Hippo Size Big Black Cherry

/

I really thought I’d reviewed more Hippo Size beverages.  Apparently this wasn’t even close to the truth as I’ve only reviewed one by my count.  Within that one time I’ve made Hippo Size beverages a fantastic memory.  Honestly I don’t remember if I liked Hippo Size or not, but it does have a hippo on the label so that’s always a positive.  Another positive is that they use cane sugar to sweeten and dark sweet cherry extract to flavor… sounds pretty good honestly.

Perhaps I'll get a tiny hippo as my travel mascot.

The aroma that pours out is velvety sweet and rich with cherry.  Decadent is a fantastic word to describe the scent so I’ll use it.  The scent is downright decadent.

A rush of black cherry flavor on the front end is quickly followed up with a swift burst of tiny bubbles.  Then nothingness.  Let me take another sip and see if that was a fluke.  Nope, the third act was cancelled.  

That’s so very odd.  It’s like if you’re reading a good book and the last third of the pages are torn out.  My brain is having issue comprehending that my mouth is telling it the drinking experience is over.

Let me be clear that this is a wonderful black cherry soda that I would happily purchase again.  Let me also clarify that after I take a sip I still taste something, but it’s not an after taste… it’s just the flavor I got in the middle.  

I’m going to go out on a limb and guess that I’m doing a pretty poor job of describing this oddity, so I’ll stop trying.  

Hippo Size Big Black Cherry is a wonderful beverage packed with flavor and fizz. The mouthfeel is fun, the aroma is pungent in the best way possible and the bottle has a hippo on it.  I’m not sure I’ve had a better black cherry soda in the past couple years.

~A

This was purchased at a Shell Gas Station

Fitz's Cardinal Cream

/

I’ve professed my nostalgic love of red cream soda on the site before so I won’t really go into that this time.  Just know that nostalgic love is what influenced me to try Fitz’s Cardinal Cream.  At first I thought that they were being witty using cardinal instead of “red” in their title.  Looking at the bottle I see that Fitz’s is bottled in St. Louis, MO so I’m pretty sure that the location is playing a large part of why this is called “cardinal”.

Fitz’s uses cane sugar… sorry, All Natural Pure Cane Sugar, in their sweetening.  They also use both artificial and natural flavors for those who just can’t choose between the two.

Should there be a travel Twist or should I get another animal... perhaps a raptor or tiny hippo?

Popping off the top I immediately recognize the red cream soda scent.  A little like a bubble gum with an ominous kick to it.  My mind races back to the nostalgic moments I wrote about before, but will not write here because you need to read them for yourselves.  Everything shouldn’t be handed to you on a platter.

The first sip burns as it slinks down the ol’ watering hole.  The bubble gum taste is strong with this one, but a slight vanilla flavor appears at the end.  With the sweetness of the two flavors this drink teeters on becoming a sugary mess and some might even call it one.  Personally it’s more acceptable to me if someone in the cream soda is a sugary mess just because they are sweet by nature.

The carbonation in this is fantastic as I mentioned before.  It starts off smooth, but that final burn is wonderfully different.  It’s the ying to the yang of this soda.  Don’t misunderstand me though, this is not a complex soda.  In fact it’s incredibly simple which is why it works.  

For every upside though there is always some downsides.  The mouthfeel is a bit syrupy at times and there is the slightest of slight chemical aftertastes.  Those two things aside this is a pretty good drink and one I might pick up again.  It’s tasty, but it’s not special which is why it’s rated as it is.

~A

This was purchased at a Shell Gas Station

Jones M.F. Grape

/

As I mentioned in a previous review, my step-sister went to a wedding expo and visited a Jones Soda booth.  The lady at the booth knew of the site and gave my sister three different sodas for me to review.  Unfortunately for me only one of the bottles had a label on it and the others were stark naked.  Today’s bottle is of the nude variety and I have no idea what it’s going to taste like.  A passer-by assumes that it will be a grape amalgamation… which is a fantastic name for a soda.

I really need a portable Twist

There’s no ingredient list so I guess all I can do is open it and see what I think this is.  For the record the original title of this article was “Blueish Purple Jones Soda”.  If the title has changed by the time you read this it means I think I know what the flavor is.

I think “Grape Amalgamation Man” was on to something as the aroma that jumps out at me is certainly that of a grape soda.  The primarily blue coloring kept my brain from going to the vine, so there’s my first surprise I guess.

The taste is almost identical to the scent.  A very sweet, yet somewhat tart, grape flavor easily pushes it’s way past my taste buds.  Since I now know what I believe to be the flavor I’m going to check out the Jones website to see if I’m correct...aaaand I can’t find it.  Back to the review, I guess.

The carbonation burn of this soda is wonderfully fun.  The way it tickles my lips and throat (as odd as that sounds) is somewhat rare among sodas.  Still though, with every sip I get grape.  It’s very similar to a DimeTapp grape, but I haven’t met many folks that dislike that flavor.  For those who think this means it tastes medicinal, you’d be wrong.  It’s better described as a punchy grape taste as opposed to candy grape or natural grape.

You know what I still can’t get over though?  The color.  Why is this blue… wait, let me hold it to to the light.  Ok, so it’s actually purple and everything is right with the world.  I still don’t know the actual flavor of the soda though, let me look again.

AHA!  Jones Grape is primarily purple where Jones M.F. Grape is primarily blue looking in the pictures!  I’m drinking Jones M.F. Grape and I don’t know the difference at all!  Wait, M.F. Grape has been retired?  I still think I’m drinking it though.  Final Answer!

