Pennsylvania Dutch Birch Beer

Who Made This Stuff?      USA Beverage Distribution, LLC

Website:                             www.daretogodutch.com

Where’d It Come From?   Somewhere on the edge of Amish country, PA

Review Date:                    11/26/12

Commentary:  I picked up this birch beer at a convenience store in PA on our summer road trip.  It had been languishing in the back of the fridge since July.  I’m not a big fan of birch beers so I had been sort of putting this one off for a while.  I didn’t have high hopes for its carbonation level given the long time it had been sitting around in a plastic bottle.  I was pleasantly surprised.

When I opened the bottle, I picked up that distinct wintergreen aroma for which birch beers are known.  A quick pour into the chilled glass revealed that the brew had a reddish tint, as did the small head that made a brief appearance.  I wasn’t expecting that color, so I guess that was a nice little surprise.

 

This one has a nice little bite to it.  The carbonation level is just about right.  The bubbles are in the medium to large size, but they work with the flavor to produce that pleasant bite.  It definitely has the wintergreen taste.  I’m not a big fan of that taste.  I guess it’s not too overpowering in this one, though. I’m giving this one high marks in the carbonation department.  Even after a lengthy stay in my glass, the carbonation is sticking around.  I like that.  This one isn’t very creamy.

As I said, I’m not a big fan of birch beers but I think I’d actually serve this one to friends – maybe just to bring a little something different to the party.  According to the company’s website, this brew is also available in cans and glass bottles.  I think I’d serve the glass-bottled version to those friends.

I’ll score this one as…………………………………………..77

What do you think. Ever tried this one?  Do you consider root beers and birch beers interchangeable, or do you have a definite preference?