Village CandyGram Cupid's Arrow Thru The Heart Edition

We decided to start off the new year's tasting season right, albeit a month late. And we're determined to repeat an event that we first held two years ago. 'Twas actually January of aught 8 that saw our first sampling of this particular varietal.

I would guess that the majority of sodie pop lovers have never tasted birch beer or sarsaparilla (unless they were in attendance two years ago). We've got a decent selection of them, including a few unique surprises. What exactly, you ask, is birch beer, and how does it differ from root beer? And what the heck is that other one that sounds like salsa gorilla?

Birch beer is made from herbal extracts, usually birch bark, and

tastes similar to root beer, but has a hint of wintergreen. Various types of birch beer are available, distinguished by color. The color supposedly depends on the species of birch tree from which the sap is extracted, though colors can obviously be enhanced artificially. Popular hues include brown, red and clear, often called white birch beer. After the birch sap is collected, it's distilled into birch oil, and then added to carbonated water to give it its distinctive flavor. Black birch is the most common source of extract. From what I'm told, in Pennsylvania's southeastern and central dairy country they call an ice cream soda made with vanilla ice cream and birch beer a Red Bull, while chocolate ice cream and root beer makes a Black Cow. And all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy?!

Many people (besides me?) picture Yosemite Sam ordering a

"sasparilly" when they think of sarsaparilla. There are many differing views about the original way to make sarsaparilla (sometimes spelled sassparilla). Some say that it used to be made from the vine of the sarsaparilla plant, which is abundant in Central America, Mexico and South America. The sarsaparilla root, which is actually quite bitter, was (and still is) used for medicinal purposes. Pharmacists used to add sugar to the root extract and, "some" people say, this is how the beverage became the first soft drink. But there's vigorous debate (hah, now there's a party) about what ingredient actually gave sarsaparilla its name. Some old formulas show that the sarsaparilla root would actually be substituted by a mix of birch oil and sassafras. That's why "some" think that if the drink is called sassparilla it means that sassafras was used in the mix. "Others" say the sassparilla name is a shortened version of sarsaparilla. The modern version does normally have the birch oil and sassafras mix. Just remember, if it's good enough for Yosemite Sam, it's good enough for you, dag nab it.

OK, so are you all with me so far? You liked the little birch

homily? Are you wondering why Lurch is guarding over this article like an overeager gargoyle, just waiting to say "you rang?" Well one of our tasting entries will be Lurch Birch, made with the "Left Coast Recipe." Complementing Lurch will be a nice selection of birches and sarsaparillas. You usually can't even find one in most stores!

And a tantalizing truckload of tasty tonics should be trickling in before then, including some that may add to our tasting pleasure. So on Saturday, February 20, from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, we'll offer up these crisp, delightful potions for all (who register) to sample. Remember, it's always free and fun, but you must RSVP before it's too late.

We guarantee there will be several that you've never had before. Come sip some sarsaparilla on, and with, us - register now!