Topaz Beverage Review of BUNDABERG Austrailian Root Beer, "Invert Bottle Before Opening."

Not My Picture - Yetl I got a different bottle type.

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.

90/100

Topaz Beverage Review of LENINADE

This soda does everything right, and more. I had never heard of Leninade before last night, and now that I got my hands on it, I'm really impressed. Leninade is a great concept for a drink, and whoever thought of it should be given a medal. There are a bunch of quotes on the bottle that make fun of Soviet propaganda, all of which I shall list here.

• Join the Party!
• A Party in Every Bottle!
• Drink Comrade! Drink! It's This or the Gulag!
• ленин лил, ленин льёт, ленин будет лить!
• ленинаде (Leninade in Russian)
• Get Hammered and Sickled!
• Get Really Hammered and Sickled!
• Surprisingly Satisfying Simple Soviet Style Soda
• Misha, Chill Down This Bottle & Chill Out!
• Our 5-Year Plan: Drink a bottle a day for five years and become a Hero of Socialist Flavor
• Soviet Style Pry Off Cap
• A Taste Worth Standing in Line For!

I freakin' love it.

Topaz Beverage Review of Dublin Dr Pepper

OFFICIAL SITE
OLD DOC's (Currently Revamping site)

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

Topaz Review of JOLLY RANCHER WATERMELON

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.

Final Score 60/100

Topaz Review of GUAYAKI YERBA MATE Enlighten Mint

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

MANUFACTURER'S SITE
MORE INFO

Topaz Review of Mountain Dew Pitch Black

Figure A: The Awesomeness Uncut



It all started in Halloween 2004, I was trick-or-treating like any 9 year old would. One of our stops was the local mini-mart, where the new special edition Mountain Dew was on display. I immediately ran over to the promotional stand and started begging my father for one. He gave in, and I had myself a beverage that would not only improve Halloween significantly, but plant a seed in my mind, telling me, "This is it. You have to tell someone how good it is." So I did; but I only told my dad. I then looked at the bottle, "Limited Time Only!" My heart sank. Why must the best be withheld? Little did I know that next year, I would be enjoying an even better version of the same flavor, "Mountain Dew Pitch Black II." I was pleased, but still disappointed that II was also limited time only. Finally, six years later in 2011, I have had the chance to once again taste the original Pitch Black, thanks to the "Back by Popular DEWMand" Promotion. Here's my review:

Topaz Review of Sangría Señorial

This is the life, eh? Sitting on a nice chair outside, gazing at the blue ocean, sipping on a non-alcoholic Sangría beverage. Yeah, that's right, it exists; and not only is it real, it's delicious on a whole different level from any other beverage I've ever had. A regal display of flavor and texture, Sangría Señorial is unreal. On top of that, it comes in green glass! There's nothing quite like drinking a non-alcoholic Sangría Señorial from a green glass bottle. I dare you to find something quite like it. Sangría Señorial seems as if it's on a quest to claim absolute victory on every front.

Topaz Review of PEACE TEA Razzleberry

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

SCORE AVERAGE - 70

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Topaz Review of Safeway Select French Berry Lemonade

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

SCORE AVERAGE - 71.25/100

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Topaz Review of RC Cola

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

SCORE AVERAGE - 70

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Topaz Review of SoBe ENERGIZE CITRUS ENERGY

What a rush! Man this damn drink isn't playing around. I'm currently halfway through it, and let me tell you it lives up to the ENERGIZE name. Too bad I have to sit here and write about it instead of putting this energy to great use. I could be running a mile, or.... What am I saying!? That's the SoBe talking ladies and gentlemen. In reality, I'm pleasantly writing this review without a hiccup. On with the show...

