Background information: (from the website) "BAWLS Guarana all started as a class project to provide college students with a great tasting alternative to coffee. Keep in mind this was a time before the term “energy drink” was around. The idea: in addition to caffeine, use the natural power of the Guarana Berry, not yet known to the US, to fuel the drink.
In 1996, BAWLS Guarana was released upon the world in the signature cobalt blue glass bottle making it one of the first drinks in the USA to use a natural energy supplement.
Turns out, BAWLS’ great taste, long lasting energy, bumpy non-slip glass bottle, and fun name, just so happened to be a perfect concoction. The blue bottle fuel soon became the go-to energy source. 25 years later we still have the best fans around! "
Product details: 10 fl. oz. Manufactured for BAWLS, Twinsburg, OH 44087. 140 calories, 36g sugar. Glass bottle with pry off top. www.bawls.com
Ingredients: Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Caramel Color, Citric Acid, Natural Guarana Extract, Sodium Benzoate (as a preservative), Caffeine, Natural and Artificial Flavors. Warning: This product contains high levels of Caffeine.
My thoughts: I have to admit, I like root beer. I'm sure that comes as a surprise to many of you. Having lived in Brazil for a couple years, I also am a big fan of Guaraná. I had never considered combining the two into a single beverage, as the flavors don't seem like they'd really go together. So, will this drink result in a "goooooooooooooolaso!" or "perna de pau"? Read on to see who takes home the cup!
Well, I'm a bit surprised. There is no hint of guaraná flavor to be found. This one tastes like a straight up root beer, with a strong rooty flavor bolstered by vanilla and decent level of wintergreen, not coming across too minty while providing the cooling effect. It's not the most complex flavor profile, but a bit heartier than your average root beer. The aftertaste provides a nice roll off of the main flavor as it fades, but no other subtle spices make themselves known. I enjoy the cooling sensation that lingers from the mint.
One of the first things I noticed upon trying this is that the carbonation level is excellent. When it comes to my effervescence, I prefer the kind of large, biting bubbles that prickle the tongue, and that's exactly what I get with this. Considering how the carbonation attacked my tongue, it's actually a fairly smooth root beer, with a subtle creaminess following the bubbles as they dance down my throat. It's not the creamiest, or smoothest, but strikes a pretty nice balance. Sugar levels are adequate, though my mouth felt a bit more syrupy than I prefer. Perhaps it would be better served by using cane sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup, but whatever it is, there's some room for improvement there.
So, does Bawls score a 6:1 blowout win? No. But there's no need to go down to penalty shots, as it manages to secure a decent win against the rival team. It's taking home the regional cup, but isn't quite ready to take home the world cup of root beers. It scores a gol instead of a golaso, putting the bawl into the back of the net in a convincing manner, but not worthy of the "goal of the week" award.
Rating: B
flavor: B
aftertaste: B
sweetness: C+
smoothness: B-
carbonation: A+
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