CAFFEINE
CONTENT
I
get conflicting reports on the caffeine contents of these shots—I’ve been told
that these Extra Strength shots contain anywhere from 200-250 mg of caffeine,
with the most credible source (Consumer Reports) listing the content at 242
mg. Maybe I should check with the
company proper to find out if they’re into officially disclosing that sort of
thing—If even Monster’s doing it now, 5 Hour Energy should only be able to hold
out for so much longer….
EASE
IN ACQUISITION—8
I
may seem scattered for now, but I guarantee you that there is probably somewhere
in your town selling it now, whether it’s Wal-Mart or a local grocery store or
a gas station. Even if it isn’t,
just give it a few days.
APPEARANCE/PRESENTATION—5
One
of my favorite things about 5 Hour Energy (funnily enough) is the look. Even if I’m not wild about shrink wrap,
I’m big into cardio, and I’m big into sunsets—so a runner sprinting up a
mountain at sunset can’t be anything short of awesome in my book. Unfortunately, this new shot doesn’t
have any of those things but the outline of the runner—with an inexplicable
camouflage background. I would get
it if this were anything about the flavor that was directed towards hunters
(deer musk flavor?) or if a portion of the proceeds went towards PTSD treatment
for veterans of the U.S. Military (please note the worthiness of that
suggestion, 5 Hour Energy folks), but as is, the whole thing looks kind of
thrown together without apparent thought—albeit neatly.
TASTE—7
In
times past, I’ve made clear in no uncertain terms my distaste for 5 Hour Energy
and its multitudes of clones, having generally found them to be foul-tasting
and badly overpriced. Well, I
might still begrudge them the $3.49 I spent on this (it was NOT purchased at
Wal-Mart), but I cannot deny that as far as flavor is concerned, this is a most
successful offering and a definite improvement over the shots they’ve released
in the past, especially of the Extra Strength line. First things you notice once you open the shot are 1) the
distinct, unadulterated smell of sour apple, and 2) the same general appearance
as their berry shots—call me crazy, but I don’t think that apple shots or apple
products in general should be faint pink in color. The first swig is pretty intense, a blast of sour apple
flavor and energy ingredients and artificial sweeteners. Small swig after small swig, however,
things start to even out—the apple really starts to come out, crisp,
convincing, and thoroughly pleasant.
If it lasted a bit longer I would feel perfectly comfortable awarding it
a solid 9/10; only problem is that a second or so after you swallow you are hit
with a real sledgehammer of an aftertaste, so overwhelmingly sweet that one is
almost tempted to attribute it to stevia—except there is none. Anyway, it’s disagreeable enough that
I’m docking two points for it, but notwithstanding, I can guarantee you I’ll be
coming back to this shot again—even though it makes me feel really unprincipled
to do so (I’m supposed to hate this brand, remember?).
KICK
(INTENSITY)—9
It’s
interesting what improving the flavor has done for the perception of these
shots—in times past I would admit that they perform well, but my praise was
lackluster and grudging because of what I had to go through to get the caffeine
into my system. Having completely
enjoyed the flavor, however, I feel much less restrained in my praise—this
stuff is glorious. No more than
five minutes after the fact I was buzzing like a boss, performing necessary
household labors, completing hour-long runs, and going about my day-to-day
routine in an exponentially enhanced but non-jittery fashion. I may be forced to admit—it’s not just
because they were the first that 5 Hour Energy is considered the best.
KICK
(DURATION)—10
Amazing,
also, what not being a hardened caffeine junkie has done to my caffeine
sensitivity—I think five hours is a more of a safe guess for consumers
partaking of the “moderate” quantity of 400 mg a day. Now blissfully enjoying being non-addicted and caffeine
sensitive, I got about six hours out of this. Lovely when a shot outperforms all expecations!
THE
SHOT OVERALL—8.67
I’m
impressed—and coming from a fairly consistent energy shot hater (better yet, a
loather—is that even a word?), that really is saying something. Regardless of what energy seeker niche
you fill—shot hater like me, casual consumer, seasoned energy connoisseur—this is
absolutely worth a try. Swallow
your pride, fork out the cash, and enjoy the flavor and that wondrous caffeine
rush—and please, do leave your thoughts.
I really am interested in seeing the public consensus on this one.
WEBSITE:
5hourenergy.com
KEYWORDS:
5 Hour Energy Extra Strength Sour Apple energy shot review, low calorie, sugar
free
I really want to try this, but I hate the price. Too bad these shots aren't $1 buck a piece. That would be nice. I'll swallow my pride and buy the overpriced 2 fluid ounce shot one of these days.
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