The Great Pyramid of Energy

While taking a break from sorting out the ridiculous amount of reviews I'm behind on, I got bored, cracking open a can of Relentless, I decided on something to do, my collection looked big, yes. But, it lacked that extra bit of visual prowess. They were too unorganised, littered across various surfaces. So I got designing. I devised the best and most effective way of presenting them that would incorporate around 85% of the collection. A Pyramid. With a base of 7 x 7 and containing 84 cans overall, it would be a job to get it arranged, constructed along with looking presentable. I cleared the wardrobe and began the construction. After about half an hour, it was clear I'd underestimated how difficult actually constructing it on a surface that was about already 5 and a half foot high, but I did it.

I took a step back and enjoyed the view, if I must say so, it looks pretty darn kick-ass. It also proves the fact that I really drink a lot of Relentless, let alone anything else. I assure you, the reviews are on the way! For now, enjoy the caffeine architecture, and a couple of construction photos.

(I do apologise for the shaky and unfocused nature of some photos, it's hard to take pictures with a sensitive camera, while balancing on a less than sturdy chair.)

Laters, JKT667.

Collection Update

Well, it isn't really an update, more of an interesting side-note.
For a while I've been collecting every Energy Drink or related product I've consumed and displaying them across various surfaces, now that my bookcase has been filled, and it's moving to my wardrobe, I felt it would be interesting to share. That and the fact that this is a month and a half's energy consumption, and the product count is already over a 100 (although actual figures escape me, I lost count a couple of weeks ago). But expect either more updates on this, or small notes at the bottom of some upcoming reviews giving you some actual figures (Time Passed and Number of Products).

The images, in chronological terms, go from bottom to top, the shelves of the bookcase were lined first, then the top of the bookcase was filled, and it's obviously now spilling onto my wardrobe. I hope this compensates for my recent lack of reviews, however I haven't forgotten or given up, just postponed. All missing or new reviews will be posted soon. That does include the products named in the, now ironic, post below about my longer break. Also, any products you can see in the images that haven't been reviewed, ARE coming up shortly. So, at least you know what's on it's way.

Cheers, JKT667.

I'm back!

After a 3 Season break, for quite a few reasons, I'm back, with intention. Upcoming Reviews Include: Tiger Energy Shot, Emerge, Rockstar Punched (All Varieties), Remaining Relentless Flavours, Rockstar Energy Cola and much more.

Tiger Energy Drink (500ml Variant)

Tiger Energy Drink, made by the Polish Company "FoodCare", the company is based in Poland, but it seems it's main place of sale is the UK, they export their drinks to be sold by the main UK Supermarkets (Tesco, Lidl etc.), FoodCare have gone all out to cash in on the surprising popularity of Energy Drinks, selling their original standard ED, A Mixed Fruit Flavour, that comes in 250ml bullet cans and 500ml and 1L bottles as their main port of call in the UK, but also produce Energy Tablets, to dissolve in water to create an Energy Drink (They're sold in 20 Tablet packs, much more efficient)and flavour variants, which are different individual fruits, they also produce an Energy Shot (Which I'll be reviewing soon). While on a Tesco Trip, I noticed their 500ml bottles on Half Price (49p for 500ml, damn good offer) so grabbed myself one. The bottle is in fact designed by the Porsche Company, it's a different shape than other Half Litre bottles, it's taller, the neck reaches a point more smoothly, rather than the usual main body that then cuts straight to a neck, this makes the bottle more sturdy, easier to hold and better looking, the bottle has Tiger's Logo and pattern printed down the side, finished off with a personalised Bottle Top, this effort on the look of the product certainly gives them an edge aesthetically.

TASTE
Tiger, as most ED's, comes in a Mixed Fruit flavour, it has a very similar taste to Relentless or Boost, although it's not as smooth as Relentless and there is definitely a background taste, that is indistinguishable, but noticeable. This taste is very faint, but is still there. It is probably most similar to Boost. An overall average taste. Nothing special.

KICK
Important Ingredients: 150mg of Caffeine, Taurine, specific amount unknown, listed as 0.4%.
After about Half an Hour, give or take 15 minutes, I noticed what could be called, not a buzz, but certainly a nice euphoric feel, but it wasn't like normal euphoria, it was more a sense of Energy and Alertness, I felt more positive. Not bad an effect, it's nothing unique, but it's certainly not bad. However this lasted only about an hour, at a push, so not enough if you're looking for something to get you through the day.

