Tag: Energy Drink

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: Mtn Dew Energy Pitch Black

Marvo 1 Comment

NOTE: Mtn Dew Energy Pitch Black will be released in January 2023. Thanks to Mtn Dew for sending samples.

Mtn Dew Energy Pitch Black’s can SCREAMS Halloween. The purple and black colors bring witches and nighttime to mind, the green makes me think of monsters and zombies, and the white letters could represent ghosts, mummies, or the white void of nothingness that should scare us all.

But you’re probably reading this around its release in January 2023, so it’s past All Hallows Eve. However, the original Mountain Dew Pitch Black soda had a history with the holiday. It debuted during the 2004 Halloween season, and a sequel came out a year after.

While Mtn Dew Energy Pitch Black has nothing to do with Halloween, it does have a lot of caffeeine. Like others in the Mtn Dew Energy line, a can has 180 milligrams of the good stuff and ingredients that help support your immune system and give you a mental boost.

This energy drink is riding on the return of Mtn Dew Pitch Black and the introduction of Pitch Black Zero Sugar, both of which I reviewed earlier. In that review, I wrote that the zero sugar one tastes like a watered down version of the original and that I love the flavor of Pitch Black so much that I can’t get over the taste compromises that were made. But this Mtn Dew Energy flavor is much better tasting than the Zero Sugar version, and it accomplishes that with just four grams of sugar. There are hints of artificial sweeteners in it, but they’re less noticeable, probably thanks to the addition of fruit juice. It has enough of the original Pitch Black’s grape flavor and sugariness that I could see myself picking this up instead of the regular soda when I want a larger caffeine kick that’s almost twice as much as the sodas.

Despite the can describing the flavor as a “dark citrus punch,” it tastes like the grape Pitch Black from almost two decades ago. I don’t care how Mtn Dew describes it. It tastes like the original to me.

In my review of Mtn Dew Energy Code Red, I wrote that it might be my favorite in the energy drink line, but it will have to move over because this is now my favorite. I hope it never disappears. Or if it does, I hope Mtn Dew brings it back for Halloween.

DISCLOSURE: I received a free product sample from Mtn Dew. Doing so did not influence my review.

Purchased Price: FREE
Size: 16 fl oz can
Purchased at: Received from Mtn Dew
Rating: 9 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (1 can) 25 calories, 0 grams of fat, 170 milligrams of sodium, 5 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of sugar (including 0 grams of added sugar), and 0 grams of protein.

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: Ghost Warheads Sour Green Apple Energy Drink

Sean 3 Comments

Ghost Energy Warheads Sour Green Apple Energy Drink Can

What is it?

Another entry into the sugar-free energy drink candy collaboration saga from one of the fastest-growing supplement brands in the game. It combines 200 milligrams of natural caffeine from coffee, 1000 milligram of taurine, 1000 milligrams of L-Carnitine, and a handful of focus ingredients into one ready-to-drink package. Warheads Sour Green Apple is available initially only at GNC, with a wider rollout anticipated later in the year.

How is it?

Absolutely fantastic. It’s no secret I’m a fan of GHOST Energy, and once again, the folks at GHOST have knocked it out of the park. Shattered the backboard. Hit the buzzer beater. This is sour apple perfection.

Ghost Energy Warheads Sour Green Apple Energy Drink Glass

The flavor is full on tart and juicy green apple, followed by a lip-puckering sourness that’s just enough to tickle your tongue without being off-putting. It makes me brush my tongue against the roof of my mouth to fully process its depth but stops short of going full-on actual Warheads sour. It’s not quite as tart as GHOST’s Watermelon Warhead from its 2020 launch lineup, but it’s right below it, with more intensity than Sour Patch Kids’ RedBerry and Blue Raspberry.

Ghost Energy Warheads Sour Green Apple Energy Drink Clear

The carbonation is a perfect middle ground of tight fizzy-ness that leaves the finish smooth and refreshing while letting the candied notes shine. Sour Green Apple is intensely sour-candy-tasting yet very drinkable, all in the same swig. It’s magical.

Anything else you need to know?

This summer, Reign discontinued its Sour Apple flavor, which was in my top three from that line, and I no longer mourn its absence because this is even better. The flavors are comparable, but the GHOST version has a clearer, punchier, more full-bodied flavor and smoother energy; it’s similar but better in every way. If you’ve been sad that Reign Sour Apple got RIP’d, I recommend ordering a case of this without even trying it — it’s THAT good.

Conclusion:

If you dig sour, apple, or especially sour apple drinks, this is a no-brainer buy that will do well to switch up your daily caffeine routine. Think Martinelli’s Gold Medal Sparkling Cider meets Green Apple Jolly Rancher — so good. GHOST continues to cement itself as the most consistent and impressive purveyor of sugar-free pick-me-ups, and I can’t get enough.

Purchased Price: $2.99
Size: 16 oz can
Purchased at: GNC
Rating: 10 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (1 can) 10 calories, 0 grams of fat, 0 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 0 milligrams of cholesterol, 35 milligrams of sodium, 2 grams of carbohydrates,0 gram of fiber, 0 grams of sugar, 0 grams of protein.

REVIEW: Red Bull Winter Edition Fig Apple Energy Drink

Marvo 4 Comments

Red Bull Winter Edition Fig Apple Energy Drink Can

My experience with figs is limited to one product — Fig Newtons. I’ve never taken a bite from the fruit, seen one in real life, or earned one as an ancient Olympian, but I know they can be purple.

However, if you showed me a purple onion but told me it was a fig, I’d believe you. And if you put a Purple Vienna kohlrabi in front of me and told me it’s a fig, I know you’re telling a fib. But now my exposure to the fruit has expanded beyond moist cookies thanks to Red Bull’s new Winter Edition Fig Apple Energy Drink.

The aroma from the spout smells like apple hard candy, but at times, my nose thinks it’s watermelon candy. Maybe that’s the fig? Whatever it is, it’s not repulsive unless you dislike the smell of Jolly Rancher.

Red Bull Winter Edition Fig Apple Energy Drink Glass

What I think is the fig is present immediately after taking a sip, and I’m going to describe it poorly as what I imagine artificial raisin flavor is like. It’s a weird introduction, but a familiar apple taste follows it, along with a noticeable sourness. After the initial burst, the fig fades, and it’s all apple, even throughout the aftertaste. And that apple makes this Red Bull a worthwhile, decent tasting energy drink that I’d sip again.

I also want to add that while I was drinking this, my taste buds had flashbacks to when it seemed like everyone, including your grandma, had their own energy drink that was a Red Bull knockoff. Maybe it’s the fig or the sourness, but that Red Bull knockoff-ness isn’t bad. It’s just something I noticed.

I’m too lazy to spend five minutes looking this up, but I think Red Bull’s Winter Edition Fig Apple is the first fig-flavored energy drink ever. (Internet, prove me wrong.) I wouldn’t place it among my Red Bull favorites, but I found it enjoyable. Although, if it was a straight-up apple-flavored Red Bull, I’d like it more.

Purchased Price: More than one should pay on eBay
Size: 12 oz can
Purchased at: eBay
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: (1 can) 160 calories, 0 grams of fat, 130 milligrams of sodium, 40 grams of carbohydrates, 38 grams of sugar (including 38 grams of added sugar), 0 grams of protein, and 114 milligrams of caffeine.