Apologies to My Tastebuds

As some of you may have read in my last blog post, I recently scoured Japanese 7-Elevens, top to bottom, for the most interesting foods and drinks that I could find.  One of the more bizarre beverages was Coca-Cola Clear, a new liquid refreshment available only in Japan and Singapore.  Upon encountering it, I knew I had to give it a taste test.

When I cracked open this bad boy and took a deep sniff, my nostrils and I were shocked to discover an odd scent.  Rather than the iconic fragrance of cola, I was assaulted by a blend of Sprite-like fruitiness and the odor of raw ginger.  Fighting my instincts to dump the entire thing down the drain, I poured some into a cup.

The only reason this swill can legally be called “Coca-Cola” is because Coca-Cola owns Sprite as well.  This did not taste like Coca-Cola at all.  It tastes like Sprite mixed with ginger ale – it did, however, have an underwhelming cola aftertaste.  Two Shrek thumbs down.

The last remaining sliver of optimism in me thought that this might improve with ice.

That optimistic sliver of mine promptly died a pitiful death.  I normally prefer my soda with ice, but I would rather drink Clorox without ice than this.  The ice doesn’t reduce the flavor at all, in fact, the weird ginger flavor gets stronger.  Another two Shrek thumbs down.

In the end, I did what was right for me, the world, and humanity.

I poured that swill right down the drain.  Because that’s where it belongs.