Caffeine Energy Drink

An energy drink labeled "Caffeine"? Nothing seems to be more obvious. So obvious, I am surprised no one has done this before now. Naming your drink after the reason people drink energy drinks for is either the best idea in the world, or could be a complete flop. Other great names for products seem to be a too obvious choice, only to crash and burn if not handled expertly. Look at how many times Sex.com has failed companies and caused bankruptcies. There is a fine line to play between the unique and the generic with a brand like this, and fortunately, I think Caffeine is doing many of the right things. While I think there are some small issues that might really help the drink succeed, overall there is a whole lot of nice good bouncy energy to be found.

Taste:9
I was very afraid this drink would taste like caffeine - which is a horrible bitter substance when tasted straight ( I will be reviewing bulk caffeine powder next week). On first smell, it did not remind me of anything, and had a unique, almost floral smell to it. On first swallow, this does not taste bitter or harsh at all. Instead, the flavor and smell reminded me a whole lot of sprite - only more Limey than Lemony. The green color and carbonation was as light as the flavor, lending to a very refreshing and easy drinking couple of gulps. I wish I could have sipped this drink more, but with both cans I received from them, chugging it all down just seemed too easy and natural.

Packaging:8
Right now, for this startup drink company, the important thing to get down right the first time is the can. If the can looks too similar to other energy drinks, is too generic or XTREME, failure is eminent. This has to look clean, very different, and must be memorable enough to really stick in people's minds. Fortunately, the designer of Caffeine Energy took a hard edged, almost druggie angle, keeping this one out in front of all the other drinks on the convenience store shelf. The only drink this is even close to looking like is Cocaine energy - only stark black and white. There is an odd almost bloody red coffee-cup-stain circle - which does not make any sense - but it looks very very cool regardless.

In terms of mechanics, the can needs some work. There is no listing of caffeine content. There is no double facing. The lid is slapped on. This means that being able to hold the drink in the correct direction so others can see the coolness of your energy drink is very difficult. also, stocking the drink in convenience store coolers is more difficult. While the design is really nice, fixin those errors would make this can stellar.

Buzz:8
Caffeine does not fool around. You want caffeine? That is what you get. 100% Natural caffeine; around 140mg of it. Along with that, there is a ton of sugar and calories (39g of sugar, and 160 calories in a 12 ounce can), vitamin B complex, a full 100% of your vitamin C, Folic acid and a little pantothenic acid too. No Taurine, ginseng, inositol, Red Deer Antler powder, or any of the other silly things companies pack into their drinks. Actually, I was kind of surprised Caffeine Energy did not have more caffeine in it. 140mg in a 12 ounce can is as little more than the regular monsters and Red Bulls, but not by much. for 12 ounces, a Monster would have around 120mg, so the extra 20mg is not really that much more.

It would have been impressive if they added as much as cocaine energy, with over 250mg, or some of the more intense caffeine drinks. The "100% natural with no preservatives" angle is cool, especially the forgoing of High Fructose Corn syrup for sugar and dextrose, but I am not sure why they would mess up that natural ingredient list with Yellow #5, Blue #1.