Actually, A&W is bland and, to my taste, does not have a heavy wintergreen. Which is why I make my own ;)
The closest thing to what I like is a "craft" root beer - I think it's Red Arrow or something. I will check when I go to the store. Either way, you kinda' answer the question you asked me...
Check out my recipe one of the first ones here. Kegged, though!
Uses Zatarain's and anise, sassafrass, licorice root, etc. I also have now been adding wintergeen and vanilla bean with excellent results.
I especially love the rootbeers with stronger wintergreen!
I have a 10 Gallon Bayou - nice kettle. However, do NOT dismiss Spike's kettles. Damn nice!
I have a 45gallon from Spike - I love it.
Price is, as we know, the big decision. But don't skimp if you need the handles. I personally love the big riveted one I got 20 years ago from Cabelas -...
From what I have read it is the same yeast - anyone else?
However, I have used the yeast in the bottle to culture and brew with many times - I get a bit more apricot than apple or pear like Duvel. It's a solid yeast.
I find it funny that people associate pumpkin beer with pumpkin pie - not REAL pumpkin flavors.
I used Yams and Pumpkin which supplied 35% of my fermentable sugars, and it was amazing. Although it failed in a contest due to the lack of "pumpkin spices" :)
I used a Belgian yeast (WLP 545...
At first, they called Swill an "experiment", then a "Berliner Weiss"... then a Radler.
They make some good stuff, for sure, but Swill ain't one 'em. Aptly named!
It takes a bit longer on my system to carb, too. For soda, I do use the shake method (30PSI, shake like hell for about 5 minutes, place in kegerator, set at 18psi). I also run longer lines for soda so I can keep it carbed better.