Tastiness!
Certainly citrus alone wont make the cut, now will it? Actually, yes. It will. Sort of. You see, the fruit in here is nothing but citrus; orange juice concentrate; lemon juice concentrate; cherry juice concentrate. But wait... That's not much of a citrus fruit now is it? Don't be fooled however, it's simply there to provide an inkling of subtle flavor. If you want the full-on cherry deal, you might want to check out SoBe Courage Cherry Sitrus. Enough of this tomfoolery, get on with it! Okay, okay.
A sip of SoBe ECE contains within it a multitude of potent aromas, as well as vicious citrus flavor. The orange is there, yes, and is complemented very well by the presence of lemon. You don't actually taste cherry flavor, but it does alter the concoction on a minuscule scale. If I were to describe the drink in one word, "Sweet" wouldn't be it. Instead, I would go for something along the lines of "Tangy," or "Zestful." (Which is a word, I might add.) Really, this beverage is obviously not meant to provide the sweetest experience around, hence the citrus ingredients and whatnot. What I'm trying to get across here is don't buy this looking for a sugary good time. Actually, I lied. Since SoBe ECE is sweetened, however lightly with sugar, the previous statement would, in actuality, be true.
80/100 - Delightful

How does it feel?
SoBe ECE has a rather interesting sticky feeling, which appropriately goes along well with the varying array of ingredients. In your mouth however, is solely a matter of opinion. If you enjoy the sensation of phleminess (Which isn't a word I'm afraid) in your mouth, go on your merry way. For the normal person I might suggest something to snack on whist drinking, so that the phlegm doesn't choke you or something.
On occasion, SoBe ECE would slightly burn the back of my throat. Now that is what I call a true citrus beverage extravaganza! If I can even classify one bottle of SoBe as an extravaganza. This only happened twice though, so there's absolutely no reason to be alarmed.
Going down the throat without a hitch, SoBe ECE feels smooth. It has that trademark electric feeling that citrus is famous for. Just dazzling.
75/100 - Remarkable

Does the little bottle look pretty?
Why yes, of course. SoBe is known for being somewhat amazing in their marketing skills when it comes to packaging and design. SoBe ECE is definitely no exception.
Long ago, when the bottle was glass, and the text and pictures were printed directly on it, the design was limited. Since the bottles were glass, SoBe needed to save money on artwork, which was why there wasn't much on them. After a while, SoBe finally decided to switch to plastic, and as a result, the bottles are gratified with the most astounding illustrations. On this particular specimen, I spy a halved orange. No surprise here.. But wait! The circumference is spiked! Even though there is no reason for this, it certainly is a nice touch, and most definitely isn't as strange as the orange, slightly darker orange, green, and slightly lighter green highways that are sprouting from the side of the halved orange. They overlap, and criss-cross one another, and provide a youthful innocence to SoBe ECE. Oh, and of course, there are the obligatory lizards riddled about the art, which are colored correspondingly to the highways.
80/100 - Extravagant

Well, what do you think?
From an unbiased view, I say that SoBe ECE is a delightful energy crossover drink that supplies the desired pep that it was intended to.
From a biased view, I say that SoBe ECE is FREAKIN' AMAZING. But that's just my biased side speaking. (Rest assured that this entire review, excluding the previous sentence, is unbiased.)
If you want a citrus blast, along with a healthy amount of GUARANA and GINSING, this is one of the best beverages you can buy to satisfy those feelings of want. If you don't want it, well, you'd probably buy something else.
85/100 - Unicorn Nectar

SCORE AVERAGE - 80

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Topaz Review of vitaminwater Spark

First off, I have to say that this is my first experience with this particular flavor of vitaminwater. I have tried many other flavors of the same product however, and know what to expect in terms of texture and such. When you boil it down, vitaminwater is all the same, excluding the flavor, which can be similar to other flavors in the same general spectrum. [Ex. Raspberry-Strawberry is very similar to Raspberry-Grape.] With this flavor, I was surprised to find that it was wildly different from any other vitaminwater I've had.