~A  

My swell step sister gave this to me.

MTN Dew Dewshine

/

Well I’m a few weeks behind the hype, but I finally have a bottle of Dewshine to review.  I’m not really sure what it is or what it’s supposed to taste like, but it’s a clear Mtn Dew product that resembles moon shine so of course I’m all in.  

Dewshine is made with real sugar!  To that I say thank goodness, because I didn’t feel like sweetening yet another beverage with my imagination.  The fact that it says “real sugar” and not “cane sugar” makes me believe they used something along the lines of beet sugar.  I don’t really care either way as it still tastes cleaner than corn syrup.

Pictured: Potential wrapped in disappointment

Emblazoned on the bottle is a label that looks as if it’s made of old paper, complete with tattered edges.  The Mtn Dew logo kind of takes away from the “olden times” feel the rest of the bottle gives off, but I suppose it needs to be on there somewhere.  

Let’s find out exactly what I’m getting into here.

After removing an amazing bottle cap, complete with iconic hill billy, a citrus aroma jumps up and punches me in the face.  It just misses smelling like a cleaning product and lands squarely into enticing my taste buds.

That’s not what I thought this was going to taste like at all.  Oddly enough the first thing I notice is the finish of the soda.  It finishes like a Sprite, having a bit of carbonation burn on the back end complete with a syrupy mouthfeel.  Since Sprite has one of my least favorite soda finishes I’m already a bit disappointed in the product.  Perhaps if I pay more attention to the first half of the sip I’ll find more to praise.

The initial taste I perceive is a sweetened lemon lime.  The sugar is heavy enough that it dulls the flavors of each of the citrus fruits.  I keep wanting to stop this review and say it tastes like a sweeter version of Sprite with less carbonation.  That doesn’t seem fair to the product though.  Actually, you know what.  If that’s what it tastes like then that’s what I’m saying.

Mtn Dew Dewshine tastes like a less carbonated, yet sweeter, version of Sprite.  It’s still a good drink, but the similarities to Sprite make me sad.  This is a special edition soda.  This is supposed to be something special yet all I can do is hang upon the fact that it reminds me of another product.  Such a shame.  Pick it up if you like Sprite.  Perhaps if I fill the bottle with my tears it’ll be better.

~A

This soda was given to my by Wrastlin’ Jawhit

Onli Lemon Watermelon

/

I picked up this drink because it’s pink.  It’s a very tasty shade of pink that normally promises that it’ll be unique and delicious.  That said, I almost put it down when I read it was “Chef Inspired”.  What does that even mean?  Thankfully under “Chef Inspired” I read it was sparkling, all natural, and had some ginseng in it.  All natural fruit flavored beverages are usually pretty tasty, so I figured I might as well give it a go.

Ingredient wise Onli (GET IT?  ONLY?!) is full of carbonated triple filtered mountain water, natural cane sugar, natural flavors (boooo just tell me what they are), lemon juice concentrate, malic acid, panax ginseng extract, and finally fruit and vegetable juice for color.

See that sounds pretty good, right?  Fortunately it smells like lemon watermelon so at least it’s not a complete lie.  Color me hopeful for the flavor… perhaps I’d be pink.

Very nice!  Lemon tastes the lead in this dance, but watermelon is light on her feet as well.  The carbonation is robust and very much apart of the production.  Each sip is full of bubbles which results in a great mouthfeel.    

Flavor wise this tastes like the way I wish sparkling water did.  It’s not syrupy at all, I’d even go so far as to say it’s a bit dry.  Onli Lemon Watermelon would be a great beverage to pair with a host of things.  I’m not going to pretend to know which ones so excuse me if I don’t suggest anything.

This is also the kind of beverage that could make you seem like someone who enjoys “the finer” things in life.  Perhaps you put a pack in your fridge so you can bust one out during the big game and impress everyone in the room.  They won’t know what to think.  Just know that their stunned silence and eventual mocking of you means they like you.

Seriously though, this is a great soda for those who aren’t big on sugar, even though it has 22 grams.  It’s not overly sweet, its flavor is delightful and it’s all natural.  Pretty good list of positives if you ask me, and you did since you’re reading the review.

The only reason I’m not rating this higher is due to personal preference.  I prefer drinks with a stronger flavor and a little more sugar, but don’t let my love of sweet sway you from trying this out.

~A

This soda was purchased from an HEB grocery store.

Another Time Soda Fountain - Cherry Vanilla Dr Pepper

/

I asked my waiter at Another Time Soda Fountain to recommend something to me for review.  “Cherry Vanilla Dr Pepper” was his response.  When I asked what made their Cherry Vanilla Dr Pepper different he said that they make it the old fashioned way by combining Dr Pepper, Cherry, and Vanilla syrups then carbonating them.  Judging by the color of what he delivered this truly is something different.

Not a lot of aroma comes off the top of the glass, but I still can’t take my eyes off of the auburn coloring of the soda.  I know what’s in this.  Cherry Vanilla Dr Pepper is a known quantity in my mind, but it never looked like this.  I’m sure the camera on my phone didn’t do it justice… just trust me.  Yeah, nothing could go wrong with just trusting me.

Son of a gun that’s a great blend.  All three flavors race towards my tongue and end up in an all out brawl.  From this chaos “Cherry” is the clear winner as he triumphantly stands atop his two battered foes.  Dr Pepper, a very rich version of the drink most are familiar with, is the first to stumble to his knees pushing Vanilla’s face into the dirt as he attempts to stand.

