Safeway Select - French Berry Lemonade

   I hold in my hand 11oz of Safeway Select – French Berry Lemonade.  The term Safeway Select seems kind of like an oxymoron to me.  Seriously, how could anything be a “Select” brand when it comes from Safeway?  Dan the Fan brought this to me, and I was immediately intrigued by the aspect of drinking carbonated lemonade.  I’ve recently, in the past 3 years or so, started appreciating lemonade much more than I did in my youth.  This lemonade, lucky me, has strawberry infused with it.  As I look at the ingredient label on this oddly shaped bottle, I’m pleased with what I read.  This soda contains carbonated water, sugar, natural lemon flavor, natural strawberry flavor, citric acid, and grape skin extract for color.  That’s a top notch ingredient list, especially when you notice the lack of sodium benzoate.  The label has a French stylization to it, which makes me think I’m about to drink something fancy… that is until I look up and see the word Safeway.  Enough rambling, time to open this up.

   I wish this had a normal bottle cap on it, not one of those bottle caps with the longer sides.  This has a very sweet smell that seems to lean toward the strawberry side.  Let’s take a walk on the strawberry side, shall we?

   Impressive amount of fizz here in this first sip… hopefully that holds up.  It starts off with the same tongue tingling sensation that a flavored sparkling water does, but fortunately this actually has the flavor to back it up.  The flavor itself isn’t over powering, but I’m definitely enjoying it.  The lemon flavor gives way to the strawberry, much as its odor did.  Even though the strawberry flavoring is the more prevalent of the two, the lemon is still tasted in the later stages of the drinking process.  I found the aftertaste to be pleasant as well; in fact it’s a little sweet.  I’m very impressed with this Safeway Select – French Berry Lemonade.  It has a very light mouth feel, an enjoyable flavor, and top notch ingredients.

~A

Faux Fact:  All iguanas are of French origin

Bubble Up

   This bottle of Bubble Up was given to us by Abel A, and oddly enough I’ve been kind of excited to try it.  I’m aware that it’s probably a 7up rip off, but the name of the soda is so campy that I’m drawn to it.  The labeling isn’t particularly awesome, it involves *gasp!* a lemon and a lime.  The label shows that this is full of chemicals, much like some of its mainstream brethren.  The label also shows that this is produced under the authority of The Dad’s Root Beer Company, oh joy!  Just so it’s clear where my bias might stand… of the three lemon/lime sodas my favorite is 7up, followed by Sierra Mist, and trailing far behind them is Sprite.

   Taking a whiff I’m a bit surprised at the fact that lime seems to be the obviously more powerful flavor in Bubble Up… maybe I’ve written it off too soon.  Time for drinkin’.

   Before I go into the flavor aspect, I have to say that this is way less carbonated than I thought it would be.  I see bubbles clinging all over the sides of the bottle, but it has no bite to it what-so-ever.  Swishing Bubble Up around in your mouth thoroughly gets you the sharpness in mouth feel you should have received when you first opened it.   As for the flavor of the three most common lemon/lime beverages it might compare to, Sprite is your winner there.  I wouldn’t label Bubble Up as a lemon-lime soda though.  If this were a race, the lime flavored horse would be about a lime flavored horse length ahead of the lemon flavored horse.  A more honest flavor would be lime-lemon, but that doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue as well.  If they wanted to face lawsuit I guess they could say it had a Lymon flavor.  I can’t tell you how many times Mike and I reference bank lollipops when talking to one another about soda flavors, but the lime in this does taste lightly of lime bank sucker.  Bubble Up isn’t particularly different in any way, but if you see it and it’s cheaper than the mainstream.

~A

Twist enjoys a free Bubble Up with a bowl of rainbow stew.

Dad's Root Beer

   Today’s installment from the Popcast is Dad’s Root Beer… which I know Mike hates.  How do I know this, well he seems to tear off bits of my soul with his stare when I mention it.  I know it’s not going to be that bad, so here goes the review.   The label is pretty boring, but it’s an older drink so I guess we can let that slide.  Moxie on the other hand is one of the oldest drinks, but has a fantastic label… so I take back my previous “slide” for Dad’s.

   Upon opening Dad’s it smells rather odd for a root beer.  It almost has a minty smell, with some cinnamon undertones.  It’s like you tried to make your first pie, and just added all the smell good spices in hopes that something positive will come out of doing that.  Well we all know that cinnamon/basil pie wouldn’t be that great, so let’s see what the drink equivalent tastes like.

   While this certainly does not taste like a root beer, Mike’s supreme hatred for this is unwarranted in my book.  Sometimes a drink just tastes badly to someone for no reason other than the fact that their taste buds are wired a bit differently.  My example of oddly wired taste buds is the fact that I don’t like watermelon.  People think I’m crazy for hating its taste, I’m not, but my taste buds missed out on watermelon day when being created.  Moving on.  This to me honestly tastes like Pepto Bismol Root Beer.  Which is another reason why Mike probably hates this, and I don’t mind it.  I like the flavor of Pepto Bismol.  Would I ever mix Pepto and Root Beer?  No, I can assure you I wouldn’t, but now that I’ve tried it I can’t say that it’s horrible.  To summarize… Dad’s Root Beer doesn’t taste like root beer.  It tastes like Pepto Bismol flavored root beer.  Don’t you wish you’d just skipped to the end now?

