According to the Wikipedia front page

[ericcoleman]

On this day in 1866 Root Beer was first prepared commercially by American pharmacist Charles Elmer Hires.

So, IYNSHO, what is the best Root Beer?

Comments

[barondave.livejournal.com]

Sarsaparilla, the original root in root beer. Haven't had it in a while, and I don't remember the brand... chewing on sarsaparilla roots (or anise roots) was what kids did for fun Way Back When.

[jcw-da-dmg.livejournal.com]

My mom used to get strips of sarsaparilla roots and make tea from them. When it was cold and lightly sweetened, Hey Presto! Homemade root beer (non-carbonated, but still . . . )