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ROOT BEER & SARSAPARILLA: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
Over the past few weeks, we’ve received multiple messages asking what the difference is between Root Beer and Sarsaparilla… and even more specifically, our Bundaberg Root Beer and Bundaberg Sarsaparilla. Today, we thought we would set the record straight on this one and there’s one simple answer to this: aside from the label, there is no difference! Let us explain:
At its simplest, Bundaberg Sarsaparilla and Bundaberg Root Beer do not have any key differences – bar the label.
Our Brewniverse stretches far and wide in 2022, and with this means that you may see your brews slightly different to some others. Those in the United Kingdom and United States will be Root Beer, whereas our friends in Australia and New Zealand will see Sarsaparilla. But let us clarify, even though these brews do not share a name, they are the exact same drink! Both crafted over three days using real liquorice root, sarsaparilla root, molasses, and vanilla beans. And regardless of what the label says, both are brewed right here In Bundaberg to the exact same recipe!
Despite Root Beer and Sarsaparilla being alternative names for the same Bundaberg brew, traditionally these are two different drinks with very different histories – so we wanted to take a little dive into this.
Sarsaparilla, traditionally, was made from Sarsaparilla Root alone. This extract holds a slightly bitter flavour profile, which is why many producers now pair this with ingredients like liquorice – attempting to reduce the boldness. On the other side of things, Root Beer is a drink that’s been heavily engrained in American Culture which dates back to the 19th century. Many over time have dubbed Root Beer as the ‘adulterated sarsaparilla’ due to the mix of flavour enhancing ingredients; vanilla, wintergreen, nutmeg, anise, among others.
What makes our Bundaberg Root Beer/Sarsaparilla so special is that we take the best things of both these traditional drinks to make one ultimate tasting Brew. We use real locally sourced ingredients, craft brewed for over 3-days to ensure we extract the most delicious, complex flavours we possibly can. Then wallah, you have our world-class, completely unique Brew.
So in conclusion, to answer the age old question, our Bundaberg Root Beer and Bundaberg Sarsaparilla are the same delicious Brew! However, pending where you are based in the world, you may see a different label on your supermarket shelves. And that’s that on this one.
Cheers!