TASTE
Honestly, who thought that combining the distinct, tart flavor of blueberries, and the naturally sweet grape taste would be a good idea? Not me. The two flavors crash horrendously, and together, create a repulsive taste that lingers in the mouth long after the sip was taken. Glacéau could have made it so good, if only they had done it right. It's not pleasant, not a bit. I guess it would be okay to say that this is an aquired taste, but I've yet to aquire it as I can barely force myself to drink one bottle. It oddly reminds me of a nasty old candy that I ate as a child, but don't let this convince you that is the reason for my negativity. Truely, I'm disappointed.
20/100

TEXTURE
As if the taste wasn't bad enough. At first you're tricked into thinking, "Oh it's just another vitaminwater, not surprise here." But when you take your third sip, you start to feel a sickly-smooth sort of sensation, which leaves the feeling of soap bubbles lingering in your mouth long after you've finished the beverage. I suggest some actual water afterwards if you're so inclined to try this is the first place.
35/100

PACKAGING
You know exactly what to expect from Glacéau when it comes to wrappers. Plain and simple, with a witty paragraph printed on the side. (I might add that it's printed upside-down on Spark.) The color of the wrapper usually matches the flavor of the drink. however neither blueberries nor grapes are neon blue. In fact, the color of the actual beverage is a weird pink, which also makes no sense. Glacéau, Glacéau. Oh why Glacéau?
40/100

OVERALL FEELINGS
Whatever you do, don't buy this beverage. In all three categories it fails, and will leave you wounded and defenceless. I wanted a fruity, refreshing drink, but instead I got a bitter, sickening abomination of artifical flavor and coloring. Failure, failure, failure.
25/100

SCORE AVERAGE

30/100

Topaz Review of Diet Pepsi Wild Cherry

Diet Pepsi Wild Cherry is a good alternative to the regular Cherry Pepsi, with only a few minor problems. If you're concerned about sugar intake, but still want to get the full taste of Cherry Pepsi, this may or may not be the beverage for you. The way it is put together is really a hit-or-miss; as in most diet drinks, Diet Pepsi Wild Cherry contains a good amount of aspartame, which can take away from an ideal beverage experience.

TASTE
The first sip of Diet Wild Cherry did not taste like cherry for a few seconds, and instead I tasted regular Diet Pepsi. The cherry flavor sensation came though, and when it did I got what what I expected. This is the same cherry flavor you know and love, made with natural and artifical substances. If you have ever had any cherry sort of snack or candy, it is very similar to that. It isn't too strong of a flavor though, but just right.
Since this is a diet beverage, you can expect the same old taste of aspartame to invade your tastebuds the entire time. It is not worth getting diet at all, so if you don't want to drink sugar for any reason, just don't get diet soda! Aspartame can be worse for you.
A positive thing about the aspartame is that its flavor seems to complement the cherry flavor somehow. The downside is the aftertaste, which is a combination of the two.
55/100

TEXTURE
Diet Pepsi Wild Cherry seems like it can be extremely fizzy at times, and extremely flat too. It's sort of like a mix of the two unviverses, with a flat fizz that rolls accross the cheeks, leaving nothing but confusion. There isn't too much carbonation, but what is there is harsh. It seems almost as if you can taste in between the bubbles. That's probably where I got my idea that it can be flat and fizzy at the same time. It is really weird, but unimpressive as well. I can never feel like I can take a big sip of it without something odd happening in my mouth.
65/100

DESIGN
When it comes to design, Pepsi usually goes for the smooth, clean look, rather than the information explosion you see a lot today. The can has a very simple design, with red slowly fading away from the top down. Since the Pepsi logo already has red on the top, this looks nice next to it. The words on the can that proclaim "Wild Cherry" are red, but towards the bottom, making for good contrast. While a flavor called "Wild Cherry" can seem gimmicky at times, I feel that there is no other way it can be. Why fix it if it ain't broke?
85/100

OVERALL
I feel that while the texture could have been way less confusing, and something besides aspartame could have been used, Diet Pepsi Wild Cherry is good. If the store is out of regular Pepsi Wild Cherry. Only use this as a fallback, and only then if you have an extreme craving for cherry flavor. Even then, you could just get Crush Cherry, which is a lot better I might add, although it is missing the cola component of Pepsi. That however, is another story.
45/100

Topaz Review of Snapple Peach Green Tea

Snapple Peach Green Tea Official Site (clicky)

A good price, a good flavor, and a can that is easy on the eyes. The Snapple corporation certainly knows how to market their products, and it shows in Peach Green Tea. The main thing that enticed me to buy Peach Green Tea was the price. At only 79 cents, most of the time it's going to be the cheapest drink in the coolers. You get a good amount for your money too; the can holds 16 oz. of liquid. The design on the can is simplistic, yet passable, and doesn't bother me.

