As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can tell you that root beer is not necessarily supposed to taste like wintergreen. While wintergreen has become the dominant flavoring in most root beers, along with vanilla for creaminess, the formulas for root beer can vary greatly. This means that different brands and recipes will have different flavor profiles.
Root beer is traditionally made with a combination of herbs, roots, and spices, which gives it its distinct taste. Wintergreen is commonly used because it adds a refreshing and minty flavor to the beverage. However, other ingredients such as anise, cinnamon, lemon oil, orange oil, and cloves can also be used to enhance the taste.
The use of wintergreen in root beer can be traced back to the popularity of the plant itself. Wintergreen has long been used for its medicinal properties and its unique flavor. It has a cooling and slightly sweet taste that blends well with other ingredients in root beer.
That being said, not all root beers will have a strong wintergreen flavor. Some brands may use less wintergreen or opt for a different combination of flavors to create their own unique taste. This is why it's important to try different root beers to find the one that suits your personal preferences.
I have personally tried various root beers and have come across a wide range of flavor profiles. Some root beers have a strong wintergreen presence, while others have a more subtle hint of it. There are also root beers that focus more on the vanilla and creaminess, with minimal wintergreen flavor.
Ultimately, the taste of root beer is subjective and can vary from person to person. Some people may enjoy a strong wintergreen taste, while others may prefer a root beer with a different flavor profile. It all comes down to personal preference and exploring different brands and recipes to find the one that you enjoy the most.
While wintergreen has become the dominant flavoring in most root beers, it is not a requirement for the beverage. Root beer can have a variety of flavors depending on the brand and recipe used. Wintergreen adds a refreshing and minty taste, but other ingredients such as anise, cinnamon, lemon oil, orange oil, and cloves can also be used to enhance the flavor. The taste of root beer is subjective, and it's important to explore different options to find the one that suits your personal preferences.