Root Beer, Part 2, IBC, December 5, 2009
During the last episode of Root Beer, Part 1, Evan’s beverage was replaced with
Folger’s Decaf; do you think he new the difference?
Now we return to our regularly scheduled programming…
Yesterday, I celebrated International Root Beer Day with my 7th Grade homeroom. It
was the first time in my teaching career that I was able to join the festivities, because
it’s difficult to take time off from work and travel to Venezuela. In short, the brief celebration was a success. My Principal, Dr. Hughes, also wished the school a happy
and healthy Root Beer Day via the school-wide Public Address System. Perhaps, we can do something even more grandiose next year to recognize the importance of this special day which began in the year 1995…
In Root Beer, Part 1, I touted Virgil’s Root Beer as my number one choice; A & W and MUG were about tied. Since there can only be one Top Chef, then someone has to be sent home and eliminated from the competition. A & W scored 2nd place; MUG scored third. Some of that is about the change…
I just tasted IBC Root Beer and it was delicious. Unlike A & W and MUG, I could taste more of the Anise (basically Licorice) flavor. Some people are not fans of Anise, but I am. IBC does not seem to have caffeine either–a plus in my book. Finally, I had another epiphany: Root Beer seems to taste better in a glass bottle. I tried both A & W and MUG from the cans and the 2 liter plastic bottles. Perhaps it’s psychological. Cans seem to have a tin-like aftertaste (imagine that), and plastic seems to be a practical vessel for transporting gallons of liquids. However, my Science colleagues seem to feel that plastic does break down and affect flavor. That would explain why they bring metal water bottles to school everyday. I don’t purport to be an expert on plastic and its inevitable breakdown measured in parts per million. However, I’ve had a plethora of plastic water bottles throughout my lifetime, and the flavor is certainly different. In short, IBC might end up relinquishing A & W and MUG from second and third place. Before I make my final Judge Judy ruling, it is necessary to try out a few more brands…
Part 3 may be here sooner than you think…