TASTE
The first thing you notice about Peach Green Tea, is the peach flavor. It is very strong, and I can imagine it being overwhelming for some people. The Snapple Corp. absolutely packed this beverage with flavor, and it feels really bold in the mouth. Almost immediately after the peach flavor is experienced, you feel the familiar taste of green tea roll across the tongue. The blending of flavors could have been made more streamlined, and sometimes it feels like the peach overpowers the green tea. It's like drinking a drink that tastes like you're taking bites out of a peach, and only sipping green tea. If you like peaches, and I mean like peaches, this is for you.
66/100

TEXTURE
You can sort of feel the tea particles, and whether or not this is a good thing is dependent on if you like pulp. It's a very very fine pulp though, and is hard to notice unless you drink Peach Green Tea non-stop. Other than that, it has the same texture as any other Snapple brand beverage, not too harsh, not too weak.
55/100

CAN
The can has a simple design on it near the top. It is not too bad looking, but it certainly could be better. Most of the can is green, with the only decoration near the title. The color scheme here is a good choice, with a tea-green endowing almost the whole can. The orange band around the top declares ".79 (suggested retail price) and is an attention catcher. Good marketing, and cheap too. They didn't really want to spend the time and effort on making the design on the can look beautiful, now did they?
59/100

FINAL THOUGHTS
Peach Green Tea is a cheap, moderately good tasting beverage that doesn't have any real glaring flaws. At Seventy-Nine cents, you definitely get what you pay for. It goes well with some potato chips, but only worth it if you have the extra change. Overall, I would give it a...
59/100

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Topaz Review of JAVA MONSTER: Mean Bean

In this review I will refer to JAVA MONSTER Mean Bean, as simply, "Mean Bean."
Mean Bean really packs a punch. With the taurine, and guarana seed extract from regular Monsters, and strong coffee combined, you wake up almost instantly after sipping one.

TASTE
The taste of coffee is drowned in the heavy cream and sucralose, and the only real coffee flavor comes from the nutty aftertaste. Even then it's not exceptional coffee, although it does do what it was intended to do. It leaves a mingling flavor long after you drink it, and is best covered up with a mint or two. This is definitely not the beverage for you if you like your coffee with anything other than loads of cream and sugar. You can't taste any sort of energy-drink flavor here, even though it is Monster brand. That's good, considering an energy-drink/coffee flavor hybrid would be pretty nasty tasting.
49/100

TEXTURE
The good thing is that Mean Bean has absolutely no carbonation, although it comes in the same type of can that regular Monsters do. Mean Bean is really creamy, and is smooth going down the esophagus. That feeling that there is a film of cream on your tongue does linger though, and can become bothersome. All in all, pretty good, not impressive.
60/100

CAN
The first thing you notice about the can is that it sports the good old Monster logo. But wait... Something isn't right here! It looks as if the "Monster" clawed his way into some nicely upholstered wood! Naughty! Odd that the wood has a pattern on the top, almost like a rug. It looks nice, although a bit gimmicky. It helps to separate itself from the normal flavors of Monster though, so people don't mistakenly buy a coffee drink when they meant to buy something else. The font is very cool looking, with harsh, sharp edges. The letters have a very dark red middle, with a black border. This looks really cool in person, as they seem to "pop" away from the can. The Monster slash also seems to be indented. As for marketing, the guys behind this are geniuses. There is some propaganda on the back, stating how Mean Bean has a "Take no prisoners attitude" whatever that means. The way the can looks, with the wood feel, draws in the customer who is in desperate need of a pick-me-up. Bravo.
80/100