~A

Twist was feeling nauseous, so he missed picture day

Sunkist Float

   One of our first reviews was for A&W Float in a bottle.  Mike hated that drink, and when I asked why he told me it tasted of rancid milk.  I scoffed at him as I took my first few sips, then realized he was right.  The taste of overdue milk had invaded my mouth, it was ruining everything about my day.  Now over two years later I have its sister in front of me… Sunkist Float in a bottle.  This was given to us by a fan named Abel A, so I thank you Abel A.  Now I’m a fan of Sunkist Orange Soda, it’s one of the better generic brands out there if you ask me.  If this ruins my taste for Sunkist, so help me there will be blood.  Time to crack it open, and take a whiff.

   Sigh… it smells of rancid milk, and oranges.  In a tone only Eeyore could replicate “Let’s drink.”

   Right off the bat I get the taste, and texture, of melted orange sherbet, and nothing else.  There is no real carbonation to be found here, although I know it’s there by looking on the label.  Looking at the label I also see that this is Sugar sweetened, well I learned something new.  Now, this isn’t anything you’re going to want to drink for refreshment; this is strictly a standalone beverage in my opinion.  I am happy to say that so far there is no sign of a spoiled milk flavor creeping up on me.  As you might suspect, Sunkist Float is a very sweet drink, but not overly so.  In trying to create a Float in a Bottle, I give them a C+.  I think if they carbonated it a bit more, and removed a bit of the thick texture it’d be a good beverage.  Overall Sunkist Float isn’t a bad drink, nor is it a great drink.  This is something you’ll see one day in a convenience store, and maybe you’ll buy it if you’re feeling wacky.  I’ll tell you right now that I’ll never buy this again.  That’s not meant to scare you off, I’m just guessing the experience won’t pull you back for more.

~A

Faux Fact: Iguanas eat over 4,500 lbs of oranges a day.

Deerfield Sweet Strawberry Cream

   I haven’t had many Strawberry Cream Sodas, in fact I’ve only had one… and it was delicious.  What I have in front of me is given to us by Dan the Fan, and it as you may have guessed is a strawberry cream soda.  It’s a Deerfield Trading Co. Strawberry Cream soda to be exact, a brand we’ve tasted/loved before, and it's time to review it.

   Upon opening this almost smells like strawberry soda with a bit of fruit punch mixed in.  There really is nothing amazing about the scent, so let’s upend and move on.

   The flavor is good, but it seems watery.  I really wanted to have my taste buds blown away by what should be a naturally powerful strawberry flavor.  To me this tastes like they took generic strawberry punch and... Wait a second, how about we do this in story form? 

   You’re at your High School Dance, and you’re feeling a bit thirsty.  Dressed to the nines you walk over to the concession booth, hand Ms. Grundy a nickel, and get yourself a delicious strawberry punch.  Just after you started on your strawberry punch Veronica/Reggie comes over and asks you to dance.  Being a gentlemen/lady you oblige them and wander out on the dance floor forgetting your strawberry punch, and instead dream you’re dancing with Nancy/Chuck.  If Veronica/Reggie could climb inside your head they would be heartbroken… HEARTBROKEN!  You consider yourself a horrible person, but then think “if Moose can find happiness with Midge, don’t I deserve to be happy too?”  As the song comes to a close you make eyes with Veronica/Reggie hoping they don’t see the dreams behind them.  Wandering back to your table, nursing a now bruised foot, you sit down to enjoy your strawberry punch.  Sadly though, all the ice has melted, and it’s once vibrant red is now a shade lighter.  You take a sip, and you are awash with disappointment as what was once delicious is now average at best.

~A

Twist always rooted for Big Ethel

Sonic Boom! - Street Fighter Energy Drink

   Round One!  FIGHT!  It’s time for another energy drink review.  This one is brought to us by the man known only as “Johnny Two Guns”.  Sitting in front of me is Sonic Boom! – Street Fighter energy drink.  Being a fan of Street Fighter II, I’m honestly looking forward to this review.  I still remember bringing the instruction booklet to lunch in the 5th grade just to show everyone that I owned it.  Let’s crack this open, and give it a whiff. 

   I’m already kind of scared because this has a similar “floral” scent that the last energy drink I tested had.  Let’s just say I don’t want to go down that road again.  Putting my nose to the opening of the can one more time, I get a hint of citrus, chemicals, and Indian lotus flowers.  Yay?  Now it’s time to don the red bandana, and get to drinking.

   Wow, I’m surprised at the flavor of Sonic Boom!  The initial taste and feel of the drink hits you like…well a Sonic Boom.  The drink’s piquancy makes its presence known on your tongue; it’s a quick bite that seems to be comprised of a lime/orange/chemical hybrid.   While the flavor stays consistent, the intensity thankfully does not.  After the drink electrified my tonsils (the jokes on them, I don’t have tonsils), Sonic Boom’s mouth feel morphs into that of Sierra Mist.  Not that it’s as crisp as Sierra Mist, but the carbonation level, and viscosity is similar.  While I’m sure this will wake me up a bit, I don’t think it will be the equivalent of a hundred hand slap to the face.  I don’t consider myself an energy drink connoisseur but, I would drink this again if it was offered to me.  Ken you believe it?

