Tag: Monster Energy

REVIEW: Monster Reserve Kiwi Strawberry Energy Drink

Marvo

Monster Energy has rolled out a new addition to its Reserve Energy Drink line — Kiwi Strawberry. It follows Watermelon, White Pineapple, and Orange Dreamsicle. Also, I almost posted this review with every “Kiwi Strawberry” reference with “Strawberry Kiwi.” Thank goodness for Find and Replace.

That would’ve been embarrassing, but I don’t think I’ve seen “kiwi strawberry” before, and Google will probably prove me wrong. Yup, it did — lots of kiwi strawberry-flavored beverages. But what I’m not wrong about is how delightful tasting this Monster Reserve Kiwi Strawberry Energy Drink is.

If you’re unfamiliar with Monster’s Reserve lineup, they’re fruity takes on the original Monster Energy Drink. You could think of it as how Mtn Dew describes its flavors. You know, a Dew with a blast of (insert fruit name here) or a Dew charged with (insert fruit name here). This is Monster Energy with a jolt of kiwi strawberry.

I’ve only had the Orange Dreamsicle flavor, and the issue I had with it was its artificial sweetener-enhanced aftertaste that reminded me of orange medicine tablets. With this one, there were no such issues. Its syrupy strawberry aroma is inviting, and its flavor is also red-berry-heavy. As I consumed it, I thought it tasted similar to another energy drink or soda, but I couldn’t put my finger on what it was. As for the kiwi part, I’m unsure if the tanginess I’m noticing is from the strawberry or kiwi flavoring. I also, and this might only be my taste buds, occasionally get a slight cotton candy vibe from this that’s probably from the strawberry.

Monster’s Reserve Kiwi Strawberry Energy Drink is the best tasting flavor I’ve had from this Reserve line. Granted, I’ve only had two of the four. But if you enjoy kiwi strawberry or strawberry kiwi beverages and need a kick of caffeine, this is a tasty option.

Purchased Price: More than one should pay on eBay
Size: 16 fl oz can
Purchased at: eBay
Rating: 9 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (1 can) 120 calories, 0 grams of fat, 250 milligrams of sodium, 30 grams of carbohydrates, 28 grams of sugar (including 28 grams of added sugar), 0 grams of protein, and 160 milligrams of caffeine.

REVIEW: Monster Reserve Orange Dreamsicle Energy Drink

Marvo 2 Comments

Monster Reserve Orange Dreamsicle Energy Drink Can

It’s too bad that ice cream truck music doesn’t play when I open this Monster Reserve Orange Dreamsicle Energy Drink can because it captures the flavor of the popular frozen novelty. Although, it’s not perfect.

This isn’t Monster’s first product with this sweet, citrusy taste profile. That would be from the Reign Total Body Fuel line, which I haven’t tried, so I can’t compare. But it wouldn’t be a fair comparison since the Reign line is sugar free and this is (reads 28 grams of sugar in the Nutrition Facts) definitely not.

So what’s the deal with the Monster Reserve labeling? Is this fancy Monster that’s been aged in oak barrels? Is this Monster made with a special recipe that only a select few got to try at private tasting sessions in an underground energy drink cellar where to enter you had to say the password, which I assume is some crazy trick combo in Tony Hawk Pro Skater?

Sadly, no. Here’s what the company says about it on its website, “No juice, tea, coffee or any tweaks to the energy blend. Monster Reserve is straight-up original Monster in new amazing flavors. It’s the ideal combo of the right ingredients in the right proportion to deliver the big bad buzz that only Monster can.”

So it’s a regular Monster, but in a different flavor. Okay. Cool.

But here’s the thing, it’s not exactly a regular Monster, but in a different flavor. Although it’s not sugar-free, I get an aftertaste that reminds me of energy drinks that are. And that’s because there’s Sucralose in it, which I’m pretty sure “straight-up original Monster” doesn’t have, and I find it odd that it’s in this.

Monster Reserve Orange Dreamsicle Energy Drink Glass

While the aftertaste is unexpected, it’s not off-putting and everything before is delightful. First off, it smells soooo good. It’s like I’m trying to eat an actual orange Dreamsicle with my nose. Then there’s the orange sherbet and cream flavor that excites my taste buds and makes me wish I could get my caffeine via an ice cream bar on a stick.

