Obviously, The Barley Blog is mostly about beer (news, reviews, what no), but every now and again I’ve been throwing some bourbon related news and notes your way. So why would I be writing about a product that is neither. Quite simply, when the opportunity arises to experience something unique, I’m more than willing to try it out — especially when it involves a free sample.
If Root is anything, it’s unique. Crafted by Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction, it is billed as a true-to-form reproduction of “…colonial Root Tea in all of its genuine glory.” So what exactly does that mean? I haven’t the foggiest, but I can tell you that Root’s ingredient list — birch bark, smoked black tea, sugar cane, allspice, anise and clove among others — makes for quite an interesting and unique drinking experience.
Press material and samples of Root
Appearance
Root pours a clear and deep, burnt amber in color. It’ got a slight syrupy nature as it clings lightly to the sides of the glass.
Aroma
At first I was slapped upside the head with the overwhelming aroma of sweet birch (root beer), but subsequent passes over the liquor revealed more. There’s a very distinct alcohol presence (80 proof) along with mint and clove notes. It’s a bit on the peppery side, as well, tingling the nose.
Taste
Root is very smooth and sweet, but it does well to avoid the stereotypical overly sweet and thick liqueurs. It’s clean palate allows you to really take in all the spices and herbs that follow the birch bark that hits your tongue first. The most dominate characteristic after the birch is a spearmint and clove combination that leaves the tongue a little numb — that is until the peppery spices wake it back up for the warming alcohol.
Overall
Normally, I wouldn’t particularly go out of my way for a product like Root. Just reading the label would be enough to scare me into heading for the comforts of bourbon. That said, I am very excited and thankful for the small samples that made their way to me. Root is a tasty, complex and unique drink that I would venture to say everyone should have an opportunity to enjoy. You may or may not like it, but you will certainly be intrigued by Art in the Age’s concept and Root’s depth of flavors.
Rating: 4/5
August 14th, 2009
Barry said:
I’m looking forward to getting my sample now. I somehow expected a bottle, but fair enough :)
I’ll be testing it on my German colleagues who seem to have a thing for shots of herbal liqueurs/schnaps between beers.