Vanilla is alive.  Vanilla is awake.  Vanilla doesn’t want to get up though.  Even though he’s still on the ground after the brawl you still can’t take your eyes off of him.  Just picture three men in front of you, two standing and one flat on his face.  Which one is going to pull your attention?

Vanilla ultimately lost the fight, but the bruises and marks he left are still apparent on his opponents bodies.  Each sip includes vanilla to the point where it almost seems as if this drink were a float instead of an ice creamless soda.  

The syrup hugs my teeth in delicious fashion, but still pushes me to go brush.  Did I bring gum?  I really hope I brought gum.

Today I was introduced to the way Dr Pepper could really taste if put in the correct hands.  Don’t get me wrong, like most any Texan I like Dr Pepper, but when it’s created in the manner listed above you end up with a bigger, stronger animal.

Another Time Soda Fountain’s Cherry Vanilla Dr Pepper is a better version of whatever you imagine it to be.  

~A

This was purchased at Another Time Soda Fountain in Rosenberg, TX  

Another Time Soda Fountain - Lime Phosphate

/

Ok, now that I’ve had my first phosphate (cherry) I feel much better using The Soda Jerk moniker.  The next drink I’ll try from Another Time Soda Fountain will be their Lime Phosphate… mostly because I just like lime flavored things.  Where I think handmade cherry sodas are good, I think the potential for handmade lime soda is through the roof.

Oh MAN is that green!  The only thing greener is the face of the patron next to me… because it’s green with envy.  Ok, I lied.  No one is sitting next to me, but if they were I’m sure my statement would ring true.

The scent is strong enough to know that this will taste like lime candy and I’m 100% ok with that.  I probably look like a nut smelling all of the drinks that are brought to me.  Then again I’m also the only person in here on any piece of technology and no one other than my waiter has paid me any mind.  He’s a pretty great waiter by the way, very attentive.  I wish I was better with names so I could remember it.

Wow, that’s a much more violent flavor than the cherry.  I’d rather be dead than red.  I want to be seen in green!  This is straight up carbonated lime candy and I’m happy to say the flavor is strong enough to make my throat feel a little scratchy, which is just the right amount of power to give a soda.  Carbonation levels are perfect, making each sip an absolute joy to take part in.  With each sip the soda overtakes my taste buds more and more to where all I can taste is lime between sips.  

I can’t really call it an aftertaste as it now permeates my being.  It is an all-taste as it’s has bonded with me forever due to its strength.  Thankfull the all-taste has the exact same flavor as the soda.  I want to drink more of this, but I know if I did I’d be too full to write anymore reviews here and I’d like to write at least one more.  

This lime phosphate is so much better than the cherry that I’m questioning if I liked the cherry as much as I said I did.  It’s colorful, powerful, flavorful.  That’s three things it’s “ful” of and consuming it in this environment only makes it taste all the better.

~A

This was purchased at Another Time Soda Fountain in Rosenberg, TX

Another Time Soda Fountain - Cherry Phosphate

/ Another Time Soda Fountain/

I walked into Another Time Soda Fountain in Rosenberg, TX when they opened today at 11:00.  I was the only person in here for about 10 minutes.  Now 30 minutes later it’s filling up quickly with folks of all ages.  

My view

 I’m “on assignment” for two reasons.  Reason number one is that I now have a laptop (chromebook to be correct) and I’m now able to write on the road.  Reason number two is that ever since I heard of Another Time Soda Fountain I wanted to review their sodas but was unable to due to not having the resources in the first reason.

As soon as I entered I must say I was impressed by the decor.  It really does have an old fashioned sense to it, but not so old fashioned that everyone wouldn’t feel welcome.  It’s a very positive environment and the customers that entered after me seemed to all be having a good time.  It’s like they all left their bad moods (if they even had one) at the door before coming to eat.  

I’m sure that all sounds rather sappy, but it truly is a remarkable place.  I never told them what I am doing there and so far no one has asked.  They just make sure I’m comfortable every so often and well taken care of.

That said, let me move on to business.

I came here to have a Cherry Phosphate made by an actual Soda Jerk.  It’s one of the oldest soda recipes still used today and I sadly haven’t had one.

Thankfully it was brought to me in a clear glass so I can see the vibrant red coloring.  The crimson straw that I’ve accessorized with is the only thing that challenges this soda’s plumage.  

So many straws to choose from!

It has the slight scent of maraschino cherries, but ultimately is less powerful in aroma than I thought it would be.  Part of me just thinks this is going to taste like any other cherry soda, hopefully I’m incorrect in my presumption.

Interestingly enough it doesn’t completely mimic a commercial taste.  The cherry is somewhat muted, but still rich enough to deliver the most important of messages loud and clear.  Carbonation is lighter than I thought it would be, never having a phosphate before.  As far as the mouthfeel goes it seems a bit more syrupy than your standard can of soda.  This is because they primarily deal in syrups here when creating their sodas.   

Right outside

This extra syrup feeling causes the aftertaste to primarily come from what has attached to my mouth during this consumption process.  I’m not sure why I said “consumption process” instead of drinking, but there’s something about this atmosphere that wants to romanticize the experience.  Oooh, I bet they make a good grilled cheese.  

Anywho, Cherry Phosphates aren’t as significantly different as I thought they would be.  It’s tastes like you would think a homemade cherry soda would taste like, simple but good.  This is a pretty decent start to my first foray into phosphates, but I have a feeling the lime phosphate I’m going to try next will be even better.