Overall
A cheap, well produced, relatively enjoyable ED. The standard familiar taste meant it falls in line with most other EDs, this has the advantage of meaning it's certainly recognised, but this also has the down side of being a typical member of the crowd. It's kick was pleasant, if short lived. However, it's the price that takes the cake. It's standard retail price for a 500ml bottle is 98p. That's about 15 - 20p less than 250ml of Red Bull, and in my opinion more enjoyable. Nothing special, but a good standard ED which is perfect if you're looking for your fix, at a low price.

FINAL RATING
3.3 out of Five Stars

Boost Energy

Boost Energy, another proud UK native Energy Drink, the company, founded in 2003, began their company with the original Boost Energy. It comes in 250ml Bullet Cans, 500ml Bottles and Litre Bottles. The most standard size is the 500ml Bottle, which is what I'm reviewing. The design is standard, a Grey 500ml Screw Top Plastic Bottle with a Plastic Sleeve showing the logo and contents etc. It's a well deigned product, it shows clearly what the product is but helps it stand out from other similar drinks, and the fact it can be resealed, unlike the 250ml Bullet Cans and their larger 500ml older siblings, is a big upside allowing the user to consume at a rate of their choice rather than all at once if preferred.

TASTE
Boost has a similar taste to Relentless or Monster, especially Relentless, it has the base apple flavour with a few undistinguishable fruits mixed in for good measure. The taste is sweet while sour, its very smooth and pleasing to consume. Above average taste.

KICK
Important Ingredients: 150mg of Caffeine, Unknown amount of Taurine (Thought to be similar levels to that of Monster, around the 1000mg mark)
Because this Boost is a 500ml Drink, its kick is similar to Relentless, Rockstar etc. It has 10mg of Caffeine less than those products, however this doesn't seem to detriment much from the kick, which itself lasts for near enough 3 solid hours. With a very minimal Crash, Impressive.

OVERALL
A pleasing tasting, well packaged ED with a decent kick to boot. An Impressive UK native. It's availability isn't as widespread as others but definitely worth a try when you find some.

FINAL RATING
3.8 Out of Five Stars

Red Devil

Red Devil, a popular best-selling US energy drink, which the soft drinks company, Britvic, earned the E.U. rights to in 2002. The drink has gone on to be the Second Current Best Selling Energy Drink in the UK, depite this, it isnt as recognised as you'd think, with only major market chains stocking and/or advertising the product. It comes in 250ml "Bullet" cans similar to red Bull, V, Lucozade Alert etc. The can features two Red Eyes upon a black background with the name displayed below (UPDATE: There has been a, possibly permanent, can design change, although some stores stock both versions of the product, the new versions feature a new logo with a "Devil" Character in the background) First Impressions seem to be good, but what about the product?

TASTE
The taste comes across as a sweet cherry flavour, which is rather smooth, it can be over-sweet at times which is a downside, its down to personal preference, I'm split on the taste myself, loving it some days and hating it others. Due to its sweet flavour its well known for mixing into Alcoholic drinks at parties and due to this is often stocked in Pubs, Bars etc.

KICK
Important Ingredients: 80mg of Caffeine, 900mg of Taurine.
With similar ingredients to other similar sized EDs, the kick is very similar, It gives you a nice buzz lasting for up to an hour followed by 1 - 2 hours of increased Alert/Awareness. Average Kick.

OVERALL
With a "Love it or Hate it" taste and an average kick, this seems to be a poster child for similar EDs, apart from its distinct flavour its hard to distinguish or become any more noticeable than other products. Overall, a very average ED.

FINAL RATING
3.1 Out of Five Stars

Relentless Energy Shot

Now, as the Energy Shot market is growing in popularity and is becoming close to being worth almost as much as the Energy Drink market, estimated to be worth £113m in the UK by 2013. This makes it understandable that big brands are going to want to cash in, however it seems here in the UK, we are somewhat behind in this particular market, what few shots there are, are hard to find to purchase and even so are only found in large chain supermarkets etc. However the new shot issued by the 500ml Market Giant Relentless, which was released in October of this year (2009), has made it through the loop and, supported by a large outdoor marketing/advertising campaign has slowly made its way into even local shops and is now one of the most widely available UK Energy Shots of the current time. Relentless, who are obviously quite pleased with this, say the 50ml Shot contains the same energy as 250ml of the standard product, so should have the same effect as half a Relentless. This is supposedly because of the 80mg of Caffeine it contains along with other assorted vitamins (B6 and B12). It comes in standard black with a custom logo featuring the R off of the traditional Relentless design. This Shot has a powerful first impression, couple that with its wide coverage and availability and you've got the ingredients for success, but what is this Shot actually like?

