Sunday, January 01, 2006

I'll Take a Beer...Heavy on the Birch


I know a lot of my friends and family check in with the blog to see how things are going in Philadelphia. So, I will make it a point in 2006 to educate you about all things Philly. Some things that I learn can be applied, found, and appreciated all over this country. Others can only be found around these parts.

Today's Philly specialty is Pennsylvania Dutch Birch Beer. Despite its name, Pennsylvania Dutch Birch Beer is not alcoholic, but a cousin of the much loved Root Beer. Or, as I like to say..."I'll take a beer...heavy on the Root."

Like everything else in Pennsylvania, it claims to be the oldest soft drink in the county and it probably is. I am not sure if Birch Beer can be found anywhere else. I am assuming it can be found, but I recommend giving it a try. Birch Beer has a carbonated goodness that makes it a soda, but it has a peppermint kick to it. I think it is definitely an acquired taste, but I like it. I place it in the category of Ginger Ale, Root Beer, and a bottle of chocolate milk...not an everyday treat, but rather, an every now and then treat.

1 comment:

Dree said...

Birch beer is AWESOME. :)

Are you a beer drinker at all? If so, have you discovered Yuengling yet? It's a local beer (brewed in Pottsville, PA), and you can take a tour of the brewery (which I've done twice, and highly recommend). They also make what they call "white birch beer" which is clear, but tastes SOOOO good. I'm not sure if you can get it anywhere else... I've never seen it anywhere but there.

Anyway, cheers and Happy New Year!