Bawls Energy Drink Review! REGULAR and EXXTRA Flavors!!

So in shopping I come across products that are either interesting and or eye catching. This is one of those products, just not on product name but bottle shape. I have to be honest, I've heard of these from Think Geek, since they specialize in some of the more rare energy drinks. However, the local grocery store had these and I was more than excited to see that so I grabbed one of each. Not really knowing the difference in the two flavors and or caffeine content...I grabbed them both.

Such a cool bottle!

This is the original flavored Bawls drink, and certainly my expectations were high from the moment I picked it up. I didn't really notice what flavor it was supposed to be but suffice to say this is probably tied for the best tasting energy drink I've had, BING energy drink. So when I was trying this for the first time, I'd have to say, my first impression was that there was a ton of carbonation in it. There was definitely a good amount of sweetness and all that, however I believe there wasn't a LOT of caffeine or other energy products in it.

Got to love the warning label!! Read it :)

Last couple thing I'll say is, the label is at least humorous. However, the big appeal for this is the bottle, however they print directly onto the glass, so you can't really re-use it unless you really like the label. My fiancée wanted to keep it for maybe a small flower vase, but yeah, with the name Bawls, not something to keep out in open I suppose, you know with kids and all that...

EXXTRA!!!!!!

On to the second part, since this is a 2 part review :-). I'm unaware if they make any other kinds, however I will say that right on the cap (pictured below), the EXXTRA variety has more caffeine in it, and you can certainly taste it. Again, not really a huge complaint, but this drink has less sugar and more caffeine, a certain recipe for disaster. I'd like to say that Bawls may have missed the boat on this one, however, I think with the extra caffeine, it's certainly admissible, because it actually tasted more like a traditional energy drink. It kind of tastes more like club soda and less like a soft drink. So unless you really are only drinking this one for a caffeine buzz, buy the regular flavor (blue bottle).

Woo hoo! More caffeine!!

In closing, the drink has a funny, and certainly catchy name, but both these flavors have their perks. If you want a buzz, get the EXXTRA. However if you're looking for a fair buzz, that has a much more mellow and smooth taste (by energy drink standards), try the regular. Bottom line, if you're looking to try a new energy drink, definitely try these ones... you might like them both!

Thanks again for taking time to read!

Stocky~

Ramune Shirakiku Brand *Lychee Flavor*

Back in the swing of things, during my trip I picked up a few random items, all of which will end up on this blog. If you haven't noticed yet, I really am still in the realm of junk foods. I don't think this is a bad thing, just yet. Anyway for my review today I'm doing another brand of Ramune Soda, Shirakiku, based out of a few Asian countries. I will say I'm on a bit of a lychee kick, which is weird, considering I'm not a huge fan of the flavor, but I like new things.

Another look at Ramune Bottling

So in my previous reviews I wrote the typical appeal on Ramune is the bottle. This certainly was one of the deciding factors on why I buy these soda's. Anyway, I really like the the smell of this, however it tastes just like it smells, like sweet perfume. For most people this can be a problem, as I've found with most lychee drinks, the smell. It smells kind of like drug store potpourri. Again, it's not a "bad" drink, but just not something I would probably recommend as a 'safe' or 'first timer' drink. Stick with Ramune (sangria) melon flavor, or original flavor.

Full bottle shot!

Again not a whole lot of color or real good 'flavor' in this drink. Certainly it tasted cheaper and not as good as the Sangria brand Ramune. I'd still say if you want to try something new, and relatively good, you can try one of these. Although you won't be blown away with the flavor or texture, you can still have the satisfaction from drinking from such a cool bottle and marble. Overall I'd have to say this deserves a 6.8 out of 10, since it's not necessarily BAD, but not GOOD either. There isn't a whole lot about this that I could put my finger on as being memorable. Anyway, this might be worth a try for lychee fans.

Thanks for reading,

Stocky!