EXPERIENCE
I was definitely roused from my drowsiness by the time I had my second sip of Mean Bean. The combination of both taurine, and guarana seed extract, mixed with coffee seems almost like overkill. I assure you that it is. I'm not looking forward to the crash that is looming in the future. It works people, it works well. I don't recommend drinking this while driving though, for what I hope are obvious reasons.
75/100

FINAL THOUGHTS
I had a good time with Mean Bean, and it certainly did what it is intended to do. It woke me up, made me more alert, etc. I wasn't partial to its taste, nor was I fond of the texture. Although, if you're going to buy one of these drinks, it won't be for the flavor. You'll be hard pressed to find a stronger energy drink on the market.
65/100

Topaz Review of Squirt

At a passing glance, Squirt seems like just another citrus drink along the lines of Sprite and Sierra Mist. Such assumptions would prove  false however, as Squirt is a unique grapefruit drink, with no real comparison. Here it is, the review for the winner of the "You Decide" Poll Number Three, Squirt.=

TASTE
When you first sip Squirt, you get a powerful sensation that excites the tongue. You feel it before you taste it. It feels like it has something of a numbing affect, but it doesn't last long whatsoever. When you taste it a millisecond later, the grapefruit is very profound. The grapefruit flavor is very well made, and it replicates a real grapefruit nicely. Not too much so that it tastes like pure grapefruit juice however. Very balanced. However, I know a lot of people who don't like the flavor, so I suppose your opinion depends on whether or not you like grapefruit.

75/100

TEXTURE
As I stated previously, Squirt packs a punch when you first experience it, making it something that can offer a unique experience. Other than that, Squirt has nothing more to offer than your standard 24 oz. Soda.

60/100

PACKAGING
The art on Squirt clearly states that it is a grapefruit beverage, with a half of the fruit behind the title. "Squirt" is written in large, round letters smack dab in the middle of the logo, with information about the drink (caffeine free, etc.) circling the slice. The origin of Squirt's name comes from reports that it tends to squirt into one's mouth, like a freshly squeezed grapefruit. Clever.

OVERALL SCORE
I was very pleased with the uniqueness that Squirt had to offer, drifting from the norm, and setting upon us a beverage like no other. If you want to try a grapefruit soft drink, look no further than Squirt. If you don't like grapefruit, however, I would stay away from it, as it has a very strong grapefruit flavor. All in all a quality product that is unique in flavor, and unmatched in texture.

79/100

Topaz Review of Catus Cooler

Topaz Review of Cactus Cooler

a full view of the bottle

Let me start by saying that today was the first time I've ever had a Cactus Cooler. I had no idea that it was made by the Dr. Pepper/7-Up Inc. and was happy to find that it has a very exciting flavor that is different from the norm. Being a less-popular beverage, I'm surprised that I don't hear about it more. Even the Wikipedia article for it is extremely short. One of my philosophies for life is always try the obscure, give new things a chance. That is what I did today. As I write this review, I am drinking my first ever Cactus Cooler. Let's get started.

TASTE
Cactus Cooler has an almost perfect harmony of both orange and pineapple, with no flavor overpowering the other. This makes a unique original flavor, that can't be replicated. I've had a plethora of beverages over the years, and nothing tastes even close to Cactus Cooler. It has a slight bitter taste, but it's a complementary bitterness, and If it was a sweet taste I don't think that it would be as good. Making original flavor is tough these days, but Cactus Cooler pulls it off, and does it well.
76/100

TEXTURE
It seems almost Juicy, but sure enough there is a small amount of carbonation here. Not too much, but enough to make a nice tingle in your mouth that complements the flavor. A very well-balaced, thought out formula. It's almost as if the designers of the flavor wanted to make sure that the texture complemented it the most perfect way. This is one of the many reasons that I adore Dr. Pepper/7-Up Inc.
80/100

PACKAGING
The artwork on Cactus Cooler sets the mood instantly, making sure that you know that this is one badass drink, and they're not messing around. Well, actually, It's quite inviting, and has a nice western feel to it.

