Tag: Energy Drink

REVIEW: Red Bull Summer Edition Watermelon Energy Drink

Vin 2 Comments

Red Bull Summer Edition Watermelon Energy Drink

What is Red Bull Summer Edition Watermelon?

Summertime and the livin’s easy, even in the middle of Febru-ary…

The Groundhog may have called for an early spring, but the Red Bull isn’t having any of that chilly damp nonsense.

With the release of new Watermelon Summer Edition, Red Bull has officially declared it summertime.

Who are we to argue with the company that gives us wings?! Welcome to summer, folks!

How is it?

This may be the first energy drink I’ve had in ages that actually gave me real energy. I chalk that up to the fact the flavor was not the sweet watermelon I was expecting.

Red Bull Summer Edition Watermelon Energy Drink Closeup

It smelled like typical artificial watermelon candy or Jell-O – which I love – but it tasted more like an under ripened watermelon mixed with citrus flavors.

An unripe watermelon is usually a major buzzkill, but it worked well in energy drink form.

Summer Edition Watermelon is one of the sourest Red Bulls I’ve ever had, and I kinda dug that.

Is there anything else I need to know?

There’s a quick burst of watermelon that transitions to a very citrusy finish. I’d totally believe this was “Watermelon-lemon” flavored. Actually, I’d think lemon or lime would be the first flavor listed in that mix because the acidity is what lingers the longest in each sip.

They shoulda called it Sublime-Watermelon. Right? Remember when I referenced their song earlier?

I usually whine about something being too sweet and cloying, but as much as I enjoyed this, it probably coulda been about 25% closer to the Jolly Rancher Watermelon flavor. That would have made this a Hall of Famer.

Conclusion:

If you’re buying a Red Bull, you’re looking for that shot of energy, and I think this one will give you a pep in your step.

I didn’t get the watermelon flavor I anticipated, but I still wasn’t disappointed. It’s not my favorite Red Bull, but with it getting this super early release, I can see myself grabbing it a few more times over this eight-month summer.

Purchased Price: $2.50
Size: 12 Fl. Oz.
Purchased at: Walmart
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 160 calories, 0 grams of fat, 125 milligrams of sodium, 40 grams of total carbohydrates, 38 grams of total sugars, 0 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Coca-Cola Energy Zero Sugar

Louis 7 Comments

Coca-Cola Energy Zero Sugar and Zero Sugar Cherry

Like many dumb kids from the 80s, one of my favorite sodas – much to my parents’ chagrin – was the now-legendary Jolt Cola. Appearing infrequently and in different incarnations over the past few years — as chewing gum even, if I remember correctly – they’ve never been able to recapture that shaky soda feeling that was very much part of the whole experience.

Now, probably about twenty years too late, Coca-Cola is dropping its official entry into the energy drink movement with, of course, Coca-Cola Energy. Loaded with around 114 milligrams of caffeine — that’s comparable with a 12 oz. can of Red Bull, natch — the flavors not only come in original and cherry but in sugar and sugar-free options as well. Something for everyone!

Still, with all the caffeine I ingested over the past few hours, you bet your sweet ass I went with the sugar-free selections.

Coca Cola Energy Zero Sugar Closeup

Typically I’m more of a Diet Coke drinker than a Coke Zero fanboy, so it’s always a bit jolting — no pun intended — to have the close-to-original flavor of Coke coating my tongue once again with Coca-Cola Energy Zero Sugar. With none of the guarana aftertaste that sullies most energy drinks, the mixture of caffeine and b-vitamins is mostly undetectable.

But, sadly, they maybe were a little too undetectable. I was not feeling that rush of energy, that second-wind that sweeps through my person whenever I down a Sugar-Free Red Bull, for example. It was a bit disappointing. I almost feel like I could have had about two Diet Cokes with the same basic effect.

Coca Cola Energy Zero Sugar Cherry Closeup

I figured that with no change in my typical alertness, it was the perfect time to try the Zero Sugar Cherry, which has more of a bite than Cherry Coke Zero or Diet Cherry Coke. While this variation is definitely tastier than the regular Coca-Cola Energy Zero Sugar, a little still goes a long way and I had to quickly swig the last half down.