~A

This was purchased at Another Time Soda Fountain in Rosenberg, TX

 

​

Old Red Eye Root Beer

/

As I’ve stated before, a quick way to make me excited about a soda is to give it a snazzy western theme.  Old Red Eye Root Beer (Since 1948 for those who care) does a pretty great job in western theming in the name alone.  The label looks like it would feel more at home as restaurant signage, but that’s fantastic in its own right.  

Just like the cowboys were, Old Red Eye is sweetened with cane sugar and include a dash of chemicals.  You’re correct in thinking that comparison to cowboys didn’t make any sense, however I’m betting you’ll forget about that by the end of the review.

That's not Twist in the background that's potential copyright infringement. I think I'm gonna reach out to the photographer now.

Smells like root beer.  I even had a random passer by smell the bottle and those were his exact words.  It does have a little hint of wintergreen to it, but it took a couple of huffs to sniff that one out.

Wow, that has quite a bit of wintergreen in it.  While a bit too powerful for my liking the strength of the wintergreen thankfully does not mask the actual root beer I set out to enjoy.  Each time I raise the bottle to my lips it’s like a punch in the mouth.  First with the wintergreen left and then with the root beer right.  A carbonated uppercut is what follows to try and knock me out and it probably could if the flavor was richer.  

Other than the wintergreen taste my only complain is that the flavor seems thin.  Please don’t take this to mean it’s not flavorful.  I’d compare it to a wall that needs a second coat of paint.  Sure the wall is painted and bright, but it could be so much richer and vibrant.

All in all (as I seem to type more and more at this point of the review) Old Red Eye Root Beer is serviceable and would be a decent grab if you found it at a gas station.

~A

This soda was purchased at a Shell Gasoline Station

OH WAIT THERE'S TOTALLY A STORY ABOUT A BULL ON THE LABEL!

"Legend has it, there was a craggy old bull named Red Eye - with a glint and a gnarly attitude, he could only be coaxed from his pen to do his daily duties when a brave soul would pop open a bottle of his favorite root beer, pour it in his tin bowl, then run like heck before being stomped.  Red Eye preferred his root beer frosty cold."

Ok, there you have it.  I couldn't finish the review without including the story.

Howdy Cherry Jubilee

/

I really wish there were more flavors of Howdy soda.  It’s such a friendly word that means so very much to me.  Well today’s version of Howdy sounds even friendlier because it’s flavor is Cherry Jubilee.  How positive of a name is that?!  Howdy Cherry Jubilee.  Can you say that and be angry?  The answer is no, no you can’t.

I really need a travel Twist. Any ideas?

Howdy Cherry Jubilee is a bright red soda with a mauve and pink label.  The colors used here dance well together and are really enticing to the eye.  As well as being attractive Howdy Cherry Jubilee is sweetened with cane sugar and includes a small handful of natural and artificial ingredients to make up the rest.

Wow, that smells like cherries grenadine.  Quite the powerful scent at that, it invites quick consumption with its aroma.  Who am I to turn down such a polite invitation?

Wow, it tastes like liquid maraschino cherries.  At least with the first few sips the mouthfeel is relatively clean and doesn’t have a syrupy taste at all.  Howdy Cherry Jubilee is a very sweet soda, but does a great job at walking on the correct side of the “too sweet” line.  The carbonation gives a nice quick burn with each sip adding another layer of enjoyment.

About halfway down the bottle I’m still enjoying it and all of the initial experiences are holding true.  Sometimes you want a soda’s drinking experience to alter a little so it doesn’t build on itself.  In the case of Howdy Cherry Jubilee the flavor doesn’t stack so the consistency is wanted.

As I do in many of my reviews I’m going to go ahead and suggest you drink this one for dessert.  This is a fantastic soda and one I would recommend to most anyone out there.  Perhaps the best cherry soda I’ve had to date... at the very least it’s a top three.  The cherry flavor is candied as stated before, but if you’re not looking for a genuine cherry taste you should have no issue.  

Even if you don’t find any of my writings to be convincing, how can you resist buying a bottle of something named Howdy Cherry Jubilee?

~A

I bought this at an HEB grocery store

Boots Beverages The Ultimate Caramel Cola

/

I’ve done my fair share of Boots reviews and today’s may be the best named.  The Ultimate Caramel Cola is what they’ve called it and that’s quite the title to give any soda.  They’ve basically proclaimed that this is the ultimate caramel cola and I’m here to judge the accuracy of their claim.

As with all Boots Beverages this one is sweetened with cane sugar and includes a couple of chemicals to spice things up.  It also has another story about the “Boots” family on the side which I will convey to you now.

So professional looking

“Boots” Kristen

“Boots” continued his father’s pursuit of the american dream in pioneering Texas.  A country boy rich in colorful, childhood memories, “Boots” sold his top quality beverages with a genuine smile and a meaningful hand shake.  He steered the family soda bottling business into what is now Kristen Distributing Company, never while losing sight of who he was, where he’d come from and the seemingly little things in life.  Everyone loved Boots - and his host of beverages!  We honor him by revisiting those days gone by.

So there you have it.  Our ceremonial trip down memory lane.  Now it’s time for our ceremonial review.

There’s less of a caramel scent than I thought there would be.  What my nose can identify seems quite nice though.  Perhaps the bottle is keeping the taste a secret so that I might be surprised when I try it.

Taste wise it works pretty well, but it’s definitely favors the caramel more than it does the cola.  This causes the flavor to be sweeter and mutes any “bite” the soda would have without the added caramel.  

