Review for Amp Energy--Active (Orange)

CAFFEINE CONTENT

160 mg

EASE IN ACQUISITION—7

This one seemed to appear overnight—one day I had no idea it even existed, the next I’m seeing it at gas stations, grocery stores, etc….almost everywhere but Wal-Mart and the Amp website.

APPEARANCE/PRESENTATION—9

Amp makes a good-looking can nowadays, much cleaner than their previous getup.  I can’t help but like the simple, clean cut design with orange with black; I saw it from across the gas station and it had me reaching for it but seconds after the fact.

TASTE—6

Now, I know what all of you are wondering—is this a recontinuation of the long-discontinued Amp Energy—Relaunch (which discontinuation seemed to piss a lot deal of people off)?  My answer is “kinda.”  It tastes a lot like what Mountain Dew Live Wire would taste like—kind of a heavy orange soda with a cleaner taste and better balance than most, like Fanta.  If this sounds like Relaunch to you, then you might be very happy to see this in stores.

In all honesty, though, I didn’t like it that much.  Amp seems to want you to think that its Active beverages are the rehydration/anti-fatigue drinks of the line, possessing both caffeine and electrolytes.  Well…turns out the electrolytes were added for taste, so I’m not so sure how hydrating it would be, and in any case, the last thing I would reach for in the event that I needed to rehydrate and get a jolt of caffeine is this one—it’s heavy, it’s overly sweet, it’s heavily carbonated, and it’s just not that pleasant; it’s the sort of thing that makes you feel dehydrated after drinking it (I could expound on the whole osmosis thing, but probably not necessary on an energy review blog…).  So if you’re thinking about it for rehydration purposes, don’t get duped.  Check out my reviews for the Monster Rehab line, or even better still, Rockstar Recovery—Energy/Tea/Lemonade.

KICK (INTENSITY)—7

This is everything you expect from a really sugary energy drink with an average caffeine content—mid-range and jittery.  Really, I’m not all that impressed.

KICK (DURATION)—7

The drink lasted for three hours during which I maintained a fairly steady level of energy.   But once the end rolled around, I became completely useless.  The crash was horrible—even more so because I had drank this early in the morning, and still had much to do.  So, if you like this drink, okay.  But be smart about drinking it; don’t even think about it if you need to be productive for very long.

THE DRINK OVERALL—6.67

I can’t argue with you if you’re crazy about orange soda energy drinks, but honestly, I really didn’t like this one.  On top of not tasting all that great, the buzz was pretty mediocre, and the crash served only as the straw that broke the camel’s back in my book.  I’d shy away, but that’s just me.  By the way—if you loved Relaunch, and have had the chance to try this, let me know what you think.  It’s been too long since I’ve had the former to make a legitimate comparison, and I think readers would appreciate one.

WEBSITE: ampenergy.com

KEYWORDS: Amp Energy Active Orange review, electrolytes

Review for Liquid Nitro Energy Shooter

Some number of months ago, I got into reviewing energy shots.  Not because I liked my first, but I was so underwhelmed that I became committed to finding the perfect shot—one that not only provided formidable energy, but one that tasted really delicious.  After what felt like jillions of 5 Hour Energy clones later, I was ready to give up and stick with the stuff that at least has a chance to taste good—but figured I would review what I had left in my reserves first.

Turns out that glorious energy supplement, that shot to end all shots was waiting there in my closet, and it is the Liquid Nitro Energy Shooter.

CAFFEINE CONTENT

200 mg

EASE IN ACQUISITION—3

Far too uncommon.  Found at Circle K stores mostly on the Western seaboard—it needs to be everywhere.

APPEARANCE/PRESENTATION—9

I love that Liquid Nitro went for the big bottle and the bona fide label here, rather than just sticking it in a squat, shrink-wrapped 2 oz. bottle.  The packaging job sets it apart from the rest, and with the simplicity of the Liquid Nitro logo you’ve got a nice-looking shot on your hands—both convenient and attractive.

TASTE—9

YES!!!  YES!!!

I can finally say that I love an energy shot.  Liquid Nitro Energy Shooter has to be one of the more delicious energy products I’ve had in quite a while, and is all the more glorious in that it stands out so starkly against the general mediocrity of the energy shot world.  You’ve got a number of fruits listed on the bottle—mangosteen, gooseberry, pomegranate, etc.—but the first time I tried it, it tasted like liquid honeydew melon with some cantaloupe.  The second shot I had was a bit more berry-influenced, but it retained that melony deliciousness that I fell in love with from the first swig.

There is a bit of bitterness to the aftertaste, but after drinking so many shots that seemed to be entirely comprised of bitterness, I’m not inclined to be critical.  This would be a regular purchase for me if only I could find it nearby.

KICK (INTENSITY)—9

So not only does it taste fantastic, it packs a punch—this was a pretty intense rush of jitter-free energy; the kind that enables you to do just about anything…though I wouldn’t recommend trying to sit still.  This makes you want to be active.

KICK (DURATION)—9

Four hours, no crash.