Yatta!

~A

In Japan, Twist is actually named Balrog.

Nu-Grape

   This week’s review, which you already know if you listen to the Popcast, is Nu-Grape.  If you haven’t figured it out by now, I’m the resident Grape Soda reviewer.  Since my title is as such, I must now review Nu-Grape.  Let us begin.

   This is the some of the worst bottle art I’ve seen in a long time, and I realize I bring up bad bottle art more often than not.  It’s like they didn’t even try.  I’m all for simplistic art, in many cases it works better than highly detailed art.  Sadly though a yellow background and three simple stars will never catch my eye, or convince me to purchase something.  Time to open this up.

   The initial smell is that of a standard grape soda, even the chemical scent wafting out of the mouth of the bottle doesn’t scare me away.  While I usually try to stay away from chemicals in my soda, grape soda is the exception.  I’m sure I’ve explained that somewhere on the site before, but let’s just leave it at that for now.  Bottom’s up!

   This tastes like a standard grape soda, with a little more sugar in it than I’m used to.   You can definitely taste the chemicals, but something doesn’t quick sit right with me.  Maybe it’s the nail polish taste I occasionally get from it, maybe it’s the fact that I’d enjoy this flavor more as a Popsicle, or maybe it’s the fact that the label is now all over my hands.  My hands are covered in label ink now; someone must have taken the cheap route when making this label.  I will say that the design is way more interesting with a few smears here and there though.  This can’t really be blamed on Nu-Grape; it probably is the fault of the bottler.  I won’t list their name here incase I’m incorrect.  The long of the short of it is this… this is a basic grape soda.  It’s not overly special, it’s not overly gross.  The perfect situation for drinking it is this.  You’re out in the middle of New Mexico on some lonesome road.  You notice you’re running out of gas and stop at what seems to be an oasis of a gas station.  It looks like it hasn’t been touched by human hands in over 50 years, but that’s ok, all you need is gas.  After filling up you shamble inside out of the heat for just a bit to get something cool to drink.  The wooden floor echoes beneath your boot, as you wander over to the drink section.  This isn’t an ordinary drink section though, it’s just a big wooden box filled to the brim with ice.  In this ice sits one bottle.  Through the smearing label you can see that it reads “Nu-Grape.” So being thirst you buy a bottle.

~A

Twist doesn't like being at Mike's... hence his absence

ESSN Energy - Pomegranate Lime Flower

   Today’s drink comes once again from B. Neal.  He’s given us a wide variety of drinks, from the very good… to the very horrible.  Let’s hope this drink, ESSN Energy – Pomegranate Lime flower, is the prior.

   The 2nd largest word on the can is “Organic” so they seem to think pretty highly of the fact that this is indeed an Organic energy drink without “those chemicals, funky tasting preservatives and not-so-pleasant jitters.”  We’ve had an all natural energy drink before by Reed’s, and it was surprisingly good.  Here’s hoping once again.  Let’s open it up.

   I’m immediately scared because it smells like lime (good), flowers (good, good), and airplane glue (what?!).  Against my better judgment, it’s time to drink.

   Ok, while it may be totally organic, it tastes like it’s made of chemicals.  Airplane glue perhaps?  The side of the can mentions how well the “crisp berry taste blends perfectly with the lime flower.”   I’ll tell you right now that if it truly is blended perfectly, then they never should have been blended in the first place.  This is one of the most vile energy drinks I’ve ever had the opportunity to taste.  It wouldn’t be so bad if the side of the can didn’t brag about how much better this tastes than chemical filled drinks.  It tastes to me how acetone smells, and I refuse to drink any more of this.  Now I’ve had this in my fridge for a while, so I’m going to check the “drink by” date on the bottom of the can to make sure I didn’t judge this in haste.  Ok, it does say “Best by April 2010” so by their standards I’m in the clear.  The only positives I have for this is that the can is a nice color, and it’s not as bad as Malta Hatuey (but garners the same score)…so, hooray?

~A

Twist is the better drink in this picture

Old Town Root beer Company – Sarsparilla

   Today’s installment, also found on Popcast Episode 11, is Old Town Root Beer Company – Sarsparilla.  It’s spelled “sarsparilla” on the bottle even though Word wants me to spell it sarsaparilla.  First off this has to be one of the most generic bottle labels I’ve ever seen.  Oh look it’s font with a root beer mug.  What’s this?  The bottle cap is a solid gold color... how fancy can you get?  Oh look their website is @msn.com.  Seriously, this is one of the most boring bottles I’ve seen in a long time.  It’s like when you create a team on a video game, and you end up with a two colored clip art image of an exploding basketball/football/baseball/soccer ball/hockey puck/lacrosse ball?/Frisbee/bowling ball/badminton bird/tennis ball/curling stone/rugby ball/fishing rod.  Let’s just open this up with hopes that the aroma can woo me.

   Wow, surprisingly good aroma this drink has.  This sarsparilla has a noticeable sweet vanilla scent when you first open it.  I’d say it’s inviting, but I was going to visit regardless of the smell.  Time to drink.