Brownie Caramel Cream is probably my favorite soda in this genre due to its rich taste and mouthfeel.  Boots stacks up reasonably well, but overall is the lesser of the two sodas.  This is due to a slight chemical taste that I’ve been experiencing during the front and back end of each swig.  It’s not something that I would warn anyone about, that is if I wasn’t reviewing it, but it’s a weak point for the soda.  This coupled with the lack of cola taste keep “The Ultimate Caramel Cola” from being something really special.  

I like the Boots company.  They’re a Texas soda making company and that’s a special thing to me.  Sadly a lot of their sodas are just lacking one or two things to really stand out from the crowd.  This most recent entry is no different.

~A

I purchased this at an HEB grocery store


Jones Berry Lemonade

/

I like Jones Soda, they’re good people.  My step-sister was at a wedding expo and there was a Jones Soda booth.  Being of sound mind and body they went to try some soda samples.  Since my step-sister is a wonderful person she began bragging on the website, the very one you’re reading now.  Well the Jones Soda rep knew about it already, because everyone in this story is awesome, and she gave my step-sister some sodas for me to review.  One of them has a label and it’s label says Jones Berry Lemonade Soda.  The other two are naked so figuring them out might be a bit of a challenge.  

Thankfully, today’s review is the clearly marked Jones Berry Lemonade… so let’s get on with that.

Twist was absent the day this picture was taken.

Well for one thing it’s blue.  It’s so very blue.  If anti-freeze was blue it’d look like this.  Secondly, Jones uses can sugar in their sweetening.  I’m expecting a very fruity, very sugary, very flavorful beverage.  Let’s see if I’m right.

This blue, blue soda smells a bit like cotton candy.  The scent is heavily laced with sugar, so much so that I’m a little worried this might be too sweet.  Of course “too sweet” is a subjective term so take it for what you will.

This just in!  Jones Berry Lemonade Soda is NOT too sweet, I repeat it is NOT too sweet.  In fact it’s got a pretty good level of sugar.  It’s almost like they make sodas for a living.  As far as the taste goes I’m quite happy with it.  The lemonade shines through almost as vibrantly as the blue color.  This thing is so blue anyone who walks past me gets sad and starts playing harmonica.  Anywho, the lemonade is a great partner to the “berry” flavor.  It’s almost like a defibrillator is being used on my tongue.  

The closest real world item I can compare this to is liquid blue SweetTarts.  It’s not raspberry flavor per say, but the taste is close enough that I feel comfortable comparing the two.  All in all this is a really fun soda to drink.  It’s got a really exciting and fun taste that differentiates well from other berry or lemon based sodas.  It’s not the most refreshing soda out there, but I’d put this in the “dessert soda” category so I’m not all that concerned with refreshment.

So there you have it.  Jones Berry Lemonade soda is definitely worth picking up.  It’s got a great mouth feel, flavor, and experience.  It’s a little syrupy towards the end, but nothing that should scare you away.

~A

A nice lady at a wedding expo gave this to my step-sister who in turn gave this to me

MTN Dew Baja Blast

/

I don’t even know what to call Mountain Dew anymore.  Is it “Mtn Dew”, “mtn dew”, “MTN DEW”, or are we supposed to pretend the can still says “Mountain Dew”?  Either way my fridge was running low on soda to review so I grabbed a can of MTN Dew (my personal interpretation of what’s right) Baja Blast.  

Baja is one of Twist's many middle names

For some reason my brain thought it’d be best if I chose the 24oz can.  I have no idea why I thought that much MTN Dew would be appropriate for me, but here we are.  For those not in the know MTN Dew Baja Blast was a flavor that was only found at Taco Bell for the longest times.  Then a few months back they released it into the wild for a limited time.  MTN Dew fans went nuts.  At the time it happened I took notice and probably thought, “I should pick up a really giant can of that one day for review”.  Well now you’re here reading that review that was thought of so long ago.

Look on the side of most any mainstream soda and you’ll get the same ingredients as Baja Blast.  It’s a combo of caffeine, HFCS, Artificial/Natural Flavors, chemicals, and colors.  Ultimately it’s supposed to embody a “tropical lime flavor” according to the can.  Hopefully they’re right.

Well it smells like lime MTN Dew so I can’t be too angry at that.  Even though I just started walking the trail I’m quite pleased with the scenery.

Wow, this might be a top three MTN Dew flavor for me.  It does have an oddly smooth and candy like lime taste, but it doesn’t seem overly sweet to me.  The well known original MTN Dew flavor is hidden behind the foliage of the lime, making the journey feel safe.  This isn’t the dangerous Code Red (my favorite MTN Dew flavor), but it’s different enough to feel new.  

I’ll be honest, I opened this comically large can thinking I’d dislike this flavor.  MTN Dew is hit or miss for me and I fully expected this to whiff.  It’s amazing this soda doesn’t taste like crow.  It doesn’t have a heavy syrup feel to it, the carbonation isn’t overly strong, the flavor isn’t overpowering.  It’s a really easy soda to drink.  As with most things there are a few negatives.

First off the taste builds on itself a little awkwardly.  It’s like my tastebuds are anticipating each sip now so the initial tastes are more enjoyable than the later ones.  There is a bit of an aftertaste as well.  It’s not unpleasant, but it doesn’t fall into the category of good either.  While it does taste different from original MTN Dew it’s still a fairly safe alteration of it.  That’s not a huge knock against it, but I do wish the lime flavor could be featured a bit more prominantly.

So there you have it, a handful of good things and a couple bad, some of which might be nit picky.  All in all though I enjoyed my time with Baja Blast.  Code Red and Original Dew are still one and two, but at least now I have a solid three.  So here’s to knowing my top three Dew flavors and to MTN Dew for always taking chances.

