Is Dr Pepper a root beer?

As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can confidently say that Dr Pepper is not a root beer. While both Dr Pepper and root beer are carbonated beverages, they have distinct differences in terms of flavor, ingredients, and brewing process.

Flavor:
Root beer typically has a distinct and prominent flavor of sassafras root, which gives it a smooth and earthy taste. On the other hand, Dr Pepper has a unique blend of 23 natural and artificial flavors, resulting in a more complex and nuanced taste. It is difficult to compare the two as they offer completely different flavor profiles.

Ingredients:
Root beer is traditionally made using sassafras root, along with other ingredients such as wintergreen, anise, and molasses. These ingredients contribute to the characteristic taste of root beer. On the contrary, Dr Pepper's recipe is a closely guarded secret, but it is known to contain a combination of flavors including cherry, vanilla, and cola. The exact ingredients and proportions used in Dr Pepper are proprietary information.

Brewing Process:
Root beer is typically brewed by combining various ingredients, including roots, herbs, and spices, and allowing them to steep in hot water. This mixture is then fermented with yeast, which creates the carbonation. The entire process can take several days or weeks. In contrast, Dr Pepper is produced through a carbonated soft drink manufacturing process, which involves combining the various flavors and carbonating the beverage.

Personal Experience:
As someone who has tasted and studied a wide variety of beverages, including root beers and Dr Pepper, I can attest to the fact that they are distinct from each other. Root beers often have a smoother and more herbal taste, while Dr Pepper offers a more complex flavor profile with hints of cherry, vanilla, and cola. The taste experiences of these beverages are quite different, and it is evident that they belong to separate categories.