Jumex Mango Nectar Review

I think it's about time that I did a review on something from a different part of the world. This "nectar" is from Jumex, in Mexico but is distributed in the USA from San Antonio, TX. I really have to be honest and really just picked this up on a whim that I could possibly mix this with a splash of coconut rum. Again, definitely one of my more random moments, but will this one pay off?

Kind of a "busy" label

I didn't know what to expect from a "nectar" drink having never had one before. I have had my fair share of juices and the like, but nothing labeled specifically nectar. Anyway, I will say this was an afterthought, and I did buy this along with some coconut milk/water; which I may review later sometime. As far as how this product smells, my significant other said it smelled rotten etc. However if you've ever been around fresh mangoes ... they can sometimes smell a bit "off". However, I wasn't bothered by it, just giving a different opinion.

As Mentioned, this is mixed with Sweet Tea, nothing else... strangely good.

As you can probably see above, this isn't exactly what the nectar looks like. The color and texture of the nectar is very thick (for a standalone drink), and almost a fluorescent yellow. Overall, I only took a sip of this without a mix or even water, and it was too sweet, even for my tastes. However, as shown above, this can be mixed with almost anything, even a southern USA staple, sweet tea! I again, did try and mix a bit with some coconut flavored liquor, and it was pretty awesome.

Contains 30% Juice, Not Bad!

Wow, is all I could really say about this. It's extremely versatile, and I bet I could drink this down by itself, if I could handle the sweetness. However this drink comes into its own when mixed. If you're looking for an alternative for mixing some sort of alcohol, this certainly is it. However, don't limit it there, I could see making an awesome Mango reduction sauce, for maybe a mahi or a light pork dish. Overall I'd have to give this one an 8.5, mostly for its versatility, but lower marks because it's not a great standalone beverage.

Thanks,

Stocky

Bing Energy Drink *Black Cherry* Review

I guess this doesn't necessarily count as anything "strange" or different, but this is something I really wanted to tell everyone about. This is one of those drinks that was kind of standing out next to the sweet tea section. Bing energy drink is probably one of those "quirky" gems. They are made and distributed by Bing, and has been featured on the food network.

Nice and Enticing Label

My first thoughts were that this drink would primarily be something I wouldn't be a "big fan" of... however I was extremely surprised. Holy cow this drink knocked my socks off, for an energy drink. Most energy drinks have a medicine like taste that just really never goes away even hours after drinking it. However, this drink was just ... yeah just WOW. I can't rave too much about it since it is only an energy drink, although its about the most fun you can have drinking these. I did get a bit of a small buzz off this drink, but didn't seem too over the top or jittery. I will say that even the taste being good, you'll find you still can't chug it very effectively, due to carbonation.

Label for the Drink

All in all, this will have been one of my shorter reviews, but still, this drink is superb. I can't say too much about a beverage. However, I'm starting to see this in more stores now, so if you can get a hold of these... please go and get one! I will say the buzz isn't the greatest, but it did keep me from nodding off/falling asleep fast at night. Overall I have to give this a 9.7 out of 10.

Thanks,
Stocky

Asian Taste *Black Tea* Review

Now I will be frank, I was never really a tea drinker until I turned about 20 something. To be honest I didn't really have to high hopes for this since it was $1.99 for a box of 20 bags. Again, that's extremely cheap, even by today's standards. This product and manufacturer I couldn't really find anything too much about it, suffice to say you can find this item online at most retailers.

Rather to the point Tea Box

Again when it comes to Tea there isn't much to say, due to the nature of the actual drink, it's meant to be relaxing. However, I actually prefer to drink this when I need a boost of energy, as black tea has the highest concentration of caffeine in teas. Not really something you'll drink to get you as hyper as what a Red-Bull would do, but I do find this has a good amount of kick (caffeine), to it. I like to enjoy this mostly when the weather is on the chilly side, since I don't really ever add sugar or ice.

For being Black Tea, it shows pretty reddish-brown.