   I know sarsparilla isn’t the same thing as root beer, but it’s hard for me to convince myself it’s really something else.  Thankfully this has a flavor that differs a bit from root beer… a cream soda/root beer hybrid if that makes sense.  Drinking it creates such a smooth sensation, which I would have to attribute to the vanilla, that I actually enjoy the mouth feel of this drink equal to the flavoring.  I normally like to have longer reviews, but this drink is pretty simplistic.  It won’t wow you in any way, but it’s a very enjoyable beverage.  If you see some, pick it up, it’s that simple.

~A

Twist decided it was time to don his trademark hat again.  Very dapper!

Dry Soda: Juniper Berry

   Juniper Berry… what is it?  The first sentence on the Juniper Berry Wikipedia page states that…

Ajuniper berryis the femaleseed coneproduced by the various species ofjunipers.

Well that's fine and dandy like sour candy, but it doesn't tell me what it'll taste like.  Let me start over.  I'm drinking another concoction of Dry Soda; in fact their Juniper Berry flavored soda.  The last Dry Soda I had was lavender flavored, and it confused me.  I know to expect a very lightly flavored drink with some bitterness to follow.  Let's find out if this Juniper Berry Soda is as predictable as I think it will be.

This drink smells like a flower in a garden.  I can’t even imagine the taste, so that means I probably can’t predict the flavor.  Time to upend, and serve.

   Upon first drink you’re initially hit with a seltzer water flavor, which is a bit off putting.   The side of the bottle does say that it has a “pine essence”.  While I don’t know what that means in the world of flavor, it could be what I tasted.  Afterwards, and you do have to wait a bit, you’re greeted with the most subtle berry flavoring you’ve ever experienced.  It’s just enough to take away the bitterness of the previous flavor.  They have cane sugar listed as an ingredient, but this has little to no sweetness.  I will say that it’s a very crisp drink, and I’m noticing with each sip the berry flavor starts to outweigh the initial seltzer.  I have a one big gulp left, and I really think it’s time to ramp it up a bit and CHUG SOME JUNIPER BERRY!  Wow, the floral aroma really hits you while chugging.   It’s an odd sensation to drink a flower, but this is probably the closest I’ll ever get.  Random Fact:  According to the Dry Soda website this pairs well with Quail.  So you know… the next time you’re enjoying some quail… pull out your Juniper Berry flavored Dry Soda.  When I drink Dry Soda I almost feel like my palette isn’t complex enough to fully comprehend it, and then I see them suggest quail as a pairing… and I sigh.  Dry Soda Juniper Berry, and Dry Soda as a whole it seems, is not for someone who thinks they love soda.  Juniper Berry, much like lavender, is so complex it’s intimidating.  I know I was all over the place with this review, but it’s so unique that my verdict will mirror Lavender… and probably every other Dry Soda I try from here on out.

~A

Twist insisted this picture be grainy... something about a skin flaw.

Big Pineapple

   I’ve had this Big Pineapple in my fridge for a while now.  We’ve done at least two sodas from all of the sample packs we’ve been mailed, so it’s time to get to a few fan given sodas.  As you could probably guess, this was given to us by a fan… so a big thanks to Kyle R.  The other pineapple sodas I’ve tried remind me of that relative you only see at the yearly family reunion.  He’s probably nice, and you may share a few words, but next year you’re gonna be asking your mom his name again.  For those of you who didn’t get that awesome analogy… pineapple soda is ok, but I haven’t had one that just blew me out of the water.

   The color of this soda is a bright yellow, which is fun, and it matches the splash yellow label as well.  While Big Peach had a realistic looking peach on the label, this has an obviously drawn pineapple.  It’s an ok looking pineapple, as pineapples go, but I wish it was bigger.  They could really stylize the fruit on their labels, and make the art pop a little more.  It's time to open this up for a sniff, or maybe even two.

   This smells like sugar first, and then pineapple… but at least it smells like the fruit it’s labeled with.  In fact I might go so far as to say that it smells like a pineapple upside down cake.  Here’s the part where I’d like to inform you that I’m going to drink the beverage now.  I wish I had some catch phrase I could use like “It’s drinkin’ time”, but that reminds me too much of “It’s clobberin’ time”.  If any of you think of a cool catch phrase for me to use, do tell.  Chug-a-lug!

   It has an initial bite that I didn’t expect, but that quickly dissolves into a muted pineapple taste.  To tell you the truth this isn’t nearly as strong I was expecting it to be.  When it first hits your mouth, it’s bubbly, a little tangy, and enjoyable, followed by the muted pineapple.  The second, third, and fourth times are a repeat of the first.   This fifth time though, something different happened.  It’s like the muted pineapple taste was building upon itself in my mouth.  It was no longer a weak taste, but one that was flavored how I initially thought it would be.  I’ll tell you right now though, this is the best pineapple soda I’ve had… then again I don’t think I’ve had more than three.  This could potentially quench your thirst, but I'd say it works better as a stand alone "treat".  Sadly there is nothing that truly sets it apart from the other few pineapple sodas I’ve tested.  I will say though that after drinking this I’m much more excited to find a truly awesome pineapple soda.