~A

This can was purchased at good ol’ Wal-Mart

Boots Beverages Picture Show Red Hot Soda

/

We’re back in Bellville, TX (not literally) reviewing another bottle of Boot Beverages.  Today’s flavor is  identified as Picture Show Red Hot Soda.  I can only assume the “Picture Show” portion of this title helps insinuate that we’re talking about Red Hots the candy like you would find at a moving picture show.  I applaud Boots for their creative effort on this one and truey hope it delivers.

I think Twist and Deedie would get along just fine.

You know who else hopes this delivers?  Deedie Kristen.  Deedie is the face of this particular flavor of Boots and her story goes like this:

Deedie was the official emergency office worker (as in IRS visits).  She was flattered when she was told this one suited her to a T.  Try it for inspiration!  An never underestimate the value of flattery.

Well, I’m quite unsure what a large portion of that meant. Although Deedie seems like a pretty great person if she’s got a Red Hot soda tied to her name.  Time to open up the bottle and see what we got.

There is a cinnamon scent, but it’s a faint one.  I wanted this to punch me square in the nose and give me some trepidation to try it.  Instead I’m greeted with a weaker aroma that has me a little worried.  Cinnamon soda is a rarity and should be treated as such.  Hopefully the upcoming flavor will kick my taste buds for doubting.

I’m happy to say that there is a bit of a burn on the back end of my first sip.  The flavor also does a pretty good job of tasting like the candy coating you’d find on a Red Hot or Atomic Fireball.  That said I’d be curious what my mom would think of this as she’s a huge fan of both treats listed.

Carbonation wise Boots Beverages Picture Show Red Hot Soda is on the lower side.  This works out perfectly well for the soda because I believe your burn should come from the flavor with little assistance from the bubbles themselves.  

All in all, Boots Beverages did solid job on creating liquid cinnamon candy.  Just because I’m a Jerk I do wish this was a little stronger in all areas, but I think the message comes across clear enough as is.  It’s the difference of saying “Hi” to the guy next to you or yelling “Howdy!” to a room full of folks.  Same message, different delivery.

~A

I purchased this at an HEB grocery store

Nature's Pure Organic Cola

/

Last time I reviewed a Nature’s Pure product I lamented that it cost me around $6.50 for a four pack.  Well a couple week’s later and they’re on sale for $4.50, a much more reasonable price.  For those jerks that only read this site for the ONE soda review you need in a pinch, Nature’s Pure makes organic sodas.  For those of you who read this each time a review is posted you already knew that… also I’d like to shake your hand.

The radiating excellence is all that keeps Twist that far away.

In the same awesome tiny (8oz) glass bottle as before, Nature’s Pure Organic Cola’s label theme is red.  Has Coke done such a good job that we now associate cola with red or did Nature’s Pure just feel that red best represented their cola.  The world may never know, although I’m pretty sure it’s the former.

A healthy cola aroma or colaroma lifts itself out of the mouth of the bottle.  It’s a strong enough scent that I feel ok saying the taste should be “good” at the very least.  Perhaps I should fact check myself now.

That’s a tasty little drink.  Cola is unmistakably the taste that hits my tongue and makes me smirk a bit.  I’m not sure why they don’t have “Have a Nature’s Pure Organic Cola and a Smirk” as their slogan because it would be perfect.  

The carbonation levels are perfect.  It’s just a tingle of sharp carbonation.  If Coke has a “bite” then Nature’s Pure Organic Cola is like a kitten stretching and putting it’s claws into your thigh accidentally.  Now, kitten nails embedded in flesh may now sound tasty… but it is.

Visiting the taste once again I’m pleased with how sweet it is and their use of spices.  This soda actually feels like a treat, but doesn’t leave any syrupy aftertastes or gross mouthfeel its competitors might.  The spices (which you can taste better near the bottom of the bottle) give this a somewhat unique strength.  On top of all that it’s a fairly clean cola in terms of aftertaste, leaving only it’s original flavor behind.

Overall Nature’s Pure Organic Cola is a strong contender in the cola category and it’s organic to boot.  Even if I had bought this at $6.50 a pack I’d have felt like it was worth it.  Find it, try it, enjoy it.

~A

This soda was purchased at an HEB grocery store

thesodajerk_SK08aA02a.png

A “Twist’s Choice” Recipient

Sipp Mojo Berry

/

Any soda that has a “Superior Organic Soda” sticker on it starts off on the right proverbial foot.  Any soda who’s “Superior Organic Soda” sticker matches the color of the soda… well you’re just making art at that point.

Hello darkness my old friend. Forgot to set the exposure again.

Today’s entry is Sipp Mojo Berry.  Sipp is USDA Certified Organic soda.  Mojo Berry is apparently a mixture of blackberry, mint and lime.  Here’s the part of the review where I sometimes look at a label and hope I don’t see the words “Natural Flavors”.  *Turns the bottle around*  Here’s what’s in the bottle: Carbonated Water, Organic Agave Nectar, Organic Natural Blackberry, Organic Natural Color, Citric Acid, Organic Natural Lime, Organic Natural Spearmint, Natural Blackberry Flavor.

HOORAY!  I literally know everything put into this soda.  Organic Natural Color is a little weird, but I can live with it.  So far Sipp Mojo Berry is on the right track although I’m a bit concerned with spearmint being an ingredient.  My soda history with spearmint is a shaky one at best so I have my doubts.