The energy drink has a cinnamon-like flair that reminds me of the recent holidays and Christmases of long ago, like a liquidly Dickens ghost. Sadly, this spectre is still not the kinetic wave I was promised. Instead, it’s an artificially-flavored energy letdown.

Maybe, like an addict who needs harsher, more dangerous drugs to get off, I’ve spent so much of my life downing these lightning bolts of fraudulent energy that these Coca-Cola products don’t work for me.

Regardless, I’m glad Coke slapped its name on these products and threw them on the shelves. But, you know, when it comes to name-brand sodas dipping their toes in this business, you still can’t go wrong with those Mountain Dew Game Fuel drinks.

Purchased Price: $1.79 each
Size: 12 fl. oz. cans
Purchased at: Walmart
Rating: 5 out of 10 (both)
Nutrition Facts: (12 fl. oz.) 0 calories, 0 grams of fat, 40 milligrams of sodium, 0 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of sugar, and 0 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Java Monster Oatmilk Farmer’s Oats

Vin

Java Monster Oatmilk Farmer s Oats

What is Java Monster Oatmilk Farmer’s Oats?

A new vegan-friendly Monster Java flavor using one of 2019’s trendiest beverages – oatmilk.

How is it?

I always avoid reading opinions about products I’m about to review, but I happened to stumble on a few super negative tweets that shocked me because I liked this just fine.

Upon cracking the can, I was met with a heartwarming smell that reminded me of Italian coffee hard candies my Grandmother used to eat, so maybe nostalgia blinded my opinion a little? (BTW, if that isn’t a perfect “Grandma Candy,” I don’t know what is.)

Java Monster Oatmilk Farmer s Oats Glass

The flavor wasn’t too far off from the other Monster coffees I’ve tried and enjoyed. I thought it was sweetened to perfection. The taste was faintly caramel with a little cinnamon – neither of which show up in the ingredients, but that’s what I got.

There’s a Rockstar Horchata flavor that it reminded me of a bit.

Is there anything else you need to know?

This may not sound like a ringing endorsement, but it was way thinner than I expected. The oatmilk I’ve tried had a pleasant viscosity to it, like a thicker almond milk, with a slightly stranger taste that really works.

That goes by the wayside here.

Java Monster Oatmilk Farmer s Oats Closeup

It kinda tasted like an iced coffee that sat around too long and got watered down, but still somehow held the initial flavor.

I got a faint taste of oatmilk, though, and I thought the finish was really nice. There was a non-cloying coating and aftertaste that reminded me of the flavor I get after demolishing a bowl of coffee ice cream.

Java Monster Oatmilk Farmer s Oats Artwork

Oh, and I did get a quick little boost of energy about 10 minutes after the last sip. It was short-lived, but that’s always the case for me and “energy” drinks. It’s not replacing my two morning cups of coffee in that department.

Conclusion:

Java Monster Oatmilk Farmer s Oats Copy

Ignoring the cliché Vegan joke on the can – “Haha, Vegans always be talkin’ bout how they Vegan!” – I’m a fan, and probably a repeat buyer. It may not be the best Java Monster flavor, but it’s still a worthy addition to the team.

Maybe those tweets are right and I’m nuts, but this is worth a shot, and I will definitely be trying oatmilk in my coffee soon.

Purchased Price: $2.14
Size: 15 fl. oz.
Purchased at: Walmart
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (15 fl oz) 150 calories, 4 grams of fat, .5 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 480 milligrams of sodium, 31 grams of total carbohydrates, 5 gram of dietary fiber, 25 grams of total sugars, and 2 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Red Bull Summer Edition Beach Breeze

Vin 13 Comments

Red Bull Summer Edition Beach Breeze

What is Red Bull Summer Edition Beach Breeze?

It’s a Red Bull. Thanks for reading the review, enjoy your summer folks!

How is it?

Ok, I’ll elaborate more, but Beach Breeze is unmistakably Red Bull.

It tastes like a sour Red Bull with an added coconut finish. The sour aspect is probably supposed to ape a fruit flavor, so I’d guess they were going for unripe pineapple?

Red Bull Summer Edition Beach Breeze Glass

If you’ve ever wondered what Red Bull’s attempt at a Pina Colada might taste like, this may be as close as you’ll get – a sour Red Bull with a fragrant artificial coconut aftertaste.

