The reason for the hiatus was simple: blogger apparently deletes pictures you upload after a certain amount of time. This pissed me off to the point of not doing any reviews for almost a year. Talk about nerdrage huh? Anyway, I decided I'd try this whole reviewing thing out again, as I really enjoy it and really should write more than I do. It's one way to keep one's mind occupied over the summer I suppose.
Anyways, look forward to some more quality content.
This time around I've decided to try out another Fentimans Drink. This one is called "Dandelion Burdock." As always it is botanically brewed, and all-natural.
Taste
This is the only category I will touch on, as you can refer to my previous Fentimans review for the rest.
The first thing you think of when you taste Dandelion Burdock is "Black Licorice." It's very strong, which will please people who enjoy black licorice naturally. It has sort of a sting to it, probably caused by the minimal amount of alcohol. It's very bitter, which is a good thing for black licorice, and makes for an intense drinking experience. For people who don't enjoy black licorice, this isn't the drink for you. For people who do, go get this beverage, as it won't disappoint you.
Who's up for another drink that comes in a glass bottle? *Raises Hand* "ME!" Alright then, today we have some Root Beer for you. I take the beverage and book it. Nobody is going to take this moment from me. Whew! I'm finally home. That was one wild situation I was in, but I made it out alive, and with new material! This time I'm reviewing some Aussie Root Beer, made by Bundaberg. I found this at DePalo & Sons in Shell Beach, a specialty drink store. This stuff is imported straight from Australia, but surprisingly doesn't cost too much. I'm not sure as to whether the beverage is actually brewed in Bundaberg, though.
Taste
If you're used to American Root Beer, you're going to be in for quite a shock. The flavor is radically different than what you would expect, although it retains the feel of Root Beer. The first thing you notice is that it's much sweeter, and sweeter sooner, than any other Root Beer. It lingers for a bit, then dissipates. There's a nuttiness, although it is faint. I've never tasted anything like it. I can see almost anyone enjoying this beverage, even people who don't normally like Root Beer.
Texture
The carbonation is very light in Bundaberg Root Beer, which puts a bit more emphasis on taste. As for the stickiness, I would put the level at about moderate; it doesn't cause any issues, but may linger in your mouth. I suggest crackers or something wheat based to get rid of it. Personally, it doesn't really bother me. It might bother some people though, so that's a minus.
Bottle
The shape of the bottle is something you would see a long time ago, before long bottle necks could be created. The neck is relatively stubby, which allows the beverage to flow to your mouth much quicker. This cuts the "Anticipation" Time by about 60%! As for the sticker design, seeing how this beverage is Australian, there is the obligatory kangaroo. He looks to be hopping over mountains of some sort, or maybe those are just rocks. One thing I noticed was at the top of the bottle, there is a string of text that says, "Invert Bottle Before Opening." make of that what you will. The bottle is made of standard beer-glass, and has some "BUNDABERG" engravings on the concave.
VERDICT
I really enjoyed my time with Bundaberg Australian Root Beer, and I'm sure you will too; that is, if you can find it. It has an impressively unique taste, whilst retaining the original Root Beer feel. The carbonation is light, putting more emphasis on the taste. The bottle has a snub-nose design, which reduces the time it takes for the beverage to reach your skull. All together, you have a WINNING combination. Honestly, I believe that anyone can enjoy this.
I was extremely lucky to be able to find a bottle of this at my local Powell's Candy Shoppe. They are produced in only one factory that's privately owned in Dublin, Texas. I will provide a few links to the official website above. When I saw the little guy sitting in the cooler, waiting for me, I flipped out. Instantaneously I whipped out $2.50 + CRV and bought the sucker. Let me tell you, this is the best investment I've made in a very long time.
Taste
The way that Dublin Dr Pepper tastes is beyond unreal. You think it's going to be something along the lines of the current Dr Pepper, but then your expectations are shattered when you realize that it's a million times better. As you take a sip, your mouth is greeted by the tenacious potency of the original formula for Dr Pepper from 1891. The flavor was inspired from the way an 1890's drugstore smelled, with all of the candy and whatnot. I can honestly say, with great enthusiasm, that I FEEL THAT. You really taste it as it rolls down your tongue, and into your throat, where it pleasantly lingers.
Texture
The carbonation feels a lot more natural than most of the stuff we get today, and is a lot more evenly spread, with smaller bubbles. It still packs the punch you're expecting, but delivers it in a more elegant fashion. It seems to be the strongest when you first take a sip, and slowly dissipates before it gets all the way to the stomach, which actually makes for a more pleasant experience. This also prevents a lot of burping. Very very very well done.