Blackberry is the prevailing aroma and it smells just like the real deal.  I’m hoping my brain hasn’t set Sipp on a pedestal it couldn’t possibly reach.  The ingredients are great, the bottle/label is great, the aroma is great… they’re either about to knock it out of the park or disappoint me.

This tastes like a fancy soda.  Of course I should have guessed that with a name like “Sipp”, but after tasting my first “Sipp” I have confirmed it.  All three of the listed flavors are accounted for.  Blackberry, being the strongest, has bullied his way to the front of the line.  He waves at me in a cool fashion and steps to the side to reveal Mint and then Lime.  

Mint and Lime are buddies.  They tried to fight Blackberry one day, but it didn’t work out well for them.  He blackened both of their eyes and chipped a couple of their teeth.  They’re so beat up that people confuse them for one another when there together.

Aside from all this the soda is really light.  Bubbles within the bottle are tiny and powerful, creating a good experience all around in terms of feel.  

I want to like this soda a lot, I really do.  Perhaps I’ve been “spoiled” with all of the sweet nonsense over the years.  Sipp Mojo Berry does some really good things, but that mint/lime combination creates a bitter taste that my pallet just doesn’t find that appealing.  Sure they could load it up with sugar and probably mute it a bit.  Something tells me that would go against everything they’ve done in creating this beverage.

In theory Sipp Mojo Berry is great.  Personally though, it’s not my style as I believe it could be improved with a little additional agave.  Ah well, that’s why I deliver opinions and not facts.  Fact driven reviews would be so boring.  Bah!

~A

I purchased this at a HEB grocery store

Sprite LeBron’s Mix

/

There are two entities on this earth I trust to make a delicious special edition soda, the video game industry and basketball players.  Fortunately today’s entry is from the latter.  Sprite LeBron’s Mix is basketball’s own LeBron James’ own personal mix of Sprite.  I didn’t catch any commercials for this, but I picture him in a lab coat with goggles holding test tubes or something at the Sprite laboratories.  

Twist also took his talents to Miami before returning home. He was arrested.

All of that potentially imagined lab work resulted in a “Lemon-Lime Soda” that is “Natural cherry and orange flavored with other natural flavors”.  The word natural is so nice they worked it in twice.  Let’s see what else is in the bottle.  Carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, citric acid, sodium citrate, and a dash of sodium benzoate for luck.  Man, LeBron really knows his stuff.  If only Hotlips or Swamp Pop had gotten a hold of his soda making prowess.  Enough chit chat, time for reviewing.

Immediately this smells better than regular Sprite.  The orange aroma jumps out immediately and attacks the ol’ olfactory gland.   I’m having a harder time finding the cherry.  Hey!  You in the back with the sophomoric mind.  Quit snickering.  Anywho, I’m having a harder time finding the cherry, but hopefully it’ll be there in taste.  Let’s find out.

Oddly enough I taste more of the cherry than I do the orange.  Both of these tastes, as natural as they may be, seem artificial to me though.  That’s not to say this isn’t good.  Sprite LeBron’s Mix is better than original Sprite yet worse than Sprite Remix.  Of course there are a lot of sodas worse than Sprite Remix.  The guy that gave this to me said he felt it tasted like Surge cut with Sprite.  I can definitely see where he came to that conclusion, but I’d need to taste more orange to completely agree.  

The carbonation level seems to be on par with Sprite, perhaps a little too carbonated.  The syrupy mouthfeel of Sprite is lessened to some degree, which is nice.  All in all though this tastes like cherry Sprite with some orange and smells like orange sprite with some cherry.  The more I drink it though the less natural it tastes so I’m going to stop now.

~A

This soda was given to me by Wrastlin’ Jakito

Nature’s Pure Organic French Vanilla Cola

/

They got me.  They got me with their stupid fancy labeling and their tiny glass bottles and their high price.  $6.55 got me four 8oz bottles of Nature’s Pure Organic French Vanilla Cola.  If that’s not the most I’ve paid per ounce it’s really dang close.  Sitting in it’s tiny ornate glass bottle with a purple label slapped on it.  A friendly, yet shy, looking lady wearing a white gown with a purple sash stands off to the side.  I can’t believe the packaging worked on me!  

Twist is in love with the lady on the bottle's flowers

That said this is a 100% All Natural Sparkling Soda and organic as well, per the bottle.  Looking at the ingredient they are correct.  It even has my favorite natural ingredient “Natural Flavors”.  Just say what they are.  If you have nothing to hide don’t hide it.  Sigh.  I should probably open this tiny bottle now.

This smells faintly of vanilla cookies and cola.  I’m not really sure where I’m getting essence of cookie, but if the flavor is strong enough this could be worth the money I paid.  

That’s unusual and pretty dang good to boot.  They seemed to have nailed the French Vanilla aspects of this cola.  It doesn’t have an overly creamy in texture or taste.  Cola is definitely the headliner of this soda.  If you saw this play you’d go home and tell your friends “Yeah, cola was good… just like we thought he would be, but French Vanilla.  French Vanilla is GOING places.  I need to look him up on IMDB and see what else he’s done.”

After I looked up French Vanilla on IMDB and quickly reminded myself that French Stewart was a part of my life at some point, I took another sip.

The play I just watched, those two actors aren’t friends.  They’re battling for the audience’s attention the entire time.  Cola comes out first and you’re happy to see him because he’s familiar.  French Vanilla immediately appears after and from that point on you don’t know where to divert your attention.  The two flavors don’t really play nicely together, but the show is entertaining none the less.  

As an aside, I believe the French Vanilla taste is reminding me a bit of coffee in each drink I take.  It’s causing just the slightest bit of bitterness to it.  Overall an odd sensation although part of me is just fine with it.