TASTE
Now, I must say, unlike other manufacturers Relentless seem to have steered away from trying to get their shots to taste like the standard ED, and have instead tried to make a powerful shot with an, at least bearable, if not enjoyable taste. Right, if you are new to the Shot Market, then the taste will be a shock and may put you off, it has the traditional Bitter Medicinal taste of other shots, but has gone for an almost sweet strawberry taste to try and overpower this. For some, this is quite sickly, however to those who've tried other shots, you may see an improved taste. So, overall for a shot, it isn't too bad taste wise, but could be a lot better.

KICK
Important Ingredients: 80mg of Caffeine, 200mg of Taurine
This concentrated shot has, as the claims say, Caffeine equal to 50% of that in a Standard Relentless Energy drink, coupled with a heavy dose of Taurine to boot. Due to it only having 80mg it won't necessarily give many a "buzz" as such, however it will perk you up. From experience with this shot, it seems to provide a feeling of Awareness, Alertness and an Elevated Mood. This lasts for a good 3 Hours, some it may last longer, it depends on your metabolism. For a 50ml Shot, this is a pleasing result, giving the user just what they should be looking for.

OVERALL
A decent tasting, well made shot. Well worth it's advertisement and availability, it may be a slight stretch on the pocket, ranging from £1.50 - £1.80 Standard, it does do what it's supposed to and does it well. A Recommended Shot, if only for the kick alone.

FINAL RATING
3.8 Out of Five Stars

V

V, an Energy Drink native To New Zealand, began exporting it's standard varieties to the UK in 2001. Slowly gaining growing popularity, it comes in standard 250ml cans which are green with the "V" logo and the apparent slogan "inVigoration" printed above. This ED provides something different to look at and certainly stands out, first impressions are good.

TASTE
V provides a delicious sweet apple taste to begin with, which spans out to have a mildly sour after-taste. This after-taste makes the flavour even better, providing a contrast to the initial sweet taste. I have to say, this is one of the best tasting ED's I've had in a while.

KICK
Important Ingredients: 77.5mg of Caffeine (Approx.) 500mg of Taurine
While this Energy Drink seemingly lacks the extra 2.5mg that other 250ml Energy Drinks with 80mg of Caffeine (like Red Bull, Red Devil etc.) contain (That's important to us ED Junkies) it doesn't detriment from the kick. The can claims to contain similar caffeine levels to that of an Average Cup of Coffee. Which admittedly is a slight exaggeration considering even the low-end cups of coffee tend to contain at least 90mg, however claims aside, this ED provides a 1 Hour "Buzz" followed by a 60 - 90 minutes of Alertness followed by a minor crash, although it is very minor.

OVERALL
This nice tasting ED has an average kick and an eye-catching design, allowing it to be a pretty decent selling product, however providing a very similar kick to other EDs of a similar nature, I tend to buy this ED for its taste and drink-ability. An above Average ED.

FINAL RATING
3.9 Out of Five Stars

Lucozade Alert

Well, Lucozade has been the leading port's drink manufacturer since their original release in 1927, however it's entry into the high caffeine stimulation drink market has been a long time coming, It's release in 2008 was relatively low advertisement wise. However the simple fact it is part of the Lucozade brand gave it an instant boost. It's a 250ml can with a design that features a silver can with a yellow design with orange lines representing nerves with the name displayed over the top, simple and recognisable design. I have to admit this is one of my favourite Energy Drink designs so far, it's recognisable and represents the market. So, First Impressions, relatively good.

TASTE
Lucozade Alert has only been released in the flavour "Lemon Zing" as the name suggests it tastes almost exactly like lemonade with a unique citrus after-taste. A lot better taste than many products. Above average taste wise.

KICK
Important Ingredients: 80mg of Caffeine and Trace amounts of Guarana and Ginseng.
Lucozade Alert gives a minor buzz after approximately 15 - 20 minutes which lasts about 1 - 2 hours, what follows is about an hour of a state consisting of Alertness and increased concentrations. An above average kick for a 250ml can and definitely does what it says on the tin.