But, again, once that fades, I’m left with an artificial sweetener-enhanced aftertaste that reminds me a bit of orange-flavored medicine tablets. As someone who enjoys Monster’s Ultra line, I’m okay with other sweeteners. But in this, it creates a slightly disappointing end that’s inconsistent with this energy drink’s delicious and sugary beginning.

Purchased Price: More than one should pay on eBay
Size: 16 fl oz can
Purchased at: eBay
Rating: 8 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (1 can) 120 calories, 0 grams of fat, 360 milligrams of sodium, 32 grams of carbohydrates, 28 grams of sugar (including 28 grams of added sugar), 0 grams of protein, and 160 milligrams of caffeine.

REVIEW: Monster Rehab Watermelon

Marvo 5 Comments

Monster Rehab Watermelon Can

What is it?

Monster Rehab Watermelon is the newest flavor in Monster Energy’s non-carbonated, electrolyte-filled, vitamin B-stuffed, botanical-infused, and caffeine-charged recovery beverage line.

How is it?

If you’re familiar with Monster Energy’s Ultra Watermelon, you’ll know how this tastes. But if not, it has a flavor similar to hard candy that’s artificially flavored to taste like the fruit but in liquid form. Comparing Ultra Watermelon with this Rehab, I’d have to say they’re very similar, although I think the fruitiness is slightly subdued in this one. Basically, what I’m trying to say is that if you’ve had one Monster Energy watermelon-flavored beverage, you’ve had them all. However, this is much easier to drink because it’s not carbonated. So if you dislike carbonation because the bubbles tickling your nose bothers you, and want a watermelon-flavored pick-me-up, then this is a great option.

Monster Rehab Watermelon Can Glass

Anything else you need to know?

I don’t imbibe the Rehab line often, and I can’t remember the last time I had one. I almost always reach for anything from the Ultra line because I like bubbles tickling my nose. Although, I don’t know if I’m the demographic for the Rehab line. It seems as if it’s for folks whose lifestyles are a bit more, um, glug glug the drinkie drinkie than mine. Apparently, the milk thistle and quercetin in Monster Rehab beverages have detoxification effects.

Also, for some reason, this variety has 150 milligrams of caffeine, while all the other Monster Rehab varieties have 160 milligrams. Ooooh, caffeine-gate.

Conclusion:

Monster Rehab Watermelon is a great tasting recovery beverage. So if you need to recover after a hard night of drinking, this may help. Although, if you got drunk from watermelon vodka, watermelon margaritas, watermelon mint mojitos, watermelon soju, watermelon shochu, or watermelon beers, you might want to pass.

DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary product samples and some swag from Monster Energy. Doing so did not influence my review.

Purchased Price: FREE
Size: 15.5 fl oz
Purchased at: Received from Monster Energy
Rating: 8 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (1 can) 25 calories, 0 grams of fat, 150 milligrams of sodium, 5 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of sugar (2 grams of added sugar), 0 grams of protein, and 150 milligrams of caffeine

REVIEW: Java Monster Nitro Cold Brew Coffee

Marvo 8 Comments

Java Monster Nitro Cold Brew Cans

What is Java Monster Nitro Cold Brew Coffee?

It’s Monster Energy’s attempt to enter the slowly growing canned nitrogen-infused cold brew coffee market. Since 2020, Starbucks has been selling canned versions of its Nitro Cold Brew. Also, a handful of smaller coffee brands have theirs. But behind Starbucks, Monster Energy is probably the next biggest name to have one.

If you’re unfamiliar with the coffee drink, adding the element with an atomic weight of 14.0067 (I still remember it off the top of my head…after Googling it 10 seconds ago) into coffee gives it a smoother texture and head of foam when poured. Java Monster Nitro Cold Brew is available in two varieties — Sweet Black and Latte.

How are they?

Java Monster Nitro Cold Brew Latte

I like my coffee how I like my babies, full of milk. So I started with the Latte version. Pouring it created a thick foamy head, but perhaps too thick because of how I poured it. So I had to wait a while for it to shrink before drinking it. With the foam, its flavor reminds me of a regular Java Monster, but slightly watered down and less creamy, which I guess could be considered a smooth texture? Once the foam disappears into the liquid, the headless drink has more flavor, but it’s still less creamy than Monster’s regular coffee energy drinks. It’s okay, but I wouldn’t repurchase it.