THE SHOT OVERALL—9

At last, the search is over—and I’m glad to have embarked on it.  This is bar none the best energy shot I’ve ever had, and if it weren’t for the fact that I review them I don’t think I’d ever touch another shot.  If you’re into shots or not into shots, you need to buy this and try this.  Either way, it’s probably going to make you a convert.

WEBSITE: nitrobeverages.com

KEYWORDS: Liquid Nitro Energy Shooter review, great taste, diet

Review for Redline Xtreme--Triple Berry

It’s been a couple of months since my last review of a Redline drink, and I’ve started to feel a little uncomfortable about it.  I wasn’t very wise about how I went about consuming it, and I went on a real tirade about it after the fact.  Yesterday, though, I had a thought: “Hey, Brandon…why don’t you actually use one in accordance with the instructions on the label, then report on that, and revise your previous review to reflect how it works when you’re not being stupid?”  I’ve done it, I approve of the product, and I’m ready to really review a Redline energy supplement.

CAFFEINE CONTENT

318 mg

EASE IN ACQUISITION—8

This one’s actually found at Wal-Mart (Or at least the version with the blue wrapper is…hey, what’s the difference between the RTD and the Xtreme lines anyway, except for the former contains toothed clubmoss?), though you have to hunt a bit for the other flavors.  Maybe it’s because this one tastes good (kinda).

APPEARANCE/PRESENTATION—6

I’m not big on Redline in red—clad in blue it means business, in red it just seems to be shouting.  And really, it doesn’t need to shout.

TASTE—7

Saying “I liked this” might be putting it a bit strong, but it is quite a bit more palpable than other Redline products.  The mix of berries (raspberry, blueberry, strawberry) is pleasant enough; the only thing that brings it down is the harshness of the aftertaste—which is still not so bad as others of the line.

KICK (INTENSITY)—10

Amazing what happens when you do what the bottle says (and exercise common sense), rather than just doing whatever the freak you happen to feel like.  This is definitely something to be taken before intense exercise or physical exertion; do not for a moment suppose that this is something suitable for your run of the mill, day-to-day droopy eyes.  Half a bottle will give most everyone a serious rush of energy; just remember that it takes about a half hour to get going (I waited 15 minutes and downed the rest of the bottle…which didn’t get me uncomfortably wired like it did the first time I attempted it; perhaps the 15 minutes were all I needed.  All the same, be careful).

KICK (DURATION)—10

A half-bottle lasts five hours, after which there is no crash to speak of (The whole bottle, incidentally, will last you ten.  Like I said, that is not something I recommend.).

THE DRINK OVERALL—9

Well, if you’re going to go Redline, go with the berry flavor.  And obey the instructions on the label for optimum satisfaction/safety.

WEBSITE: http://www.vpxsports.com/fat-loss-energy-supplements/redline-rtd

KEYWORDS: Redline Xtreme Triple Berry review, zero carb, zero calorie, zero sugar, high potency, workout supplement

Review for Great Value Energy Drink Enhancer--Cherry Limeade

CAFFEINE CONTENT

50 mg/serving (1 tsp.)

EASE IN ACQUISITION—8

I can find the other flavors at every Wal-Mart I visit, but for whatever reason, I only see these at every other store…which isn’t a problem unless you live somewhere like the Appalachian Mountains.

APPEARANCE/PRESENTATION—8

I’m a sucker for bottles like these—so much energy in so portable a receptacle.  The design on the wrapper is obviously Wal-Mart brand, but I’m not so inclined to take points off just because it doesn’t look as nice.

TASTE—7

Didn’t like this one quite as much as the others—the cherry tastes alright, the lime is a nice afterthought; problem I have with it is that both taste fake.  And no, I can’t really say that the other Great Value flavors were convincing, but they at least tasted good enough that I was willing got look past it.  This flavor just seems to embrace the fakeness—it’s fake, it knows it, and it doesn’t care.

KICK (INTENSITY)—9

If you’ve had the opportunity to compare both Mio and Great Value Energy water enhancers, you know about what to expect—Wal-Mart’s take works about as well as Mio in smaller doses, but the more servings you add, the less you get compared to Mio.  Significant doses:

Two servings (1 teaspoon) will administer 100 mg of caffeine; which should be enough to get you through most day-to-day stuff. 7/10

Three servings (1½ teaspoons) will give you 150 mg of caffeine—and a bit less energy than the same amount of Mio; think about what you’d get from most Monster beverages.  8/10

Four servings (2 teaspoons) will give you 200 mg of caffeine, and through that a thorough boost that will get you through most standard energy-requiring situations. 8.5/10

A few more servings will get you quite a rush, and that’s okay as long as you’re willing to drink all the water you need to dilute it enough to make it palpable.

KICK (DURATION)—9

Two servings last three hours, for a 7/10; three servings lasts just shy of three and a half hours for a decent 8/10; four servings lasts four hours for a 9/10.

THE SHOT OVERALL—8.67

Love the portability and versatility, but I’m really not all that wowed by the flavor.  Stick with other flavors from the brand if you like the value—or if you really want your water additive to be outstanding, get Mio Energy—Black Cherry.