OVERALL
It's a relatively recent market entry and a needed one, this energy drink has good taste and an equally good kick, it's not a powerful energy drink but is enough for the average consumer's needs. Entering into a peaking market, it looks like it will do well with appropriate advertisement, certainly one to watch, fantastic new-comer.

FINAL RATING
3.8 Out of Five Stars

Red Bull

This was obviously gonna crop up at some time, the undoubtedly best selling and most well known Energy Drink of the era. Released in 250ml Cans, it's slogan "It gives you wings" is recognised the world over. It's standard silver and blue design fits the connotation of the Energy Market as it's slender design brings energy and activity to mind and spurred the design almost all energy products to date, there is no denying it, this is a well designed product.

TASTE
Red Bull gives off a sleek caramel taste with a slight medicinal after-taste, not the best tasting Energy Drink there is, but certainly not as bad tasting as some products, it's after-taste does remain in your mouth for a while after however it's not overpowering, for the first of it's kind, the taste is about average.

KICK
Important Ingredients: 80mg of Caffeine and 1000mg of Taurine.
Red Bull despite being of a relatively small 250ml standard size, has a kick larger than you expect, the caffeine (80mg) in the drink is relatively low in comparison with other drinks, but the staggering amount of Taurine (1000mg) causes the effect to be larger and prolonged. Red Bull gives a minor buzz after about 30 minutes and lasts for about 2 hours, after which there is a minor crash, a below average effect in my opinion but more than makes up for it's size.

OVERALL
Due to sheer recognition this drink is the current best selling product, however it's one of the first entries into this market and therefore not as refined as many recent relatively unknown, in comparison, products. There's no way around it, it's a good but average product, for the average consumer it will more than meet the energy needs, as it contains the same caffeine as an average/small cup of coffee. Good for people who need a minor kick to help them with their day. One thing that does take away from this product however is it's pretty ridiculous standard price of £1.15, for it's size this is nearing extortionate and there are other products which do the same for a lot less money. It really depends on the consumer's taste and bank account.

FINAL RATING
3 Out of Five Stars

Rockstar

Right, The Third Review happens to be the Third of the Big Three, 500ml Energy drinks. Rockstar (or ROCKST★R as it's known) is a 500ml Energy Drink, it was released in 2001 and was the first drink to feature 500ml/16 ounce cans, it is what spurred the new generation, it has a standard black can with Large Gold Writing featuring the official brand name and the Rockstar Gold Star Logo, and features text which also mocks the 250ml Red Bulls, with the words "Double Size, Double Kick." So, First Impressions, good.

TASTE
Rockstar features a very citrus based flavour with an almost apple after-taste, compared with the almost standard medicinal after-taste featured in many Energy Drinks, it has a pleasing taste but the taste can be rather overpowering at first, but apart from that, above average taste wise.

KICK
Important Ingredients: 160mg of Caffeine, 50mg of Guarana, 2000mg of Taurine
The kick received from Rockstar is good, no lies. This sort of Kick is what set the standard for other 500ml energy drinks of a similar variety. After about 20 Minutes, a mild buzz kicks in and this lasts a good 2 Hours, For 2 Hours after that it calms but keeps you alert, after about 4 Hours it wears off without a noticeable crash. Very Satisfying kick, just what you look for in this type of Energy product.

OVERALL
For a drink that spawned a new generation of Energy products, it is very satisfying. A pleasing, if powerful, taste which allows one to enjoy the large beverage, it's Kick puts the icing on the cake, a 4 Hour lasting buzz, which keeps you alert and awake, without any feelings of "Over-Energy" and the lack of a crash. This drink not only spawned a generation but set the bar pretty high.

