08/07/2006 Entry: "August Megaparty #7: Pepsi Jazz!"

Every time a new soda flavor hits the shelves, I consider dancing. I love new soda, and the past few years have been an excellent time to love soda. The big companies are constantly competing with one another to be the first, or the best, or the biggest. In some cases, a company will force its own brands to compete against each other, because soda companies are stark raving lunatics. It's a fact, and it's a fact so alarming, I bet you just screamed "NO WAY" and busted a capillary. One of your eyes totally looks like shit now.

Joining the "MAKE EVERYTHING TASTE LIKE FRUIT AND CREAM" bandwagon a little late, Pepsi Strikes Back with its new "Pepsi Jazz" series -- zero calorie soft drinks that promise to take what was once Diet Pepsi and transform it into Diet Pepsi with a sugar-free candy aftertaste. They succeeded, and along the way, they got really fancy with the bottle labels.

Dr Pepper has found much success with its "Berries & Cream" spinoff; actually, it found enough success to start a few new trends in Sodaland. Aside from beginning a fruiting/creaming revolution across the entire soft drink landscape, Dr Pepper also introduced us to the patented Outrageous Can. Check my old review for proof. With anything-but-typical flesh-colored cans, Dr Pepper's goldendaughter forced even the people who hated the idea of a berry/cream soda to try it out. Pepsi Jazz goes the same route, invoking thoughts of Mardi Gras and upscale bakeries with the gaudy, colorful and reflective labels seen above.

The new drinks dare you to "indulge your senses," and the whole marketing campaign seems eerily similar to that shitty string of commercials where two idiot women in Capri pants fancy yogurt as being "full service gas at self service prices good," or "man who cleans his fingernails good." Okay, whatever, I'm fine with sodas having identities. But the "Jazz" name...that I'm not so sure of. It just sounds like something that cannot possibly last on store shelves longer than a month in a half. If you think about it, it'd be a lot more interesting for Pepsi to introduce "Pepsi Jazz" and see it fail without a moment's hope, because so many people would have the opportunity to boast about how they knew something called "Pepsi Jazz" would flop like a fish on a tin roof.

As for the taste, well, it's nothing I'm starting a fan club over, but I wasn't offended to the point where I'd locate any Pepsi Jazz fan club treehouses just to burn them down out of spite. I feel like I've tasted plenty better on the French Vanilla side, but "Strawberries & Cream" at least has the distinction of a unique taste. I also kind of dig it because Pepsi briefly had a strawberry flavor in the early '90s; this tastes nowhere near as good as that stuff did, but getting the loose simile is akin to fucking the hot girl's homely sister. Attraction by association or some shit. I dunno.

Chestnuts roasted by Mattman @ 08/07/2006 10:14 PM EST

Anyone seen either of these available as a six-pack or 20-oz.?
And what, are they trying to sound more sophisticated than Coke Blak or something?

Chestnuts roasted by Commander Awesome @ 08/07/2006 10:15 PM EST

Does anyone else really miss Pepsi Blue? I loved that stuff. It was one of my favorite sodas of all time, and remember: IT WAS BLUE!!!

Chestnuts roasted by Fox @ 08/07/2006 10:19 PM EST

My hubby and me had Pepsi Jazz last week in a 12 pack i beleive..it was the Cherry vanilla one...it would BE better if it was'nt diet. It still had the chemically after taste I dread. I hated blue pepsi, and loved twist. Spice was the bomb yo...lol Blak sucks some perverted Uncle's hairy balls.

Pepsi had something called Kona Pepsi yrs ago that was coffeee flavored...and I still rememebr how good crystal pepsi was....and that was 14 yrs ago. COke Zero is the best diet version in my opinion though.

Chestnuts roasted by mandy_Reeves @ 08/07/2006 10:21 PM EST

"Endulge your senses with JAZZ!"

The commercial literally just came on for it. Hadn't seen it until just now. Nearly reminent of the Jimmy Fallon/Parker Posey Diet Coke ad.

I'm not really one for the different flavored colas, with Cherry Coke being the exception. Though I did buy the Coke with Lime more than a few times. Half of those times, though, I can assure you it was because the fucking theme song had looped itself in my brain 177 times.

"You put da lime in da Coke...."

Chestnuts roasted by ColonelCatsup @ 08/07/2006 10:22 PM EST

I would really miss Pepsi Blue if only I didn't really miss Crystal Pepsi so much. Try to guess if I'm being serious or not.

