Birch Beer VS. Root Beer: What Are The Differences?

When shopping for soda and craving something more particular, we might reach for a chinotto, a bitter orange, or even a root beer or a birch beer. If, however, you're not from Pennsylvania, you might wonder, "What the hell is birch beer?" Is it the same thing as root beer? Do they taste the same? Are they even alcoholic? We're here to find out.

Birch VS. Root: The Origins

Root beer and birch beer both have their roots (pun intended) in early American history, but their stories diverge more than you might think. Root beer’s lineage can be traced back to the Native Americans, who brewed a concoction from sassafras roots. This practice caught on with European settlers, and by the 19th century, root beer had become a popular homemade beverage, often touted for its medicinal properties. Commercial production kicked off in earnest when Charles Hires introduced his root beer extract at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial Exposition, forever solidifying root beer’s place in soda history.

Birch beer, on the other hand, has a slightly different backstory. It also originated with Native Americans, who used the sap and bark of the birch tree to make a fermented beverage. This practice was later adopted by settlers, particularly in the northeastern United States. Birch beer never quite reached the same commercial heights as root beer but has maintained a loyal following, especially in regions like Pennsylvania. So, while they both stem from traditional American practices, their paths have been quite distinct.

Do Birch Beer and Root Beer Taste the Same?

At first glance, you might think birch beer and root beer are twins separated at birth. Both are typically dark, foamy, and served ice-cold in frosty mugs. But a closer look (and taste) reveals their unique identities. Root beer often has a rich, creamy appearance, sometimes with a hint of reddish-brown hue, depending on the brand. Its flavor is a complex mix of sweet, spicy, and earthy notes, with vanilla, wintergreen, and licorice playing starring roles. Imagine a sweet forest party in your mouth, and you’re pretty close.

Birch beer, meanwhile, can range in color from a light brown to a deep red, depending on how it’s brewed. The taste? It’s like root beer’s woodsy cousin—crisp, clean, and a bit more straightforward. Birch beer leans heavily on the wintergreen and birch bark flavors, giving it a slightly minty, refreshing quality that root beer lacks. If root beer is the complex, layered novel, birch beer is the short story with a zesty twist.

How Are The Two Beers Made?

When it comes to ingredients, root beer and birch beer start to show their true colors. Root beer’s recipe is a medley of roots, barks, herbs, and spices. The traditional ingredient list includes sassafras (though now often replaced due to health concerns), sarsaparilla, vanilla, licorice, and wintergreen, among others. Each brand has its secret formula, but the result is always a symphony of flavors that’s sweet and spicy.

Birch beer, however, keeps things simpler. Its primary ingredient is the bark and sap of the birch tree, specifically the sweet birch or black birch. This gives it its distinct, clean, and slightly minty flavor. Some variations might include other ingredients like wintergreen, but birch bark is the undisputed star of the show. The preparation process for both involves brewing and carbonation, but the ingredient lists set them apart.

Are These Two Beers Even Alcoholic?

Traditionally, both root beer and birch beer were mildly alcoholic due to natural fermentation. However, today’s commercially available versions are almost always non-alcoholic, made with carbonation rather than fermentation. They’re crafted to be enjoyed by soda lovers of all ages.

That said, if you’re looking to get a bit tipsy, there are alcoholic versions of root beer available, especially in the craft beer market. These hard root beers have gained popularity for offering a nostalgic flavor with an adult twist. Birch beer, though, remains steadfastly in the non-alcoholic camp. So, if you’re after a bit of buzz with your birch, you might have to get creative with some mixology.