~A

Twist's best friend used to be a pineapple

Coco Fizz

  We’ve been looking for a chocolate soda to try, but alas they are all diet.  Thankfully the folks at the Durango Soda Company make Coco Fizz, a non diet chocolate soda.  This beverage also has the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory label on it, so I assume they had a hand in making it too. 

  The label is disappointing in a lot of ways, for one it’s pretty boring.  I don’t think “chocolate” when I see an off white label with brown bubbles.  Secondly there is no actual cocoa in this beverage.  They do have cane sugar, but past that and the triple filtered carbonated water it’s just chemicals.  Maybe it’s hard to actually incorporate cocoa into a carbonated beverage, I don’t know.  I just find it a bit weird that it’s a chocolate soda, with the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory label on it… but there’s no chocolate listed as being in it.  Enough of this, let's upend and open.

  When you first open the bottle the chocolate aroma comes pouring out.  It makes you want to drink the beverage right away.  While I’m not happy that it’s a chemical filled beverage, the smell makes up for a lot of what I said earlier… if it can deliver on taste as well.  We don’t hate chemical beverages if they taste great… just look at Stewart’s Key Lime.  Check your watch, cause it’s time to drink.

  The first thing I think of when I drink Coco Fizz is that it tastes like carbonated Yoohoo.  You are greeted with a good chocolate flavor, but it’s not overpowering.  You aren’t refreshed by any means, but I don’t think you’re supposed to be.  This to me would qualify as a “treat”, or a “dessert soda”.  There is a slight cola undertone, but not nearly enough that you would even put this in the cola category.  When I tried this for the Popcast I thought that Coco Fizz had a very consistent flavor, chocolaty from start to finish.  Now that I’m drinking my review bottle it seems more watery at times; I don’t know if that’s my memory being faulty, or if it’s hard to make a consistently flavored chocolate soda.  The change in flavor does lower my opinion of Coco Fizz a bit though… the drink, not the folks who make it.  The aftertaste is sweet, and very pleasant.  You mouth will remember that you had a chocolate flavored item, and you will be happy that your mouth can do that.  Overall it’s an interesting beverage, a treat as I stated before.  It’s not something that you must have, but it’s something that you’d probably like to try… and maybe share with your friends.

~A

Fun Fact:  Twist is a recovering Choc-o-holic.  We're teasing him by making him pose for this picture.

(Note:  This beverage was provided to us by ZuberFizz)

Pig Iron Cola

   Today’s installment is Pig Iron Cola, another soda given to me by Dustin H.  Had you listed to Episode 6 of the Popcast, you'd already know this.  I really don’t know what to think about this beverage.   I can tell you that it’s produced under the authority of Pig Iron BBQ.  I can tell you that their website is www.PigIronBBQ.net.  I can also tell you that their logo is certainly unique.  Now that you have all the knowledge I do, it’s probably best we look a little closer.

   Looking at the ingredients I’m pleased to find that they use cane sugar to sweeten it.  While that’s pretty much the only ingredient that sets it apart from “standard” colas, I’m still happy to see it.  The coloring of the soda itself is a dark brown, with faint red highlights when held up to a light.  The bottle cap adorning the top is your standard black top.  I prefer designs on bottle caps; it makes them stand out more.  Some people collect them, and if yours is a standard color what sets you apart?  Pig Iron Cola could easily do this, if it fits into budget of course.  Maybe one of the stars that circle their pig mascot would work something simple.   Now that I’ve broken down the bottle, it’s time to drink.

   Before I go on I must say that this has a very strong cola scent, one of the most powerful I’ve ever inhaled.  My expectations have gone up considerably.  I would almost recommend this cola on smell alone, but let’s taste it just in case. 

   This is certainly a cola, and a good one at that.  Just so you know what to base its flavor on, I would say that it most resembles RC Cola.  While it does taste like RC, it’s most certainly a stronger version of it.  This is potentially one of the strongest colas I’ve ever tasted.  Personally I think it has a strong amount of carbonation, Mike does not agree.  The cola flavor sticks in your mouth too, but you won’t have a problem with that as it’s quite pleasant.  If you’re like me some sodas affect the way your teeth feel.  In this case my teeth grind together a bit more easily after drinking Pig Iron Cola, not something I’m fond of but it’s a small complaint.  This is still a solid cola in my opinion, very strong, very brash, but the cane sugar still delivers a crisp feel to it.  I would score this higher, but other than being strong it doesn’t stand out to me in any other way.  If they changed the bottle design some, maybe added more natural ingredients, then I could see buying a case.  I realize that this is probably the second thought of someone running a BBQ, but our grading scale eases up for no one.  Still, I know nothing about Pig Iron BBQ, but I would assume that if their cola is this good, their BBQ must be great!  If you happen to stop into Pig Iron BBQ, I might just have the drink to compliment your meal.

~A

Twist likes BBQ too... crickets mostly

Zuberfizz: Key Lime Cream Soda

   I’m getting married soon, sorry ladies, and this past Christmas my best man bought me 8 random sodas, a keg of Virgil’s Root Beer, and a large metal bucket to ice said sodas in.  Couple that with the fact that I’ve known him for 12 or 13 years, and you now know why he’s my best man.   One of the sodas he gave me is Zuberfizz:  Key Lime Cream Soda.  Now having tried another Key Lime soda in the past, I can already tell you I’m excited.  What makes this an even more exciting moment is the fact that Zuberfizz uses sugar instead of HFCS in their sweetening process. 