As far as taste goes, this particular brand has a really nice smell and flavor to it. The dry bags smell kind of like a mix between Lipton iced tea brands. The taste starts off as a very warm, broad taste with subtle lows of a 'woody' flavor. However, the aftertaste is quite nice, comparatively, to the overly woody taste that this drink may sometimes have. I'd say, that this is something I could enjoy at pretty much any time of day.

Very nondescript bag

All that said, this is one of 2 flavors of tea from this brand I'll eventually review. Again, there isn't much to say in the way of recommending this since tea is something you like or don't like. Certainly, this is a good replacement or change to your normal coffee routine. I also will say as a coffee drinker, occasionally, I will say the Tea Caffeine buzz is much more subtle, but tends to keep me more focused. Anyway, if you can get your hands on it, from Amazon or something like that, do it. Overall I give this an 8.5 out of 10, with high marks for drink-ability, flavor, caffeine content and overall enjoyment. However, if you're not a "tea person" this probably isn't the best first tea choice. Conversely, if you enjoy tea and want to expand your horizons, this is an excellent choice to get away from large channel brands like Lipton.

Thanks,

Stocky

OKF Coco Coconut Drink *Pineapple* Review

I have to be honest, when I picked this up I almost assumed it was another Aloe drink. I can't exactly say I was disappointed, until I had a chance to try it. This again comes from OKF, a Korean beverage company, of which I've done other reviews for. I am starting to think I'm doing reviews on only a couple companies, but hey, I review what I can get my hands on.

OKF WOO HOO!

The first thing I noticed about this drink was the overwhelming smell. Most of the time, you don't get a good whiff of what you can smell from a beverage. However, this drink is stellar, and has a very sweet; almost nectar type drink with a slice of pineapple and coconut. On the contrary I wish the taste was the same, because it's actually way over the top sweet and not a lot of pineapple flavor. The pineapple flavor that IS present is really fake and only hits you at the end. There's not much to be said about the actual coconut flavor since that's pretty much gone.

Little Floaty Things

I have to say however the tell-tale "chunks" in this drink do NOT correlate to a good overall experience. In contrast the Aloe Vera Drinks, which have the squishy almost jell-o like, pieces. The coco brand has pieces of coconut, which are far more chewier, less tasting, and certainly less enjoyable. This drink is SERIOUSLY curbed by this by also having a horrendous after-taste. I really cannot convey to you in words how much less fun/appealing this drink is now, I will most likely NOT finish it.

Nutrition and Producer Information

All in all, this drink... if you can call it that, is kind of a miss. I will say that the taste isn't all that horrible, just really misses the mark with the texture. I think from here on out, unless I feel adventurous, getting another Coco drink. Overall, I will give this about a 4 out of 10, with disappointing flavor, texture, and aftertaste. Again, I will say you are welcome to try this, just know that it won't be for my recommendations.

Thanks,

Stocky

Aloe Dream Aloe Vera Drink Review

Yeah I know what you're going to say .... "Stocky, why are you doing more beverage reviews?", to that I say, this particular juice is well worth the read. This beverage is from Korea, as a lot of my products that I review come from. Again, there are a TON of companies listed on the back of the bottle, most notably (in bold), Wang Globalnet. However, this is one of those I could actually convince my fiancée to try...

The English Side

To start I will again re-iterate that this is a beverage that has little floating bits of aloe in it. Not a problem for me or my fiancée (sort of). She was the first to taste this, and much to my surprise, she actually liked it! Wow, again that's a shock to even me. If that says anything, mind you. I did manage to get a sip of this and a good amount of it as well, however, I'd say this drink is best served ice cold.

Korean Label

The taste of this drink is not really something you can put your finger on. It tastes kind of like a very low acid citrus drink. Yeah, weird I know, but I think it's because it's so sugary. This is something I'll say is probably the most notable feature, how sweet this is. However it doesn't really taste "fake" sweet, more of a natural cane sugar taste. If you're a fan of aloe type drinks, this is a definite plus.

Label ME!