Bottle
The design on the bottle is simple, something that you would expect to see back in the 1890's. Alongside that, you also get the bonus of a glass bottle, which would be all that was available in the 1890's. It's a very authentic feeling, and adds to the "Whimsy." An added bonus is that near the top, there is some text that says, "NO REFILL." This would be smart to do in the 1890's when bottled soft drinks were first coming out, to let people get used to the idea of a trashable drinking container. The 10, 4, and 2 in the bubbles on the bottle represent when the body needs a caffeine boost, and thus when you should have a Dr Pepper. This was one of the first soda marketing campaigns ever.
Final Thoughts
I feel so lucky to have been able to get a chance to taste this extremely well-made beverage. I really admire the private manufacturer's decision to use the original formula from 1891, as it lets the people of the future taste the past. Dr Pepper actually came before Coca-Cola, so this formula is the most authentic vintage soft-drink that you can get. If you can find it at a Powell's near you, do it. If not, order it online. It's worth it. Get a crate.
Do it.
99/100
I've been meaning to try Jolly Rancher soda for quite a while now, and I finally have the chance thanks to my local Kmart. At the top of the display was a sign that said 99cents each; and I thought to myself, "Nice." Actually it was my sister who pointed them out to me, suggesting I do a review. When I saw the display I literally freaked out; I had been looking for Jolly Rancher soda for months, and here it was in the Kmart. The flavor I decided to get was Watermelon, simply because that is my favorite flavor of Jolly Rancher Hard Candy. That's basically what this soda is; liquid Jolly Rancher candy. That's a good thing. ---
Taste
I took a small census of my immediate family and friends, and asked them whether or not they thought that my Jolly Rancher soda looked nasty. Most of them said "Yes." I don't exactly know why this is, as I thought it was freakin' delicious. One sip is a rush of the artificial watermelon flavor that Americans have grown to love. The entire time the beverage is on your tongue and throat you feel like you've been sucking on a watermelon Jolly Rancher all day, and gathered enough saliva to make a drink out of it. You know, minus the saliva. Maybe that example wasn't the best, but if you take the yuk factor out, it sounds extremely delicious.
Texture
Well, to be honest there isn't much to say about the texture of a carbonated soft drink flavored like hard candy. The carbonation is abundant, and it doesn't seem to go flat fast. It's just enough to tickle the throat without burning. Oh, and it can be somewhat sticky at times.
Design
What I really loved about the design of the bottle was the fact that they used the original Jolly Rancher logo, rather than one made especially for the beverage. It lets people know what they're getting in to. Over the top of the Jolly Rancher logo there are some small words that say "Bold fruit flavor of Jolly Rancher Candy." I can say that this is just about 100% accurate. Watermelons decorate the wrapper like clouds in the sky. The color scheme is expected to say the least.
Final Thoughts
Jolly Rancher Watermelon was a fun drink. Having the feel of the candy is liquid form is especially trippy. A word to the wise however, this beverage is definitely not for everyone. The census I took proves this. If you like the candy, you will love the drink.
When I first saw the can, I didn't know what to expect from Enlighten Mint. I got the idea that it was a tea beverage, but that's about it. Proudly displayed on the front of the can is "Powerful Rainforest Experience" That sounds like something I would write! I decided to take the drink up on its offer, and was greeted with something that I was not expecting.
Taste
First of all, Mate is something that I'm already somewhat familiar with. At The Next HOPE convention in NYC, I was lucky enough to sample a few bottles of CLUB-MATE. This YERBA MATE beverage reminds me of CLUB-MATE quite a lot, with some of the only differences coming from the mint flavor, and the sweetness. CLUB-MATE is extremely bitter, while YERBA MATE is bitter still, but has a tinge of sweetness. I wouldn't go as far as to call it 'bittersweet' however. It's a very unique taste, and if you can get past the bitterness, it's worth a try. Very smooth down the throat, with no burning.
Can
As you can see, the can is an experience all its own. In fact, you really have to think about what is shown to make any sense of it. What is that woman holding? It looks somewhat like a juice pouch. Actually, it's called a bombilla, or bomba; and it's like a straw with a tea filter on the end. The font is very nice looking, as is the background. It sets the mood for flavor to come. Everything seems quite glossy on the can, and the font actually makes it seem even more so.
Final Thoughts
YERBA MATE is definitely a fun ride, especially if you already enjoy MATE drinks. It might come as somewhat of a shock at first, but once you take a few more sips it becomes enjoyable. It's an acquired taste for sure, but that doesn't mean it's bad. If you can find it, give it a try. Be warned however, it's not for everybody.
75/100
Holy bejeezus. This stuff is beyond belief. I mean whoa. Since this is a bonus review, It wont be as long, but I will make my main point clear; This stuff is extremely potent, and will in fact melt your face off. Right the fuck off. I mean, have you ever heard of a PINEAPPLE cider drink? I haven't until today, and let me tell you it is one of the best ideas I could have ever imagined. Just think, what if there's a Pina Colada flavor? That, my friends, would be awesome.
