Rowdy Energy Orange Citrus

Introduction

Time to get into Cameron's Christmas gift - a 12 pack of Rowdy Energy, which is a brand that I've never tried before. Matt's reaction after trying one was something like "tart in a way that made it not-refreshing". Green tea is advertised on the can, which intrigues me in a good way.

Appearance

I like the can a lot actually. Sick logo, clean lines, and good marketing (green tea, endurance and focus, and enhanced hydration energy). Casting a wide net with that advertising. The can has a wrap on the outside, if that makes sense. Like it's printed on top of a plastic wrap on top of the can. Gives it a "matte finish" look and feel that I dig.

Taste

Tart is a good descriptor off the bat. I can taste the green tea, but it's not strong which is probably what Matt was tasting. The orange isn't just an orange or orange soda flavor, which is what I expected. The aftertaste is reminiscent of cream soda but it fades quickly.

Kick

Kick is 160mg of caffeine, which appeals more and more to me as I try to control my caffeine addiction (unsuccessfully). I'd appreciate it more if it was 200mg, but that's just a personal preference.

Conclusion

To wrap up, I like it but wouldn't get it again. I think there's potential with the green tea energy drink combo, but orange cream soda isn't hitting it out the park for me.

Appearance

Rowdy used two shades of orange for this can. They chose the lighter shade as the primary accent color across the can. I would've preferred the darker shade to improve readability of the white text, but that's just nitpicking a good looking can. Notably, the top of this can has an aluminum finish, as opposed to coloring it black as seen on other Rowdy cans. I'm curious if there is a rationale for which cans get which top, maybe Rowdy can let me know.

Taste

One of many orange flavored drinks on the market, it seems like every brand has an orange variation. Rowdy's Orange Citrus has a unique formula, it is a mix of the artificial orange flavor and citrus flavors. In terms of taste, I have it in the middle of the pack. It is solid but not exceptional in any manner.

Kick

Rowdy Orange Citrus has 160mg of caffeine. The drink is roughly equivalent to two cups of coffee.

Overall

Rowdy Orange Citrus is solidly in the middle of a sea of orange flavored energy drinks. Its taste is slightly different than each of its competitors, though that doesn't bring it out of the middle in terms of rankings. It's decent flavor in a good looking can, which meets expectations. Regardless, I find myself wishing for another quality or two that would entice me to grab this product off the shelf regularly. Updates to aspects of this drink would push this product to the next level, such as: healthier ingredients, less sugar or bolder taste.