All that said, this drink doesn't go without its flaws. I will say that there are a couple things working against it, primarily the fact that it's got aloe in it. The aloe in this drink appears to be a bit more "natural" hence the irregular texture, as opposed to the other OKF drinks I've reviewed. Also this drink doesn't hold up well unless it's pretty cold. However all that said this is probably my second favorite aloe vera drink, behind OKF Strawberry. Overall I give this a 8.0 out of 10, giving high marks all around, but getting some dings for texture, and warm weather drink-ability.

Thanks,

Stocky

Ramune Strawberry Soda Review

I have to say I'm a HUGE Ramune fan, ever since I saw it in a store a while back. I will say about 80% of the purchase factor is just around the appeal of the bottle itself. This is distributed via Sangaria over here in the states, with a limited amount of flavors. The bottles have a little marble in them, that is pressed in place by the carbonation. See the video below, if you're concerned on how to open... it is intimidating for first time drinkers.

With all that said, on to the actual review, the soda for some people will not taste/look/market like anything in production over here. However, I have to agree, since there are no tastes like this out on normal food/beverage shelves. The marble glass bottle design is both a source of frustration and fascination. I will say, the first time I did get it open, it's extremely rewarding and just puts a smile on your face. Another thing as well, you'll notice how much SMALLER this is than your traditional can/bottle of soda. This is the PERFECT example of something that is PURPOSE-BUILT. The marble has a unique charm factor to it, however it serves a purpose, to seal the drink. The same can be said about the indentations, they hold the marble from plugging the hole... again purpose-built.

Unique Pink Bottle

As far as how this actually tastes, I really like the strawberry flavor, I also really like the original flavor and melon flavors. There is a really strong strawberry flavor in this drink, however I like the fact that it's not overly carbonated. If you find any flavor of this, you'll notice it has no 'bite' like a coca cola or something like that does. The soda really doesn't suffer from any weird after-tastes, which is REALLY good of course. I will mention that once you get to the bottom, you'll want every last drop of it, but that can be increasingly difficult due to the marble. It's such a light and fruity flavor, you kind of wish it would have been bigger.

Close up of the marble

I can't really say enough about how fun it is to just enjoy one of these, regardless of flavor. However, it's a rare thing to find something that tastes and looks presentable as well. Add in a little bit of fun ... and you've got yourself a Ramune drink. Honestly, I was a bit worried since the bottle was so small, but as I've found so far in my reviews, the portion control appears to be something that these Asian companies do right. Don't get me wrong, there are bulk packs of pretty much any staple food, but you'll notice I'll most likely steer clear of those.

Nutritional Facts... 100 Calories, YAY!

In conclusion, if you CAN find these drinks, don't pass them up. I do have to admit, they are a bit on the pricey side, but you are certainly paying for a bit of the novelty. I think I have payed $1.29-$1.49 for these a piece, no doubt a non-bargain, given the small volume of soda. However, if you're looking for a 'low risk' adventure into different foods, this would certainly be something I'd recommend. Overall, I give this a 9.5 out of 10, due to the fun factor, taste and awesome bottle. However the reason it's not a perfect 10 is because of cost and scarcity of this item at all of the stores I've been in.

Thanks,

Stocky

NeuroGasm Review *Neurobrands LLC*

When I decide on what to buy and or drink, I usually go for stuff that is a bit out there, especially for purposes of this food blog. However this drink came to me free from one my clients out in Santa Monica, CA, I strongly advise you give their website a visit (Click here for Neurobrands LLC). So again, a big THANK YOU! I was a bit hesitant to review this, since this will most likely cross over into some 'grey area'.

Uhh, Nice... Bottle

Anyway, the first couple things you'll probably notice outside of the 'unique' name is the shape and writing on the bottle. I'd say this bottle has a slightly suggestive theme to it, to say it politely. However there are some pretty strong yet vague claims on this bottle. However I'm always leery about products that make such strong claims, that said I will steer clear on any effects this drink had on me. For example one of the claims is "promoting healthy circulation," which to a normal person would have an apparent benefit.