Chestnuts roasted by Bludge @ 08/07/2006 10:22 PM EST

all pepsi taste the same to me

Chestnuts roasted by bren @ 08/07/2006 10:26 PM EST

That logo is horrible...it will scream out to my stepdad and mom, who love elevator jazz. I'm not a soda drinker, though I do have a secret love for Pepsi. Don't tell the clerk at Whole Foods.

Chestnuts roasted by Jessica Marie @ 08/07/2006 10:27 PM EST

It's hard to imagine that there's anywhere else for them to go with soda flavors.

Strawberries and Creme sounds amazing though.

Chestnuts roasted by Spoodles @ 08/07/2006 10:27 PM EST

I totally miss both Vanilla Coke AND Pepsi Blue! They were the best! It's kinda ironic that they're both gone, because Vanilla Coke came first, and Pepsi countered with Pepsi Blue before coming out with their own Vanilla soda. I still have 2 1.5 liter Vanilla Coke bottles in my basement too!

It's a shame that the Vanilla craze was later overtaken with stuff that was ADDED to Vanilla and called "Something & Creme!" I just want the Creme part! I don't want the Something!

So If my calculations are correct, the flow of soft drink (going neutral so not to spark THAT debate again) fads are as follows:

Regular > Diet > Crazy, short-lived recipe formulas (New Coke, Crystal Pepsi) > 0 Calorie > Lemon > Vanilla > Low Carb > Lime > Something + Vanilla/Creme

Chestnuts roasted by Invader Norbert @ 08/07/2006 10:30 PM EST

Pepsi Blue is a lonely bitch godess. Figure that out.

Chestnuts roasted by Kris @ 08/07/2006 10:32 PM EST

I am not usually a fan of new pops, particularly ones that blend flavors. I did however enjoy Pepsi Clear, and even though I was only 8 or so when it was released (and then subsequently dismissed), I remember truly loving it.

As for other new pops, I kind of like the Diet Coke with Lime, but other than that, I am a tried and true Diet Dr. Pepper drinker.

On the same topic, has anyone seen that new coffee induced coca cola? I cannot remember the name, but I tried it and it came out the second it went in.

Chestnuts roasted by Tony Johnson @ 08/07/2006 10:35 PM EST

Am I the only one who misses OK Soda? I tried this, it was ok. I did not notice the strawberry variety, I'm gonna have to check that one out.

Chestnuts roasted by kb @ 08/07/2006 10:47 PM EST

I LOVED Vanilla Coke. That was and still is my all time favorite pop. You can sort of recreate it at home with the vanilla espresso syrups. I used to make it all the time (pre vanilla coke) when I worked at Dairy Queen.

Berries and cream doctor pepper is pretty good, but I definately prefer regular Dr. Pepper. Sweet, sweet Dr. Pepper...

I need a pop!

Chestnuts roasted by LemonWitch @ 08/07/2006 10:47 PM EST

Silly me, I seem to have left out Cherry in my flow chart. Here is the updated chart:

Regular > Diet > Crazy, short-lived recipe formulas (New Coke, Crystal Pepsi) > Cherry > 0 Calorie > Lemon > Vanilla > Low Carb > Lime > Something + Vanilla/Creme

Chestnuts roasted by Invader Norbert @ 08/07/2006 10:49 PM EST

I just saw this at Walmart on Saturday and I thought "I should buy some, because then I can feel cool when Matt writes an article about it." But I didn't buy it.

Why do they only have it in Diet Pepsi?? I think they should outlaw diet sodas. If you're on a freaking diet, drink WATER you fat cow!

Chestnuts roasted by LuLu @ 08/07/2006 10:53 PM EST

Did you guys get Pepsi Samba in the States? It was a 'tropical' flavour released down here in Australia earlier this year. Tasted kinda like watered down punch. Needless to say, it's already being sold at bulk prices in clearance grocery stores.

Jazz, Samba.. I can only hope that this eventually leads to Pepsi Bebop and Pepsi Rocksteady.

Chestnuts roasted by Daniel85 @ 08/07/2006 10:54 PM EST

If anyone else remembers the yogurt commercials Matt mentions above, I was wondering if you also noticed something. One of the two "idiot women" was Eric Matthews' hippy girlfriend in some later Boy Meets World episode, who went on to hate Eric and get a record deal based on writing angsty songs about hating him. Every time I saw that commercial that is all I could think of. Did anyone else notice this?

