross between pepsi and RC.

[glassbottlesrule]

Red Rock is my Favorite Cola right now.  The WJ RC is pretty darn good too.  I like the WJ Sundrop too it rocks.  I prefer it over the Mt. Dew but I buy the Dew so people know what they are getting when they pull it out of the machine.  I should just start drinking beer instead.  It would be tons cheaper.