Is there anything else you need to know?

Red Bull Summer Edition Beach Breeze Ingredients List

I could be wrong about the pineapple. There’s no fruit listed in the chemical – pardon me, ingredient list. Perhaps I just tasted the “glycerol ester of wood rosin.” Mmm! It’s not officially summer until I’ve had some “glycerol ester of wood rosin.”

Red Bull Summer Edition Beach Breeze Alka Seltzer

And with that sarcastically said, we don’t need fake dyes in our energy drinks, but Beach Breeze’s color is super disappointing. This is a nitpick, but I poured this into one of my “fancy” beer glasses, expecting a cool light blue color and got what looked like the aftermath of a dissolved Alka-Seltzer tablet.

Conclusion:

I love Pina Colada, and coconut especially. The last thing I drank from the aforementioned beer glass was a delicious coconut stout. The coconut here is cheap and artificial. The pineapple is essentially an educated guess, and it’s a little too sour to really stick out amongst the handful of Red Bull flavors you’ll find next to this in the fridge. For example, I tried the Sugar Free Pear flavor a few days later, and it was much better.

In fairness, Beach Breeze gave me a little pep in my step. I didn’t sprout wings, and it didn’t “vitalize my body and mind,” but it was still kinda refreshing despite the “meh” flavor.

Purchased Price: $2.59
Size: 12 fl. oz.
Purchased at: Shop Rite
Rating: 4 out of 10
Nutrition Facts:: (1 Can) 160 calories, 0 grams of fat, 125 milligrams of sodium, 40 grams of carbohydrates, 38 grams of sugar, less than 1 gram of protein, 140% niacin, 120% vitamin B12, 365% vitamin B6, 70% pantothenic acid, and 114 milligrams of caffeine.

REVIEW: Rockstar Pure Zero TMGS Twist

Marvo 1 Comment

Rockstar Pure Zero TMGS Twist

What is Rockstar Pure Zero TMGS Twist?

Rockstar Pure Zero TMGS Twist is the latest Pure Zero variety from Rockstar Energy. It is the sequel to the delicious Pure Zero TMGS, whose flavor features four fruits — tangerine, mango, guava, and strawberry. This energy drink has all of that, but also a twist, which I will not spoil yet.

It’s lime.

How is it?

With the first sip, it has that wonderful tropical flavor that TMGS has. But then the lime quickly kicks in. No disrespect to the green citrus fruit because it makes tortilla chips and my McDonald’s Southwest Salad tasty, but it gets in the way of the fruits I really want to taste. The lime is not a backup singer in this energy drink. It’s also not part of a choir. It’s the Beyoncé of the beverage. It stands out and you can’t avoid it.

With that said, it’s a pleasant, refreshing, and heart rate-rising beverage, thanks to the 240 milligrams of sweet caffeine, but if you were to give me the option between original TMGS and TMGS Twist, I’d pick the former. But between TMGS Twist and other flavors in the Pure Zero line, I’d probably choose the one with Beyoncé most of the time.

If you’re not familiar with the Pure Zero line, they have no sugar and zero calories, but, like TMGS, this also doesn’t taste like a zero sugar, zero calorie energy drink. But if you drink it warm, then all the artificial sweeteners come into play.

Is there anything else you need to know?

Rockstar Pure Zero TMGS Twist Orange

While the original TMGS was pink in color, TMGS Twist is orange. I also wasted a few minutes of my life wondering what color pink and green (for lime) would make. It’s not orange. It turns out it’s gray. Yum.

As of publication, it’s an ampm (yup, that’s the correct spelling) exclusive, but I imagine it’ll end up in other stores later because it’s too good to keep it locked with one regional convenience store chain that seems to get exclusivity with Rockstar flavors regularly.

Conclusion:

Rockstar Pure Zero TMGS Twist is another great flavor from the energy drink company. While I do enjoy it, again, I like it ever so slightly less than the original TMGS.

Thanks to TIB reader Rene B for sending me a can.

Purchased Price: $2.79
Size: 16-ounce can
Purchased at: ampm
Rating: 8 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (8 ounces) 0 calories, 0 grams of fat, 100 milligrams of sodium, 0 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of sugar, and 0 grams of protein.