So I’ve been in a soda slump recently. It’s been hard to find anything new to review and anyone who has sent me sodas in the past no longer is… mostly because I’ve reviewed them all. I needed something new. I needed something that I hadn’t heard of to get me out of this slump. Apparently I needed Buckeye State Scarlet Soda.

This bottle is THE most Ohio branded consumable I’ve ever seen. From the Buckeye leaf on the label to the outline of Ohio right below it. It’s even a “Scarlet” soda instead of a “Red” soda. For those not in the know the colors of The Ohio State University are Scarlet and Grey. What’s amusing is that I’m writing this review on “Scarlet Saturday” in Ohio. The day that the Buckeyes take on the wolverines of michigan. I honestly have no dog in this fight, as I’m a fan of Texas A&M, but since we’re drinking Scarlet Soda today my hat will tip towards the Buckeyes.

I’m not exactly sure what to expect of Buckeye State Scarlet Soda, my initial thought is that it’ll be a red cream. It’s made with cane sugar and has been on this great Earth since 1937. I also enjoy that the label lists it as a “Family Trad.”. I’m not sure if that’s a Family Tradition or a Family Trademark. Trademark doesn’t tend to follow the word Family, but Tradition is rarely abbreviated like that. Anywho, enough jibber jabber, let’s start this review.

The scent is nothing like a red cream soda, so there goes that idea. Oddly enough it smells a little appley, but I don’t think that’ll be the flavor at all. I’m starting to lean towards the mismash of flavors idea now. You know how there’s “Red” Kool-Aid? I’m thinking this is just “Scarlet Soda” as it reads on the label.

That’s super odd, and I can’t think of anything I’ve had like it before. It’s now officially not a red cream and while I get a hint of apple, it’s not prevalent enough name it a flavor. My “mismash of flavors” idea has a full head of steam although my tongue keeps getting watermelon hints towards the finish.

I’m not sure if others would taste the watermelon as it’s becoming apparent to me that if five people drank this soda they’d all have slightly different experiences. Even if I can’t nail down what exactly I’m tasting I will say that this is a fairly solid soda as far as beverages go. I’m especially happy that it’s not overly sweet in taste. This allows you to drink it with a meal and not feel overly bad because you’re drinking dessert.

With the good of course always comes the bad, but fortunately there isn’t a lot. The flavor, while tasty, is a little on the weak side and the mouthfeel follows suit. I would love this if the flavor had a little more bite and the bubbles shocked the back of my throat.

There is also a very slight, and I mean very, cardboardish taste that arrives in the middle of some of my sips. I’ve hated beverages for having this taste included, but this one is so subtle that I’d compare it to watching someone burp at the other end of the dining table. You can see they did it and it’s gross, but ultimately you didn’t have to experience the aroma or heat that it created… so you can go about your meal and easily forget it.

So there you have it. Buckeye State Scarlet Soda is better than your average soda and has a gorgeous label to boot. If you’re in an area that supplies it pick yourself up one or four and give it a shot.

Since today is Scarlet Saturday I might as well make a prediction to finish things off. 35-31 tOSU.

This was supplied to us by Buckey State Scarlet Sod

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Buckeye State Scarlet Soda

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