ROOT

“This rustic spirit was inspired by a potent 18th century Pennsylv ania folk recipe. It is an alcoholic version of what eventually evolved into Birch or Root Beer. The unity of Art, Craft, Design & Contemplation” – From the ROOT bottle

Root Bottle

I received a mystery bottle in the mail a few days ago.  A medicinal-looking bottle with various beautiful fonts and designs.  The back of the bottle had hand-drawn herbs and spices which make up this mystery elixir.  A bit of internet research later brings me to a strange storefront and gallery in Philadelphia, and an amazing collection of art, design, and this inspirational liqueur.  From their website,

“ROOT traces its heritage all the way back to the 1700s when colonists were first introduced to the Root Tea that Native Americans would drink as an herbal remedy. Brewed from sassafras, sarsaparilla, wintergreen birch bark, and other roots and herbs, Root Tea was used to cure a variety of ailments. As colonial settlers passed the recipe down form generation to generation, the drink grew in potency and complexity. This was especially true in the Pennsylvania hinterlands where the ingredients naturally grew in abundance. These homemade, extra-strong Root Teas were a favorite in colonial homes and public houses all over the northeastern colonies.”

The design of the bottle definitely plays to this heritage.  The hand-drawn images of birch bark, smoked black tea, cinnamon, wintergreen, spearmint, clove, anise, orange, lemon, nutmeg, allspice, and cardamom read like a monk’s manuscript for a healing salve.  My favorite detail, by far, has to be the wooden cork. Oh man am I am excited to break into this bottle!

The color is a deep brown, a cola color. As can be expected, the nose is strong with birch root .  The cinnamon and spearmint play an interesting game in the back of the sinuses- almost a cooling burn.  Anise isn’t as strong as I would have expected, but it is detectable in the potpourri of scents rising from the glass.  The initial taste is soft and full-bodied.  Not as alcohol-heavy as one would expect from an 80 proof drink.  All of the flavors are perfectly balanced, not a single herb can be the star of this performance.  All are elegantly mixed into a beautiful array of hot, warm, cool, and cold flavors.   It warms the chest on the way down, and the finish is soft and subtle.  One would be perfectly happy sipping this after a long dinner on a cold night with friends.  The perfect end to a perfect evening.

Availability of ROOT is limited.  If you have friends in and around Philadelphia, it is recommended that you have them track down a bottle for you.  Neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, it is a great swallow and worth the extra effort.

Our drink of the day is brought to you by Justin Leone, Beverage Director for Benny’s Chophouse in Chicago.

The Sufferin’ Sassafras

2 oz. Maker’s Mark

1 oz. ROOT

.25 oz. Plymouth Sloe Gin

.25 oz. Simple Syrup

2 dash Angostura Orange Bitters

Flamed Orange Peel

Stir ingredients and pour into old fashioned glass over ice.  Flame the orange across the top.  Sip.  Enjoy.

Sufferin' Sassafras