TASTE
This is just so intense. You take a sip, and are immediately overwhelmed with an array of magical pineappleness; its not even too sweet, seeing as it's fermented. It has a very long lingering flavor, and can allow for hours of hindsight. You know what I mean.
TEXTURE
Smooth carbonation, from a glass bottle. Very good. I assume that the carbonation is not artifical, as barley and yeast can actually form it. Also, there are no artificial substances in this beverage WHATSOEVER. Thats right. Oh yeah.
FINAL THOUGHTS
So good. I just want to stop writing and finish it!
Buy it if you can find it, but be warned, its not for everyone.
If you've read my reviews in the past, you must know how I feel about High-Fructose Corn Syrup. This proposed rename is ridiculous, as the only reason Manufacturers want to is because of all the bad press HFCS gets. Do they think this will change anything? Maybe, but I hope not.
Here's a link to a story about it:
LINK
Shenanigans.
I had only learned of Peace Tea's existence about a month ago. I thought it was a cheap knockoff of Arizona, as they have already made themselves known as the "Tall can, cheap price" tea. This is NOT the case I am happy to report. In actuality, Peace Tea is very original, although the message isn't clear. The only thing really conveyed is "Peace, and natural ingredients." That's all. We never hear why or how Peace comes into the picture, but we are expected to go with it. Okay, sure. Why not?
Taste
One word. Sweet.
This Tea is so sweet that it could sweet the sweetness out of sugar. If that makes any sense. I can't taste any bitterness while taking a swig, not one tastebud can cipher the sugar overload. The weird thing is, it doesn't have that much sugar in it! Indeed, times are changing, as Peace Tea uses sugar and sucralose. The combination provides a hybrid of sorts, making sweet even sweeter. Oh yeah, the razzleberry is freaking good as well.
85/100
Texture
Peace Tea is very smooth. It has a feeling that reminds me of water after chewing mint gum, but without the mint flavor. It has a crisp, soft texture that cascades down the throat.
However, a thin film of tea matter is left on the inside of the mouth. This comes with any tea product, so I can't complain.
Overall very nice feeling. Cold, refreshing. Not sticky at all.
75/100
Can Art
Woah. The art on here is intense. Just take a look at it! Somehow I feel like it's some sort of propaganda, telling us to rebel against the government with our picket fences. Honestly, I really don't know what they're trying to tell us here. It's confusing.
The art style, on the other hand, is very bold. The black lines that outline the characters are large, and make them fun to look at.
Just woah.
50/100
Overall
I like the taste that Peace Tea has to offer, even if I'm confused as to what they mean by peace. Drink the kool-aid, but wear your tinfoil hats while you're at it.
70/100
You think you've seen it all, but then along comes something so contradictory that you don't know which way is up anymore. A lot of the time, the Safeway Select branding is something of a labeling that exclaims "This is cheaper, but not as good." Because of this, many people might not take Safeway Select seriously if they tried to sell a fine lemonade imported from France. "Oh yes, France, sure," I would say before trying the beverage, "It's probably made in some French catacomb." After tasting it, however, I wouldn't care if it was. The ingredients are all natural, which I admire. The use of grape skin extract was a clever work-around to artificial color.
Taste
You would think that the flavor wouldn't be that good, seeing as it's Safeway Select, but in reality it is. Forget what people might say about the store brand, you can find a gem or two hidden in those shelves. The flavor is absolutely exquisite, and I have no doubt that French Berry was made in France. (Even if it's some other place named France, that isn't in Europe.)
The taste starts with a strong strawberry tinge, followed by a strong bitterness caused by the lemon. This is followed by a sweet lemon taste, which evens out the entire mixture. Overall pleasant.
80/100
Texture
A glass bottle always helps carbonation's cause, and this case is certainly no exception. The bubbly bubbles are anything but redundant, and are actually varied in their presentation. This makes for a very interesting drinking experience, something that's hard to find. The stickiness is moderate, but expected, considering the ridiculous amount of sugar that is featured in French Berry. At least it isn't High Fructose Corn Syrup. All around a frothy, light feeling that tingles, but doesn't cut. (If you catch my drift.)
75/100
Bottle Art and stuff
The bottle is curved inwards in the middle, and protrudes out in the bottom and top middle. This makes it easy to hold, as your hand fills the shape quite nicely. Of course, the bottle has a Safeway Select logo on it; quite generic really. The sticker in the middle is much more interesting, but not by much. It displays a lemon above a strawberry, with an outline of a lemon above the lemon. Confused yet? Look at the picture. Not too interesting, but what do you expect from Safeway Select?
50/100
Overall
French Berry was a sweet surprise. I never expected to find a fine french lemonade at my local Safeway, let alone have it be store brand. Never underestimate the store brand, I suppose, as they can be quite nice.