Kind of a longer list of ingredients...

As far as taste goes on this guy, I have to say, the smell on first sniff wasn't exactly enticing; however that was not a clear indicator on how yummy this drink is. I have to be honest, this doesn't taste like a supplement drink, nor does it taste like a soda... so it's a marvelous harmony of sweet, carbonation, and vitamin taste. I will say, the big thing is that people should curb their expectations about the taste on this. If I had to try and describe it, i'd say it tastes like a mix between a diluted fruit juice and Gatorade. If I can find this drink locally I would certainly buy it again.

Low calorie count is ALWAYS good

In conclusion, this drink is a solid "BUY ME" but I wouldn't necessarily buy this for the "health benefits", since this drink only has 35 calories. Plus you get the added benefit of caffeine, no artificial colors, flavors, and all that. Overall if you can find this, go out and buy it, I assure you I will. Overall I give this a 9 out of 10, since the smell isn't all that great, but the flavor and name as well as the unique branding helps too. Thanks again goes out to Neurobrands LLC for sending me a free one.

Thanks,
Stocky

FOCO Lychee Drink Review

What do you get when you get when you combine a couple unknown ingredients to the USA into a juice drink? You get FOCO Lychee Drink, a slightly sweet, mostly refreshing can of juice. This was found at K&S International Market, in a variety bin of other drinks, not sure exactly why I picked this one. I did however recognize the fruit, from somewhere. I finally put my finger on it... they serve these lil fruits peeled and set in fruit juice at most chinese buffets.

Unique kind of can... much thicker than cans in USA

I popped the top on this drink this evening right before biting into a nice chicken taco. YUM! I'd say this is a pretty good pairing in hindsight. However, the first smell and sip really made me think of one thing, and I hate to say it... cleaning solution or cheap perfume. I did read earlier that was something to expect, and I got over the perfume-ish flavor. I'd say this flavor isn't all that strong nor all that sweet. I'd say it's a moderately yummy drink, suffice to say I may purchase it again. 

I wouldn't say this is the most appealing drink to look at...

For some people I could see that this would be something you could be turned completely away by, similar to my Shrimp Chips review. To that point, I will say this is something I'll try again for sure. I wont go out of my way to get them, but there is nothing like this taste out here in the Southern USA. I find this drink particularly difficult to describe/critique, since this MAIN ingredient isn't something you can find at your local grocery. However, I'd say it tastes kind of like a coco-nutty, flowery, sweet, apple flavor... it's definitely one of its own tastes. You'll see a few more of these reviews during my beverage week!

Not the best, or worst drink for you.
Certainly better than a soda.

In conclusion, I'd say this is something at least worth a try for people who want to experience a new taste. Again, this is sort of like my shrimp chip review, however, there aren't too many; if any tastes like this. So again, if you're looking for a new experience as far as a drink, try this. It's a very refreshing change of taste, and for someone who can now rightfully say, I know what Lychee tastes like. Overall I give this drink an 8 out of 10, receiving high marks for taste, smell, and refreshing factor; but suffers from a lack of carbonation, sugar, and relate-able taste.

Thanks,

Stocky

White Gourd Drink *Taisun*

Well, I have to be honest, when I was shopping... my eyes wander to weird items... 100's of which I will most likely NEVER eat or drink. This would probably qualify for that category. I am not sure if this really qualifies as "junk food" because it might actually be considered some sort of "health drink." Well this label again has very little in the way of English print... qualifying for at least a "eh, I'll try it". This drink comes by way of K&S in Nashville, exported / manufactured by Taisun Co. LTD.

Cool looking label, and can for that matter.