All in all I’m happy I took the chance on Nature’s Pure.  It’s a unique take on vanilla cola’s the bottle really is quite pleasant.  The only critique I have is that I wish the taste was a bit more powerful.  I want either the cola or the vanilla to resonate more instead of constantly battling vying for my opinion.

~A

Guayaki Brand Yerba Mate Sparkling Classic Gold

/

Introducing the winner of the “Put a Bunch of Words Together to Make a Soda Name” title… Guayki Brand Yerba Mate Sparkling Classic Gold!  With your victory you’ll be taken on a one way trip down someone’s gullet and then who knows what mysteries await you.  

Twist, you can't enter the contest because you work for the company.

On this exciting adventure you’ll be able to take as many friends as you wish.  So don’t be shy, invite all your buddies like sparkling filtered water, cane sugar, organic yerba mate extract, organic natural spice flavor, and everyone's favorite… citric acid.  

Being an all natural fair trade soda you are subject to inspection prior to your departure.  Your spice filled aroma will be quantified and enjoyed by not one, but TWO nostrils.  Once your scent has been inhaled in the least creepy manner possible you will begin your journey.

Take your surprisingly watery flavor past the tongue and teeth.  So many famous foods have come this way before you.  Remember that hotdog from 3 years ago, he once walked these very halls.  Since you have such a small amount of carbonation you should have no issue getting him on the tour as well.  Actually now that we've formally met I’m becoming less likely to take in all of your party.  How about you just peek around the corner because your whole group won’t be partaking anymore.  

Sorry for the mixup, but you see when we look at your party and so very uncreepily smelled you we thought you were someone else.  We thought you’d have a robust flavor as so many other yerba mate beverages do, but instead we got you.  Yes, you… don’t try to hide.  The one with the weak flavor, the diet-esque taste, and the limited amount of spice used.  Wait a second… are you regular Tea and Water stacked on top of each other in a trench coat?  Where did you get this spice?  Did you get this from your parents?!  Now you’re ineligible for sure!

Guards!

~A

This was purchased for me from World Market

Royal Crown Cola (April Fool's Review)

/

Believe it or not some folks rate Coke as their favorite big name cola.  Fools, the lot of them.  Their opinions given to them by the big red hype machine.  Then there’s a smaller group that likes Pepsi.  Dude, if you’re going to like Pepsi you might as well join the “winning team” and like Coke.  Finally, there are a select few people that like RC Cola the best.  I am one of those people and not just because of our new sponsorship deal with them.  Sure, there’s a few minute changes made to the site, but they’re hardly noticeable… so you know I’m on the level.

RC Cola.

So under absolutely no contractual obligation at all, I’m here to review Royal Crown, (or as the kids call it, RC), Cola.  First off, this can is amazing.  It’s a dark blue.  Not a weak blue like Pepsi, but a strong, powerful blue like nothing else on earth.  Emblazoned on this dark blue can are the two letters that are synonymous with RC Cola, “RC”.  Not a logo, the letters are the logo.  Pepsi has a ball of color, Coke has a white squiggle they thought needed a copyright.  RC Cola has its’ name.  RC COLA HAS ITS’ NAME.

Did you know that RC Cola was the first major manufacturer to use steel cans… then aluminum cans?  They were.  You know why?  Because they’re innovators.  Anywho, it’s a beautiful can.

Looking at the ingredients, I see they use water.  There’s nothing more important on this earth than water.  Some really high percentage of your body is made of water and RC Cola wants to make sure you have enough of it.  Generous doesn’t even come close.  They’re literal saints.

Opening the can, I smell the scent of cola.  What’d you think it’d be?  It’s the epitome of cola aromas.  I say “cola”, you say “aroma”.  Cola! _____ Cola! _____.  There, now RC has pumped you up and we haven’t even tasted it yet.

Damn.  If you like the bite of Coke and the sweetness of Pepsi, then you should be drinking RC Cola.  RC Cola has both that bite and sweetness, but it’s improved 100%..  I simply don’t understand why more people aren’t drinking it right now.  No foolin’, it’s the only soda I keep on hand at my house under no contractual obligation.  You come to my house lookin’ for a soda, you’re gonna find the stuff I review and then you’re gonna find a bunch of the good stuff, RC.

Think of it this way.  The guy that you trust with your soda reviews.  The guy that would never let you down.  The guy that has reviewed over 500+ sodas...drinks RC Cola.  Why aren’t you drinking it this very second?

The carbonation is ON POINT!  You like the taste of cola?  Well, then you’re gonna love the taste of cola with the perfect amount of bubbles.  

Speaking of aftertastes, RC Cola’s aftertaste is RC Cola.  And when you want it to vanish, it totally does, but why would you ever want that?  

So, what should you pair with your RC Cola?  I ask myself that all the time.  There are two things that pair with an RC Cola.  Thing number one is a moon pie.  If you haven’t had a moon pie and an RC Cola I pity you and will include you in my prayers tonight.  Thing number two that goes with RC Cola (20 oz bottles) are peanuts.  Here’s what you do.  Take a swig of your RC Cola (20 oz bottle) and pour in a sleeve of peanuts.  Now you’re eating peanuts and drinking RC Cola.  Your day cannot possibly get better unless of course you’ve also purchased a moon pie.  I’m pretty sure the elation coursing through your body may cause permanent damage if you do though.

So there you have it, lawyers.  My review of RC Cola which was written under no legal obligation.

~A

I bought this anywhere quality and equality exists.