Fentiman's Dandelion & Burdock

Fentiman's is a UK based beverage company that began in 1905. Interestingly it was not started by Thomas Fentiman, rather he provided a loan to a fellow who began making brewed ginger beer and Thomas took ownership when the loan was not repaid. An interesting way to enter the beverage industry. The company was shuttered in the 1960's due to market competition but was renewed by Thomas Fentiman's great-grandson in the 1980's.

Dandelion and Burdock is a brewed botanical drink dating as far back as the 13th century. See the entry on Moxie for more historical information on sodas. These early "soft drinks" were naturally carbonated due to the brewing process of their ingredients and similar to other "antique" sodas was created from various root extracts.

No one that grew up with a yard in America needs to be told what a dandelion is or that we consider it a weed... an unwanted pest in on the lawn our parents would sometimes pay a bounty for us to remove. But did you know that for all our efforts to remove them, it never had to be that way because the dandelion is not a native American plant. It was imported from Europe to be used as a food ingredient and to provide food for honeybees. The leaves of the dandelion are rich in vitamins and minerals and have been used for centuries as a diuretic.

Burdock is a species of thistle, and rather odd looking if I may say so. The flowering heads turn into a sort of cross between the fluffy, seeded dandelion and what looks like the burs produced by sweet gum trees. It was the burs of the burdock plant that inspired the inventor of velcro. Burdock too has been used for centuries as a natural diuretic and blood purifier.

So what flavor am I to expect from my first tasting of this classic beverage? Let's see...  For starters, it has only a light carbonation and a strong smell of licorice from the aniseed included in the ingredients. The best way to describe this drink would be taste of black licorice with the leafy flavor of tea and carbonation of a soda. It's quite unique and a tad strong on flavor. I'm not sure how soda ever became popular with flavors like this, but that's why they have their origins in the pharmacies. I can see how someone would put up with certain flavors if they were told it was good for their health... just look at some of the medicines we consume today. The licorice isn't too bad, but I suppose you'd have to be a tea drinker to enjoy it or perhaps be raised on the stuff. I find it tolerable to sip at, but this is not a drink that will be a regular with me. If you feel brave, try a bottle for the experience.