Java Monster Nitro Cold Brew Sweet Black

Pouring the Sweet Black version resulted in a less pronounced foam head. It also has a less noticeable flavor. Even though there’s no sugar, it’s slightly sweet, and it isn’t very bitter, which is expected for cold brew. But much like the Latte one, it tastes watered down when drinking it with the foam. I thought, much like the Latte one, the flavor would perk up when the foam melts into the drink, but that wasn’t the case. While I enjoy Starbucks’ Black Nitro Cold Brew, I’m not a fan of this.

Anything else you need to know?

A can has 200 milligrams of caffeine thanks to the coffee and, of course, Monster’s proprietary energy blend. It’s the same amount you’ll find in most regular Java Monster flavors.

Also, the coffee is, I guess, pre-mixed with nitrogen. Unlike the Starbucks canned Nitro Cold Brew and Nitro Pepsi, there isn’t a nitrogen infuser at the can’s bottom that activates when opened. So, I’m sorry, ASMRers. There isn’t a satisfying hiss.

Conclusion:

As someone who loves Java Monster and Starbucks Nitro Cold Brew, I thought there would be a good chance I’d enjoy Monster’s Nitro Cold Brew, but both varieties are underwhelming.

Purchased Price: More than one should pay on eBay
Size: 13.5 fl oz cans
Purchased at: eBay
Rating: 6 out of 10 (Latte), 5 out of 10 (Sweet Black)
Nutrition Facts: (1 can) Sweet Black – 10 calories, 0 grams of fat, 330 milligrams of sodium, 3 grams of carbohydrates, 0 grams of sugar, and 0 grams of protein. Latte – 100 calories, 3 grams of fat, 2 grams of saturated fat, 10 milligrams of cholesterol, 490 milligrams of sodium, 12 grams of carbohydrates, 8 grams of sugar (0 grams of added sugar), and 7 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Monster Aussie Lemonade Energy Juice

Marvo 8 Comments

Monster Aussie Lemonade Energy Juice Can

What is Monster Energy Juice Aussie Lemonade?

I’ll let the Monster Energy website explain:

Inspired by the land down under with over 10,000 beaches, the Great Barrier Reef, and home to some of the most exotic citrus on earth comes Juice Monster Aussie Style Lemonade.

Monster’s twist on classic lemonade, we hit the ideal balance of tart and sweet with a burst of fresh citrus flavor. As always, it’s chockers with our world-famous Monster Energy Blend.

Bonza.

How is it?

It’s lemonade with a little something-something, and it’s heaps good and refreshing.

Monster Aussie Lemonade Energy Juice Yellow

Monster’s description of it is accurate. It does have the ideal balance of tart and sweet, making it easy to drink. It’s not sour enough to make my lips pucker, but it does make my lips want to take more sips of it. Much like other Monster Juice varieties, there is nothing in its taste to indicate there are 160 milligrams of caffeine and only 2% fruit juice floating in the can.

That “something-something” I mentioned earlier tastes like lime to me. It’s almost as if someone mixed lemonade with some lemon-lime soda. While lemon juice is an ingredient, lime juice isn’t. So I might be bloody wrong.

Anything else you need to know?

I have no idea what Aussie-style lemonade is because most of the top Google search results for it ended up being about this energy drink. And that makes me wonder if it’s a thing that Monster Energy made up. I did learn that if you order lemonade in Australia, you’ll get a lemon-lime soda, like Sprite. I also found a recipe for Aussie-style lemonade that involves sugar, water, lemon juice, and finely shredded lemon rinds. But that was the ONLY recipe I found.

Can any of our Australian readers clue us into what the fat-tailed dunnart is Aussie-style lemonade? Do we have Australian readers?

Also, the Great Barrier Reef can design is bonza.

Conclusion:

While Monster Aussie Lemonade Energy Juice is a ripper, I don’t think it’s as great as Monster Pacific Punch or Pipeline Punch. But it’s a tasty, easy-drinking lemonade with a nice 160-milligram caffeine kick.

Purchased Price: More than anyone should pay on eBay
Size: 16 fl oz can
Purchased at: eBay
Rating: 8 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (1 can) 190 calories, 0 grams of fat, 150 milligrams of sodium, 50 grams of carbohydrates, 46 grams of sugar (46 grams of added sugar), 0 grams of protein, and 160 milligrams of caffeine.