Twist prefers Dum Dums to Saf-T-Pops

   I’m incredibly thirsty right now, which doesn’t happen very often when I’m about to review a soda.  The label isn’t helping the situation either.  “Classic Draft Soda” is written in a basic black font on the top of the label.  I’m sure they didn’t think anyone was going to care about that part of the label, but it’s making my mouth water.  Something about the phrase “Classic Draft Soda” just sounds so amazingly good to me.  The rest of the label is done in a classic 1940’s western style, which I think would look cool on a shirt.  The bottle cap is even awesome, the classic look they went with here is really winning me over.  Enough chatter, let’s open this up.

   Ever go to the bank, drive up or walk-in… it doesn’t matter.  If you have a totally awesome bank, or doctor, there will usually be a point where you can get a sucker.  They are usually multicolored, and in a bowl of some sort.  Me personally, I always go for the lime green suckers because I’m a sucker for lime. (Har, Har, Har)  This smells just like a lime green bank sucker, that’s all I’m going to say because I want to drink it now.

   It has a great Key Lime taste, a little tart, refreshing… I will already recommend you try this if you find it.  The cream soda aspect of it is certainly there in the mouth feel of this Zuberfizz concoction.  It’s a very creamy aftertaste with little carbonation.  You would think there would be more carbonation since the bottle proclaims “Feel the Fizz” but alas there is not.  It’s not too sweet, it’s just right in most aspects of flavor.  The aftertaste is that of green bank suckers, so the smell is dead on when compared to the flavor.  It leaves a little bit of a film on the back of my throat, that’s the down side to this drink.  If I could perfect this soda, I would make the finish a bit cleaner than it is already. 

A “Twist’s Choice” Recipient

Sjampie

   I asked a friend of mine who lives in the Netherlands to suggest a drink for me to review.  His response was the Dutch beverage Sjampie.  Fortunately he’s the kind of guy that will pick me up an extra bottle, and then take the effort to get it to me.  Thanks K!  Enough chatter, time to review me some Sjampie.

   Before I go any further I feel obligated to give you the correct pronunciation of Sjampie.  It’s pronounced  Shahmp-ee.  That’s not exactly how I would say it, mostly because Sh-jamp-ee is so much more fun to say.  Moving along.  The bottle art is quite plain; it has a few yellow/green bubbles adoring the top and bottom of the beverage, but nothing all that elaborate.  The name of the beverage, Sjampie, sits on the neck of the bottle, while Corvo (which I can only assume the manufacturer) rests on the base.  In-between the two brands read the words “Limonadegazeuse Sjampie”.  This, from my best guess, is the flavor I’m about to consume.  While I associate Limon with lemon/lime, the color of the soda is brown… which leaves me a bit perplexed. 

   Silly me, I tried to twist off a foreign cap forgetting they usually need a bottle opener, time to get my flip-flops. (My mom purchased me some flip-flops with a bottle opener on the bottom… she’s the best)  Wow… upon opening it I get the smell of egg-nog cola, with maybe with a just a hint of chocolate.  I know there is no possible way for that to be the flavor, but needless to say my curiosity keeps going up the longer I hold this bottle in my possession.  Let’s Drink.

   It has the essence of a cola, the bite, the color… but it also seems to have a citrus flavor hiding within.  This is remarkably hard to attach a flavor to it.  It’s almost like a lemon cola with something else going on inside of it.  There is very light carbonation, but that seems to work with Sjampie.  In fact the smell, taste, and light carbonation of Sjampie make it seem like a drink that would normally house alcohol.  The flavor is not overpowering, in fact it’s quite mellow; almost like a flat, slightly watered down RC cola with a handful of lemons dropped inside of it.  I will say that it leaves a film on my teeth, much like drinking a warm Coke would.  Ok… the word “Limonadegazeuse” on the side of the bottle is mocking me… therefore I must look up what it means.  **Time Passes** Oddly enough as one word I couldn’t find a translation, but when I separate them into “Limon” and “Gazeuse” I get Lemonade – Soda Water.  This is a very rough Dutch translation of course, but I’m happy that I was able to at least guess the flavor. 

Twist is 1/128th Dutch

Sangria Señorial

   If you’ve listened to the Popcast you already know what I’m going to say about Sangria Señorial.  If you haven’t, then get ready for a written review that will drive you to drinking… soda that is.  Ok, so here’s the skinny.  A fan of the show, Dan Dubs, gave us a bottle of Sangria Señorial to review.  Neither of us have ever had normal Sangria so we weren’t sure what to expect, so take my review with a grain of salt in this case.

   Looking at the bottle it seems like a classy beverage.  Sure, it could be a lot classier looking if it was placed in a glass bottle, but who am I to complain… oh yeah!  I have to immediately assume that this will have at least a grape taste to it based on the fancy logo, coupled with the fact that Sangria is basically “wine punch”.  Time to drink.

