A&W Cream Soda

Big Red Zero Sugar

Beeville

Dr Pepper and Cream Soda

Sprecher Cream Soda (Soda Hunter)

Dr. Brown's Cream Soda (Soda Hunter)

Purchased at World Market

Champ's Cola

We’ve got an odd situation today.  I have a can in front of me that’s identical (except the name) to Quinabeer.  It’s red and has “Champion George Prince” on it flexing.  Seriously how many other cans of soda would look like this?  

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So much flexing.

My concern is that Champs Cola (btw I’m reviewing Champs Cola today) is just a rebranded Quinabeer.  If that’s the case then I’m going to be a little sad.  If that’s NOT the case then I’m going to be perplexed as to why an exact labeling doppleganger (minus the name) was created.

It smells like a bubble gum cream soda so I’m starting to think this is the exact same beverage.  That’s ok, I’ll still review it.  That way if someone (you) searches for Champ’s Cola they have an entry to find.  

Who knows, perhaps I’ll forget what I thought about it before and rate it differently.  I seriously hope that I don’t, but I’m not going to read my Quinabeer review until after I’m done.

Ok, so it’s a bubble gum cream with a hint of orange soda to boot.  It’s this orange kicker that makes me not dismiss it immediately as a bubble gum monstrosity.  I’m not big on the bubble gum if you haven’t concocted that thought yet.

Even though the orange is pleasing to my pallet the bubble gum is just too overpowering for me to really get into this soda.  That’s unfortunate for Champ’s Cola as I think expounding on the citrus flavor could really make this go a long way.  That’s kind of a cocky thought, but I’m a “Jerk” so it should be expected.

All in all, Champ’s Cola aka Quinabeer aka Champ’s Cola, has the makings of being excellent, but the ratios just aren’t quite there.

~A

This was given to me by Rasslin’ Jakit

Jupina

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I like this picture more than I should

Just when you think you have nothing to review someone goes to the Grand Cayman Islands and grabs you a soda.  Three sodas to be exact… well two sodas from Grand Cayman and one from Mexico.  The one in question today is Jupina, with a tilde over the “n” although I’m not really sure how to do that.

The labeling of Jupina involves a picture of a pineapple upon a pineapple background.  There’s a lot of pineapple involved here so let’s go ahead and assume that’s the flavor.  The ingredients show that this can has 50 grams of sugar in it.  That my friends is a bunch o’ sugar.  Other ingredients listed are standard artificially flavored soda fare.  Let’s crack the can and give it a go.

It smells a little bit like an orange pineapple mix, but I’m still thinking this is primarily a pineapple soda.  Trust me when I say I’d prefer it be orange/pineapple.  I’m not sure why you wouldn’t trust me on that, or why I even needed to say “trust me”.

That is not the color of a pineapple soda.  That is the color of a cream soda.  I’m now officially worried.

I’m no longer worried.  This is a pineapple cream soda and I’m 100% cool with that.  Pineapple cream isn’t something I’m used to, but the combo works out nicely.  In the case of Jupina though the cream outweighs the pineapple.  

This heavy cream taste keeps the pineapple’s bite at bay.  Not that a pineapple is a very violent fruit, but it’s not as tame as Jupina makes it seem.  Reaching the end of the sip you’re tapped by the grenade like fruit.  Honestly I’d compare it to someone accidentally shoulder checking you in a crowded venue.  It’s a little unexpected, but as long as you’re not a complete jerk you’ll quickly forget about it.

I can honestly say that Jupina has exceeded my expectations as a soda.  Perhaps if I could read the Spanish language I’d know it was pineapple cream, but I feel I enjoyed it more being a surprise.  

If I could change any aspect of it I’d add a bit more pineapple taste to give the end a little more violence.  The smooth cream start and bumpy end would be a nice ride for a soda to give.  

This soda was given to my by Rasslin’ Jakit

Excel Red Cream

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I'm starting to get concerned.

Since 1936 Excel Red Cream has been in existence.  You’ve probably never heard of it, I hadn’t until I found a bottle in a gas station.  It’s still amazing to me that we can live amongst so many sodas that so many people haven’t heard about.  

The labeling for Excel Red Cream is very simple as you can see in the picture.  Almost has a “deck of cards” feel with the red diamonds adorning the side.  If you’re literate then you can see that it’s sweetened with Pure Cane Sugar as well.  Judging by the ingredients it seems they’ve paired that pure cane sugar with some artificial goodness and some good ol’ fashioned Red #40.  Mmmm Mmmm! My favorite.

Placing nose to mouth (odd, yes?) I get the definite aroma of red cream.  That mixture of bubble gum, vanilla, and mystery.  If it even tastes like an average red cream soda I’ll be happy as I’m not looking for anything spectacular today.

First sip starts with a burst of fizz, burning the tip of my tongue and quickly dissipating.  A syrupy red cream sensation rolls towards my gullet and disappears leaving a similar taste in its absence.  This is indeed an average red cream soda.

Fun beginning with a regrettable ending.  Kinda like that last relationship you were in.  Right guys/gals?  Am I relating to you yet?

What keeps this average soda from hitting the next level is primarily the syrupy mouthfeel you’re left with.  After each sip I just sit with an odd taste in my mouth wondering if I’d made the right choice.  Kinda like that last relationsh….

~A

This was purchased at a Shell Gasoline Station

Fest Bourbon Cream Soda (Soda Hunter)

Purchased at Rouses' Supermarket

Sprecher Orange Dream (Soda Hunter)

Purchased at Sheetz Travel Center in Virginia