Simon says: I think it's because in the UK the ingredients were used in medicine or dissinfectant or something so Root Beer just seems to be 'essence of hospital'.
Right. My friend from Britian said the same when he first tried it. He told me, "What's the big deal about it?". It is, I suppose, an acquired taste for those not exposed to that flavor in the form of a soda.
Alligator Wisdom (aka Brother NOT Exerting Vigorously)