   Upon opening the bottle I can’t really smell anything.  Unfortunately I have to share this with Mike, so I must pour it in a glass.  Wow, apparently letting it breath opens up a whole new side to this beverage.  I now get the distinct smell of acetone wafting off the top of it.  If I could stop after smelling it I would, but as you know we do this for the big bucks, so here we go.  Alright, it’s not half bad for a beverage.  It has a very robust flavor, much like a "grown up" grape juice/soda.  It has a full body, and the odor dissipates the more you drink it.  I’m sure the odor doesn’t go away, but it’s like your taste buds are telling your nose that it’s ok to consume it.  There is a hint of tartness in it, and just enough sweet to battle it back.  Holding it up to the light it has a color much like a merlot.  This is certainly something, which if poured in the right glass, would look like a fantastic beverage to be drinking.  I can’t say that the flavor is addicting, but it’s unique, and certainly grows on you. 

 ~A

Twist had the day off... rough life being an iguana.

Moxie

   Well here we are at review 100.  First off thanks for your readership as we moved from our humble beginnings on livejournal, to the multi-million dollar corporation we are today.  Oh wait… we haven’t made a dime, but we’re millionaires at heart.  Today’s beverage was the most suggested beverage when we asked our readers what the 100th review should be… Moxie.  If you listened to the Popcast you'd know that.

   Moxie is one of the oldest sodas out there, some say THE oldest.  Really it’s very close between Moxie, Vernor’s Ginger Soda, and Hire’s Root Beer.  Looking upon the label I can tell you right away that this is no longer the original formula.  Replaced with chemicals I assume, with one exception that reads “Gentian Root Extractives”.  I’m pretty sure that one ingredient is going to give off a very unique flavor.  Before I go any further I just want to mention how much I enjoy the label art of Moxie.  The label is a man in a business suit pointing at you… it’s amazing.

   Upon opening up the bottle, with a rather bland cap I might add, it smells like it’s going to be one of the most awesome, unique root beers you’ve ever had.  I would even go so far as to say that it smells like a root beer/cola mix.  Let’s drink.

   The initial taste of moxie is great!  It has that root beer cola flavor you thought you would taste after smelling it.  It’s cool, refreshing, unique… something you could really see yourself buying from here on out.  “To Hell with Coke!” you’d say “I’m a Moxie Man now!”  Then something would go wrong in your mouth.  That sweet root beer/cola taste would fade away as the Moxie started its journey down your gullet.  What was once good, would now be replaced with evil.  The taste of pennies, dirt, and un-sweetened envelope glue now dance upon your tongue.  Your first reaction is to drink some more.  “This can’t be the aftertaste,” you’d say, “More Moxie should fix this right up.”  It won’t.  Sure, as long as the liquid stays in your mouth you avoid the horrible aftertaste, but who’s going to walk around with Moxie constantly swishing around their teeth.  While I don’t agree with pouring sodas over ice, this (ironically our 100th review) is a soda which must be.  Fortunately, pouring Moxie over ice cuts the horrible after taste in half.  It’s like watching your favorite sports team do really well against someone they weren’t supposed to beat, only in the 2nd half to have your entire team break their legs.  This is such a historic drink, with such a unique flavor that I have to recommend you try it.  So there you have it, one of the oldest sodas available, and our 100th review.  The next milestone is probably 250, so be patient, and keep reading.  Thanks!

 ~A 

Thank goodness Twist's taste buds aren't real

Romano's Creamy Strawberry

   My up and down relationship with the drinks from our friends at Romano’s Italian Soda is well documented on this site.  Today’s installment is one I’ve honestly been putting off, Romano’s Italian Soda Creamy Strawberry.  I was just recently was turned onto strawberry soda.  I can’t say that I love it, but it’s a solid flavor… I’m sure the rest of the world is glad I approve of it.  My only qualm with strawberry soda is the fact that it’s usually a bit too sweet for my complete liking.  Since Romano’s punched me in the face with their Sour Apple (in a good way) I thought their strawberry soda would be so sweet I’d be turned to sugar.

   Looking at the color of Romano’s Creamy Strawberry I feel a bit better about my decision to try it.  The only way I can describe it is pink bordering on red.  I like the color of this soda a lot actually; it has a fresh look to it.  I don’t know why, but I just feel that when I drink this I’ll be transported to a garden in spring time.   It’s time to delve down a little further.

   I must say that I’m quite intoxicated by the strawberry smell coming out of the mouth of this bottle.   It’s such a rich odor, there is no doubt that you’re about to enjoy the taste of strawberries.  I was neutral about trying this soda before, now I’m actually craving my first taste.  Let’s drink.

Creamy strawberry soda, the label says it all.  This is without a doubt the best Romano’s soda I’ve tried to date.  Think of drinking your basic strawberry soda, now instead of that bite you get at the end of it… you know the one that kind of hurts your throat a bit?  Instead of that bite you get a smooth cream all the way through the drink.  The lack of bite doesn’t take away from the flavor either.  Romano’s Italian Soda has a solid strawberry essence through, and through.  It’s a sweet drink, and while I got onto them for not making Blackberry tarter, I’m ok with this one being as sweet as it is since it’s labeled as a “creamy” beverage.  The aftertaste is just as delicious as the drink itself.  It doesn’t stick in your mouth; it’s moderately light and pretty refreshing.  While I don’t think I’ve had enough strawberry sodas to consider myself a connoisseur of them, this is the best strawberry soda I’ve ever had. 