WEBSITE: walmart.com

KEYWORDS: Great Value Energy Cherry Limeade review, Wal-Mart brand water enhancer review, zero carbs, zero calories, zero sugar, diet

Review for Great Value Energy Drink Enhancer--Berry Blast

CAFFEINE CONTENT

50 mg/serving (1 tsp.)

EASE IN ACQUISITION—10

At every Wal-Mart I’ve been to thus far.

APPEARANCE/PRESENTATION—8

Full marks for being handy; point knocked off simply because Mio looks better.  Another thought: why the heck are half of all berry energy products (or otherwise) “berry blast?”

TASTE—8

Flavor is reasonably pleasant—you’ve got your blueberries, your strawberries, your raspberries, etc.  It’s all a berry lover could ask for in a drink enhancer.  One word of warning, though; this is not especially forgiving when it comes to the water:additive ratio—one bit too much water and it’s bland, one bit to little and it tastes like you’re drinking the concentrate straight out of the bottle.

KICK (INTENSITY)—9

Same story here as either of the other Great Value Energy water enhancers—they perform about as well as Mio in smaller doses, but as you go up the differences between the two become exaggerated, and soon you’re using two glasses to get the same rush from Great Value that you could have gotten from one glass of Mio.  Significant doses:

Two servings (1 teaspoon) will administer 100 mg of caffeine; which should be enough to get you through most day-to-day stuff. 7/10

Three servings (1½ teaspoons) will give you 150 mg of caffeine—and a bit less energy than the same amount of Mio; think about what you’d get from most Monster beverages.  8/10

Four servings (2 teaspoons) will give you 200 mg of caffeine, and through that a thorough boost that will get you through most standard energy-requiring situations. 8.5/10

Add a couple more servings to that and you get into the really high-intensity territory—and the high water consumption territory, which often leads to you wandering to bathroom territories.

KICK (DURATION)—9

Two servings last three hours, for a 7/10; three servings lasts just shy of three and a half hours for a decent 8/10; four servings lasts four hours for a 9/10.

THE SHOT OVERALL—8.67

Overall, this is a decent product.  Still not as enthused as I was with Mio Energy—Black Cherry, but I’ve got one more flavor to review.  We’ll see where that leads.

WEBSITE: walmart.com

KEYWORDS: Great Value Energy Berry Blast review, Wal-Mart brand water enhancer review, zero carbs, zero calories, zero sugar, diet

Review for Great Value Energy Drink Enhancer--Strawberry Kiwi

CAFFEINE CONTENT

50 mg/serving (1/2 teaspoon)

EASE IN ACQUISITION—10

Just head to Wal-Mart!

APPEARANCE/PRESENTATION—8

Great Value gets full functional points for having the whole “handy squeeze bottle” thing down; Mio still has it beat for having the more striking look.  A extra point is taken off for the combination of these particular shades of green and pink—a combination which I particularly dislike.

TASTE—8

I opened my bottle of this drink enhancer fully ready for a tirade.  Not that I have all that much an issue with the Great Value brand; my entire medicine cabinet consists of their products—but, Mio Energy—Black Cherry has managed establish itself as one of my all-time favorite energy products, and I was ready to assert its superiority over a competitor with pathologic zeal…never mind the fact that that I’ve never had a problem with anything they’ve put out before.

Turns out, however, that this does just fine, in taste and (see below) performance.  The strawberry kiwi flavor is actually quite pleasant—even if it could use a little more kiwi in the oft-derived combination.  You may have to experiment a little to find the right balance of water to enhancer—but this particular product is a little more forgiving in that regard than its Berry Blast counterpart.

KICK (INTENSITY)—9

Good marks here for overall versatility; only reason I take a point of is that you need much more water to make higher doses taste good, which in combination with the diuretic effects of caffeine can cause some inconveniences.  Significant doses:

Two servings (1 teaspoon) will give you 100 mg of caffeine; enough put a spring in your step and help you feel a degree of alertness appropriate enough for studying or general duties.  7/10

Three servings (1½ teaspoons) will give you 150 mg of caffeine—and a bit less energy than three servings of Mio.  Winds up to be about average.  8/10

Four servings (2 teaspoons) will give you 200 mg of caffeine—and here you really start to notice that it doesn’t perform quite as well as Mio.  Still, it’s a decent boost that will get you through most standard energy-requiring situations. 8.5/10

Additional doses will eventually get you pretty wired, though like Mio, you never really feel jittery.  If you do decide to go that route, make sure you aren’t where you can’t go to the bathroom for extended periods, because you will need all that much more water to make it work flavorwise.

KICK (DURATION)—9

Two servings last three hours, for a 7/10; three servings lasts just shy of three and a half hours for a decent 8/10; four servings lasts four hours for a 9/10.

THE SHOT OVERALL—8.67

In conclusion, this isn’t Mio—but it’s still a pretty decent product, with double the servings (but less caffeine per dose) at about 75 cents less.  Try it and see if you like it; remember to comment below.

WEBSITE: walmart.com

KEYWORDS: Great Value Energy Strawberry Kiwi review, Wal-Mart brand water enhancer review, zero carbs, zero calories, zero sugar, diet