I've got to be honest... when I opened this it really didn't smell like much. After all, this drink has only 3, YES 3 total ingredients. White Gourd, Water, and Sugar, in that order. All I have to say is wow this drink isn't what I'd call horrible, or bad. But it's not necessarily something I'm likely to buy again, since I can't say I "enjoyed" drinking it. As far as how this drink smells, well, it smells kind of like peanuts, or maybe some sort of whole grains? I don't know why but I can't really identify what this smells much less tastes like. I imagined this drink to have a bit more sweet to it, and for some reason assumed it would be carbonated. However upon first sip, it didn't taste much like anything outside of well drawn water. After a short while, you'll get a pungent aftertaste of gourd, which I guess I could explain of tasting like a mix between an oat cereal like cheerios and peanuts. Again, you'll have to try it to understand (if you would like). 

It doesn't really get good marks in color as well...

Its not all negative however, I will say that this drink was surprisingly refreshing and didn't leave a weird taste in my mouth. I don't think I'll go out of my way to get this again, however, if I was very thirsty and didn't want to drink water, I could do this. I'm not sure if this drink is any healthier than any other fruit/vegetable juices, but it's got to be better than most soft drinks with a good deal more ingredients.

All things considered, this drink was kind of on the expensive side, around $1.49 for a 10 oz can. For the product it is, I'd say it's not a very good value, unless you crave white gourd ... Anyway, it's very boring drink with a cool looking can, but I can't be persuaded easily. All in all, I'd give this a 4 out of 10, most likely due to the bland taste, and lack of sugar and carbonation. However, it's refreshing, and I could see myself drinking this in a pinch, but not really intentionally. Sorry Taisun... Maybe some of your other products I'll like. 

Thanks, 

Stocky

THIS WEEK *Announcement*

Hey Ya'll,
As you've probably noticed, I don't post on weekends... here is one example why...I play recreation league hockey. As well as a myriad of other things I only have time on the weekends to do, like look for a new house and plan my wedding.

My first Game-Winner in a Shoot-out!

So that said, my announcement is that this week is my first ever *BEVERAGE WEEK*. So all week long I'll be posting all weird / different drinks from around the world. If you have any suggestions let me know. Again I'm limited to what is in stock at local stores.

Thanks Team!

Thanks again for your patience,

Stocky

OKF Aloe Vera King *Peach*

I just recently did a review on OKF Aloe Vera King Strawberry. This made me think... if the Strawberry is good, maybe the peach is just as good. However, you'll see that things aren't always as they seem. Again, this beverage comes from OKF, as another part of their Aloe Vera Drink line.

Peach and Aloe, YUM!

As I mentioned in my earlier review, this line of drinks is either going to be one you LOVE or HATE. 2 strong words for 2 equally strong drinks. The peach "flavoring" is very strong in this beverage but is extremely refreshing. I think when you drink this, you'll need to prepare yourself for a sweet and sour explosion. This seems to be something that would normally be marketed to kids I believe. I've tried to water this drink down to dull down a bit of the intensity, but it tasted pretty bland and not really all that appealing.

Again, I opted for the 1.5L variety

When it comes to drinks there isn't much to say on actual "nutritional" value. However I believe there is a common belief / understanding that this aloe drink will ease some urinal tract issues as well as intestinal ones. The aloe is in suspension with no particulates really settling to the bottom. I do recommend when drinking this you shake it BEFORE you drink it since you get a much more even distribution. I'd say that this drink could / would go really nicely with something a bit more salty/cheesy since you'd have a bunch of tastes going on at once. I tried this with Pocky (chocolate), and it worked out well because the chocolate is actually a bit more bitter than your normal brand here in the states.

Kind of looks ... "Milky"

All that said, this is a heck of a drink and there is nothing like this here mass produced in the states. If you can get by the aloe vera chunks/gel, this would be a solid 'backup' drink. Hehe. Anyway I paid $2.89 for this as well, and was REALLY a good choice. My final verdict is 7.5 out of 10, as I need to give it lower marks because of the strength, aloe chunks, and low availability/value. This drink makes me happy, and is a joy to drink at any time, morning noon or night... Now go out and try it and see if you like it as much as I do.

Thanks,

Stocky