As you can see here, the art sports a spunky exclamation bubble, allowing us to know what this is supposed to be. At first, I had no clue what Cactus Cooler was supposed to taste like. This little bubble helped a lot. Cactus Cooler has a very unique font for their logo, unlike any I have seen. It fits in well with the backdrop, which in turn fits in well with the color of the drink itself. A huge sunrise/sunset adorns the background, with cacti on either side. Absolute gold.
85/100

OVERALL EXPERIENCE / FINAL THOUGHTS
For my first time drinking it, It was surprisingly enjoyable. The flavor isn't too different to make you not want to drink it, and the texture only helps its cause. A very nice balance is proven here, and while it can have a slightly bitter aftertaste, this -again- only helps the cause. I urge you to at least try a sip of Cactus Cooler sometime, as I'm positive you will never drink anything like it.

FINAL SCORE

75/100

Topaz Review of Mountain Dew Throwback

figure 1


seen here on the right

Ahhh, Mountain Dew, nectar of the gods. With such a distinct flavor, and loveable marketing campaign, how can you go wrong? Mountain Dew throwback is the original formula used when it was first graced upon this earth. It holds up perfectly today, and even better than original Dew. It may not see as much advertising, but it is incredible. The bottle says 'LIMITED TIME' on it, but I doubt that, as it has been on shelves for quite some time now. The main reason to pick it up is that it uses sugar instead of corn syrup, making for better flavor. Sugar used to be cheap enough to use in soda regularly, but as the price of sugar went up and the price of corn went down, the inevitable happened. Now, our only gateway to the past is Throwback.

The only other 'Throwback' drinks to enjoy are Pepsi, and Dr. Pepper. However, Dr. Pepper is not owned by PepsiCo. and therefore is separate from the 'Throwback' franchise, but is using the same concept of using the original formula.

For side-by-side comparison of the nutritional info of regular and throwback Pepsi and Mountain Dew, click HERE

TASTE
The formula from sixty-two years ago isn't much different from the present formula. The flavor has the same overall feel, with a few minor differences. First off, the flavor is more pronounced and bold, becuase there is no corn syrup to mask it. If you taste current "Mtn Dew" and Throwback side by side, you will notice that corn syrup can change how a beverage tastes. Drinking throwback is a unique experience, as if you weren't alive to taste the original formula from 62 years ago, you now have a chance. When the Pepsi Corperation decided to release throwback versions of their drinks, they had a younger generation in mind. It's working, Pepsi!
88/100

TEXTURE
It seems like the carbonation in Throwback is pretty much the same as the current formula. Again, it does seem a lot more bold, and this is becuase of the sugar. It's unfortunate that we will never know what the original carbonation was like, as it was definitley a lot different way back when. Pepsi can't replicate it because they upgraded their equipment that carbonates the beverage, using the newer equipment for the throwback drinks. It does it's job though, and it does it well. I'm just curious what it used to be like.
70/100

PACKAGING
As you can see at the top of this post, the Packaging back in the 50s was simple, yet appealing to the eye. The smooth edges of the words "Mountain Dew" were easy to look at, and the cartoon 'hillbilly' was a nice play on words. I'm happy that they decided to use this art, rather than the Logo that was used in the 70s, 80s, and 90s, as they did with 2009's Mountain Dew Throwback.

figure 2


This may feel more nostalgic for some, but might it might also feel a little monotonus, as it was the logo for thirty years. I have yet to see 2010's Throwback in a glass bottle, although I believe it exists. The original slogan for Mountain Dew in the 50s was "It'll tickle yore innards!" (Spelling of 'yore' intentional) Mountain Dew always had awesome marketing and bottle design, even from the very start.
90/100

OVERALL EXPERIENCE
Mountain Dew Throwback is a genious conception, and definitley made PepsiCo. a ton of money. For good reason too, as it is a quality product. No high-fructose corn syrup, only sugar. It makes for a bolder, and sweeter flavor that you can't beat. If you have a choice of buying either Mountain Dew Throwback or Mtn Dew, get Throwback. They really don't make it like they used to. Or wait.... I guess they do now.