~A

Twist was actually the inspiration for the song "Strawberry Fields Forever"

(Note:  This beverage was provided to us by Romano's)

Reed's Natural Energy Elixir

   My apologies for putting this review up so late after we completed the Popcast.  We try and have them up within a few days after recording, but with the holidays, and all, I got behind.  Wait a second… why am I apologizing?  I’m a Jerk!  Today I hold in my hand a beverage with an erupting volcano on the front, Reed’s Natural Energy Elixir.  I’ll tell you right now that I’m excited to drink this for a couple of reasons.  Reason one is that it’s from Reed’s, and they very rarely steer us in the wrong direction.  The second reason is that this beverage holds the title of an elixir.  I wish there were more elixirs on the market.

   Since this is an energy drink you would assume it has a chemical taste.  Well had you listened to the Popcast you’d know that it does not, and that can be attributed to its long list of natural ingredients.  Here’s the list that they put on the side of the can, with each of their benefits.

Ginger – powerful antioxidant, increases metabolism, elevates mood, improves digestion and nutrition absorption.

Green Tea – rich in epigallacatechin gallate (EGCG) a powerful antioxidant, a natural source of caffeine, lowers bad cholesterol.

Ginseng – a powerful adaptogen that counters stress and increases endurance.

Goji – Himalayan longevity secret with powerful antioxidants, counters aging, and increases resistance to disease.

Açaí – a rainforest super fruit packed with antioxidants, energy, and nutrition

Camu Camu – a rainforest super fruit with the highest concentration of vitamin C on any plant, antioxidant, mood balancing, antidepressant.

Jiaogulan – called the immortality herb, a powerful adaptogen that increases the body’s resistance to stress.

L-Theanine – an amino acid that creates a sense of relaxation and alertness similar to meditation.

B Vitamins – essential nutrients that help counteract stressful living.

   With this being my second can of Reed’s Natural Energy Elixir, I am sure I will achieve strenght, and immortality with the above ingredients.  I will overpower Mike (since he foolishly only had one can) and become the lone Soda Jerk.  Being a Soda Jerk is a lot like being a Highlander… except real.  Let’s move on shall we.

   After I crack open the top, I immediately get the strong smell of ginger, with a hint of honey.  It’s not exactly an inviting odor to me, but it doesn’t scare me away either.  It is nice to have such a powerful aroma coming off the top of a drink though; it means that each sip will more than likely be flavorful.  Let’s drink.

   As stated earlier, this drink doesn’t have the chemical taste of other energy beverages.  In fact if you look at the ingredient list as you drink, you can pick out the individual flavors.  You can taste the honey, the lemon/lime… this elixir has a complicated set of flavors if you look for it.  Ginger root is still the strongest flavor in the can, and it’s pretty well documented that I don’t like the burning sensation ginger produces when consumed, and Reed’s Natural Energy Elixir is a culprit as well.  I will say that it doesn’t have the burn of a ginger beer, and it’s tolerable by my own standards.  Since we judge all beverages the same, I will say that as sodas go it’s just alright.  On a second note, this drink does work well at giving you energy.  I don't feel jittery after trying it, just much more aware of what's going on around me.  The score won’t reflect how good of an energy drink it is, and let me tell you it’s a good one.  

~A

Twist has enjoyed 5 cans so far... there can be only one!

(Note:  This beverage was provided to us by Reed's)

Hot Lips Black Raspberry Soda

   Today’s installment is for Hot Lips Black Raspberry Soda.  We’ve reviewed a couple of Hot Lips sodas before.  One was the delightful Pear Soda, and the other was the less delightful Strawberry.  I say less delightful because the lemon juice was overpowering in the flavor of the Strawberry soda. 

   Since I really enjoy the ingredient list on the side of Hot Lips brand soda I will list it here.

Carbonated Water, Black Raspberries grown in Willamette Valley, OR, Can Sugar, Organic Lemon Juice

   As I push my nose closer to the opening of the bottle I notice that the beverage has a light, but healthy raspberry smell.  I really enjoy raspberries, as previously stated, so I now look forward to what I’m about to experience.

   Upon initial taste I notice very little carbonation, and have to remind myself that the bottle lists this beverage as “lightly carbonated”.  There is a slight raspberry tartness to it, as well as a noticeable sweetness.  Thankfully the sweetness is not overpowering, allowing the natural flavor of the berry to be tasted.  Fortunately for this beverage, the lemon juice listed on the ingredients does not overpower, unlike its strawberry counterpart.  I just got a black raspberry seed lodged in my tooth.  Normally I wouldn’t like this sensation, but in this case you know the Hot Lips Company is serious when they write that their sodas are made of natural ingredients.  While I wouldn’t reach for this beverage to be refreshed, it does a fairly good job of quenching a thirst.  (Sound like Déjà vu?) I would have to suggest that it be enjoyed by itself, as I personally don’t think its natural flavor would play well with others.  Much like the strawberry, this beverage is for a select audience, but if I saw it listed at a restaurant I would order it off the menu just to impress those that I’m with.  For those who think soda is bad for you… pick up any Hot Lips soda to be proven wrong.

Twist thinks he has "hot lips"... just play along

(Note:  This beverage was provided to us by Hot Lips)