80/100
First, some history behind RC Cola.
Chero-Cola started production in 1905, and produced a number of beverages with the prefix "Royal Crown." They manufactured such drinkables as Royal Crown Ginger Ale, and Royal Crown Root-Beer. Finally, they decided to start making sense and changed the name of Chero-Cola to Royal Crown Cola, to go along with everything else they sold. That's quite funny in my opinion, I don't know why they didn't go with Royal Crown in the first place. But I digress.
There's a certain magic to be had when drinking a bottle of this delicious cola. You have a certain freedom, which can't be destroyed by the two beverage giants, Coke and Pepsi. RC is its own thing, and although it may be less popular, I believe that it is the best out of the three. You just can't get this sort of experience anywhere else.
Taste
RC has a very distinct flavor, and it leaves you craving just one more sip every time. Many people always ask, "Do you like Coke or Pepsi better?" My answer is always "Royal Crown all the way!" It has a real strong cola flavor that starts a bit bitter, but ends in a delicious sweetness that sends a wave of pure awesome through the mouth and down the esophagus.
RC has somewhat of an earthy flavor to it, which makes it seems more authentic in my eyes. Don't worry though, it's nothing major. In fact, it really complements the beverage, creating an interesting diversion from the normal cola taste, which in turn makes it taste even better.
75/100
Texture
Of course, being a cola, RC has a bubbly carbonation going on. Even better though, it has a sort of frothiness that makes it seem light. RC does go flat fairly though, which is something of a disappointment. RC does make up for this however with its lack of high-fructose corn syrup overload, which makes for a much smoother stream of liquid going down your throat. (Unlike Big Blue, which sports the exact opposite.) But another thing... It contains high-fructose corn syrup! I would have expected the glass bottle to use sugar, as it is with Coke and Pepsi, but I was wrong. RC isn't either of them, after all.
60/100
Design
I bought the bottle pictured at the top of the post, which is glass. This I like, however I could have bought the plastic variant for much cheaper. As always, quality comes at a price. I like the way the bottle is designed, meaning the way the way the neck of it melds with the body. It's very streamlined and unique.
As for the logo, it's unexciting, but classic. RC Cola rarely changes their logo, and if they do it's always a minor change. Thumbs up to them for "Keeping it real," so to speak. But you don't buy RC Cola to look at the bottle, do you? (Well I do.) The twist-off metal bottle cap is definitely a nice touch.
65/100
Overall Thoughts and Feelings
RC Cola is more scarce than other brands, but if you can find it (Which I'm sure you can) it's definitely worth a go. RC Cola has much more to offer in terms of flavor, which is key. It doesn't matter much that the bottle is boring, really. Buy it for the taste, you wont regret it. If you do, get a job you lazy bum.
80/100
If you don't live in the southern United States or Tahiti, you probably don't know about Big Blue, a curious little cream soda drink. The company that manufactures Big Blue is most famous for creating Big Red, the drink from which Big Blue was derived from. Seeing as I've never had the chance to consume a bottle of Big Red, there is no possible way for me to compare them. After some research, it seems as if Big Red tastes the same as Big Blue, with the only difference being the color. Once I get my hands on some Big Red I'll update you guys with a comparison.
TASTE
Now some people say that Big Blue tastes like bubble gum, which is true to an extent. It's actually a cream soda with a bit of orange, but I would still classify it as a bubble gum flavor, seeing as it tastes almost identical to the artificial bubble gum flavor that we all know and adore. It makes me wonder whether or not this was what Big Red LTD was going for when they created the unique flavor.
It's a somewhat mild flavor, that has an odd bitter aftertaste, which does make some sense, seeing as bubble gum does have that feel to it.
Where's the market for bubble gum flavored soda?
49.9/100
TEXTURE
Big Blue is riddled with high fructose corn syrup, and as a result has a very sticky feeling to it. For some reason it reminds me of a laundromat. Very obvious and non surprising sub par machine grade carbonation here, which is very boring I might add. Also, it goes flat in about a half hour.
Big Blue will leave your lips sticky, and by the time you wash them of it, it's flat.
35/100
DESIGN
Big Red LTD always takes a simple approach to their bottle art, usually only having a splash of whatever color the drink is under the title text. The font used is very boring and reminds me of generic laundry detergent. Something about this always reminds me of laundry for some reason.
Anyways, the art is very dull and tiring. It's just generic product text under a blue splash of liquid. Absolutely invigorating.
25/100
OVERALL
I didn't expect too much, and for good reason. Big Blue has some serious flaws, and I honestly can't think of a good reason to buy it again. Why is this so popular in the southern states? It makes no sense to me.
Big Blue has nothing to offer except for the altered cream soda flavor, which really isn't all that great in the first place.
30/100