TOTAL SCORE

95/100

TOPAZ CHOICE AWARD!

Topaz Review of Fanta Strawberry

Fanta Strawberry Flavor

I was happily surprised by the strawberry variant of Fanta. I found that it had a very unique flavor, with the perfect amount of carbonation to favor it. Although, it can wear on you, making the experience less enjoyable as you drink it.


TASTE
I have never tasted a soda with the kind of impact that Strawberry Fanta makes, with its unique strawberry taste. Well, I wouldn't call it strawberry exactly, becuase as you may know, artifical strawberry flavor tastes nothing like the fruit it was derived from. I have no problem with this in Fanta's situation however, as it wouldn't be Fanta if it was too real tasting. It is really hard to describe the flavor, as it is so original. After maybe ten minutes of this though, it starts to become redundant, and you don't feel like drinking it anymore. I personally felt a bit sick after 20 oz. of this stuff, which is definitley a bad sign. It could be because I'm not used to the flavor, but I doubt it.

65/100


TEXTURE
Strawberry Fanta is really fizzy, which goes really well with its flavor. The carbonation seems to increase the intensity of the flavor to some degree. The fizzing sensation in your mouth is almost tickling, if you hold your sip for maybe two seconds. Again, I think that after a bit, it starts to get old though. It is fun while it lasts though.

70/100


PACKAGING
The bottle that Fanta usually comes in has a normal sized bottom half, with the neck sporting the usual fanta design. Nothing too special here. I do like the art for the Fanta logo, and the strawberries next to it are obligatory. What I want to talk about here is the marketing. I thinkn that Fanta has one of the smartest marketing schemes ever devised. You take a few hot women, give them a catchy name that corresponds to the beverage, make them dance and sing, and BAM you have a profit. Very sly, marketing executives. Very sly.

80/100


OVERALL EXPERIENCE
I was content with Strawberry Fanta, but not impressed. The flavor does wear on you after a while, and the artifical-ness of it all is something that I dislike. Strawberry is not a flavor that is used in soft drinks all too often, so I give them Kudos for trying something different. Unfortunatley, it fell short.


60/100

Topaz Review of Neuro: Bliss

I deeply apologize to the less than 20 regular viewers for the extreme lateness of this review.

Neuro Bliss is an interesting concept, you drink it, and it's supposed to make you happier, more focused, and feel good overall. I have to stress that this is not intended for small children, as if they drank it, they would most definitley go off the handle. Twice.

TASTE
Neuro Bliss's flavor reminded me of squirt, with an almost chalky aftertaste. It's certainly an aquired taste, and since it makes you happy, the end justifies the means. Of course, Neuro is a supplement drink, so don't expect a wonderful flavor sensation, just expect it to taste alright, while reaching its goal.

70/100

TEXTURE
Neuro's texture is fairly simple. it's lightly carbonated, but enough so that it's not watery at all. It's the perfect amount for this type of beverage. When you take a sip, you focus more on the flavor, and the texture is more of an afterthought. It won't bother you!

75/100

PACKAGING
I love creative bottles, and I was super-excited when I saw the bottle that Neuro comes in. It looks like an old rocket, or maybe a lava-lamp. That sort of shape. The cap is the whole upper fourth of the bottle, which adds some awesome effect. The bottle is only 12 oz. I believe, but this is good, becuase Neuro is meant to be taken in small sessions, with a sip or two each time.

88/100

OVERALL EXPERIENCE
Neuro is fun to drink, because it makes you happy! It works for me, but I'm pretty sure that results vary from user to user. As you can probably tell from my 'Fentiman's' Review, I am somewhat of a lightweight, so it could just be me. Try it and see for yourself!

90/100

I also apologize for the briefness of this review. I have the attention span of a hummingbird today.