FINAL RATING
4 Out of Five Stars

Relentless Origin

Now, anyone who knows me, may be expecting some heavy praise to be due in this review. I'll clear this up now, I'm a very big fan of Relentless, however I am going to ignore that and write an unbiased, honest review. Quote me on that. Right, now this particular Relentless came from one of the regular 4-Packs I have delivered. Yes, I actually have 4-packs of the stuff delivered. Anyhow, First Impressions are relatively good, Coca-Colas entry into the Energy Drink market come in 500ml cans, unusual design as the majority of the market comes in standard 250ml cans, the exceptions being the popularised Monster, Rockstar etc. This allows them to not only get more Caffeine into the product but to blend it with other ingredients such as Taurine and Guarana to create a concoction which should in theory cause the caffeine effect to be longer and control the way it affects you. The design of Relentless also happens to differ from other products on the market, its a very dark brown base colour with a complicated artistic Logo displaying the name atop of the image of a Human's Head and Necks showing muscles and veins etc. This design, admittedly had to grow on me as it initially seemed odd but nevertheless it's well designed.

TASTE
When the Drink is opened it gives off a pleasing fruity smell. The taste comes on as pleasantly sweet with a fruity base flavour, the fruits are hard to distinguish, although you get a very faint hint of apple and what I think is strawberry. The after-taste is the same as the original taste so no nasty surprises there overall it has a very pleasant sweet taste which was a pleasure to drink.

KICK
Important Ingredients: 160mg of Caffeine, 2000mg of Taurine
A few minutes after I finished the drink I experienced an alert feeling which elevated my mood. This lasted for about 20 minutes. After which I felt reasonably energetic but resting didn't cause any feelings of "Over-Energy" that other drinks can provide. In fact if I did begin moving and exercising during this period I experienced a massive rush of energy. That lasted for 1 - 2 hours after which I fell back to a relatively normal state, if not, still more awake than I was before. Even after 3 - 4 hours there is no noticeable crash which is very appealing.

OVERALL
I feel this Energy Drink, despite being around since 2006, and it's remarkable recognition and underground popularity, is above average. It's popularity sales-wise and against it's competitors is respectable however in my opinion it should and could be more. The size of the can allows not only more Caffeine and a better effect but more of a beverage to enjoy. It's taste when compared to it's ultimate rival, Red Bull, is in my opinion a lot better, an enjoyable way to get your caffeine fix. It's slogan while not only being attractive and well sounded, openly mocks it's rival Red Bull's size, it's slogan is "No Half Measures". It's artistic design and meaningful extended slogan on the back of the can, help the drink to stand out but can take away from its recognition. All in all this is a well put together and enjoyable drink. I would recommend it to anyone.

FINAL RATING
4.5 Out of Five Stars

Monster Energy

As an energy drink fanatic, I'm pretty sure you all would have thought I would have tried Monster and of course, I had. Not in a while I'll admit, I remember my first experience being less than favourable. However, while out on an energy hunt to my local One Stop shop, I noticed the usual line of Monster drinks, on a 2 for £2 offer, so I thought, what the hell? Better now than any time else. So I grabbed myself a couple and headed home. Apart from my original disliking my memory of my previous experience of this Original Front-man of the Monster brand was pretty foggy. So, I gave it the benefit of the doubt, and went ahead and tried it. Now my first impression of this energy drink would have to be pretty impressive, however the design seemed to be lacking something. To give it the edge against other Energy Drink designs.

TASTE
Now, I had a very vague recall of the previous taste and it wasn't good so the bar was set pretty damn low. The first smell after I cracked open the can was a musty scent of a distinct flavour, indistinguishable through smell alone. The flavour comes in as a sweet standard taste you expect from Energy Drinks, however what followed was less than desirable, what follows is an overwhelming flavour of Sweet Bubblegum, overly sweet. The entire taste has a musty/musky feel, and has no real kick other than the base flavour which is disappointing.

KICK
Important Ingredient Quantities: 160mg of Caffeine, 1000mg of Taurine, 200mg of Panax Ginseng.
Now, after the taste experience I thought perhaps it may be forgiven by the kick that followed, unfortunately not. A few minutes after I had finished the drink, I experienced a small "Buzz" however this dissipated after about 20 minutes, leaving me feeling the same as before, an hour later an odd groggy feeling which I assume was the "crash" came about, it took me by surprise as I wasn't expecting any sort of downer for at least another hour. Very disappointing short term effects.

OVERALL
I had somewhat high hopes for this drink that certainly is a contender for the much coveted title of "Best Selling Energy Drink". However I feel this energy drink was below average, and had a disappointing feel, taste was undesirable and Kick wasn't potent enough to keep me energised for more than 10 - 20 minutes, and a rather awful downer afterwards. The Wispa I had afterwards was much more satisfying.

FINAL RATING
2.5 Out of Five Stars