Chestnuts roasted by whoah @ 08/07/2006 11:00 PM EST

"Am I the only one who misses OK Soda? I tried this, it was ok."

Ohh man, kb, for a second I thought you were ironically commenting on OK Soda. Made me smile.

I hate soda, with its salty sharp non-refreshing carbonation, so I guess I have nothing to say. Except that I love Torani syrups and tart up my beverages as often as possible. I'm drinking cinnamon chocolate milk right now! You're jealous.

Chestnuts roasted by Welsh Rabbit @ 08/07/2006 11:07 PM EST

I cannot for the life of me grasp the concept of putting any berries and cream, strawberries, lime, coffee, or other stuff into cola. I've never tried any of them, but man, they just don't even sound appealing! :o Sorry.

On a better note - is Mountain Dew gonna have a Pitch Black III this year?? Let's all pray the answer is "YES!" and if not, they better frickin put Pitch Black II back out.

Chestnuts roasted by Ryane @ 08/07/2006 11:08 PM EST

Bleck, Crystal Pepsi was freaking horrible! My parents kept buying it, and it always had this awful aftertaste like you just licked the rusty bolts holding down a public toilet.

Pepsi Kona was pretty good, but generally I'm a Coke girl, fo' realz.

Bring back chocolate Faygo.

Chestnuts roasted by Mystie @ 08/07/2006 11:10 PM EST

Saw 12'ers of both in the store, but couldn't get past the diet label. I might try the strawberry though.
I do miss Vanilla Coke...The Black Cherry Vanilla is okay but it doesn't mix as well. The Pepper Berries and Cream gets yucky quick, at least for me but the cans do help get past it.

Chestnuts roasted by squee4242 @ 08/07/2006 11:13 PM EST

Pitch Black has become one of my favorite things about Halloween. I'll be crushed if it doesn't return, but they totally goofed on the marketing with Round 2, trying to take it away from its spooky roots and making it more of a HERE YA GO FRAT BOY, BRING DIS TO YAR LAN PARTIES deal. Ugh.

Chestnuts roasted by Matt @ 08/07/2006 11:17 PM EST

Oh, and LuLu,

Chestnuts roasted by Mystie @ 08/07/2006 11:18 PM EST

I miss Vanilla Coke SO much. I would have a cold glass of it without ice, it was almost like a dessert. Damn you, Coke!

Chestnuts roasted by Julie @ 08/07/2006 11:19 PM EST

I tried both Jazz flavors in the 20oz bottles that were on sale. I have yet to see the commercial or any other way to drink it until Matt's pic of the liters. They were ok, but I prefer the lime/vanilla varieties better. I'm also surprised they didn't make a regular version.

I certainly hope there is a Pitch Black 3 this year. That was awesome. I also miss Pepsi Spice.

Tried Coke Blak this weekend. Worst thing I've ever tasted, but then again I'm not a coffee drinker.

I wonder what the next "wild" soda flavor will be next. My prediction: chocolate. Yoo-Hoo has dominated the chocolate drink market for to long.

Chestnuts roasted by JLAJRC @ 08/07/2006 11:24 PM EST

Dear God I miss OK Soda. Everything about it was awesome. Was I a victim of a corporate think tank? You bectha. But at least said think tank allowed me the ability to dial an 800 number (1-800-I feel ok) to hear the thoughts of stuffed animals. A stuffed bear might think "Boy I sure like being fuzzy." A Stuffed dog might think "Bow wow....bow...wow" Classic

Chestnuts roasted by Ed @ 08/07/2006 11:25 PM EST

Manimal, Vanilla Coke was the only coke product I actually LOVED, so yes, too early a rest for so valiant a warrior.

At least Ryane had the decency to mention Dew. I'm not an EXTREME!!! sports guy, but I am a grad student who writes all his papers the night before. And I agree, Pitch Black II had better poke its beautiful sour head out of the coffin again this year.

Chestnuts roasted by Knegative @ 08/07/2006 11:26 PM EST

Yeah, the first time around, for Pitch Black was much better marketing wise... Had all the Good People of America thinking it was Demon Blood or something.

But, I could drink PB II for all eternity. The first one didn't do much for me. I, too, will be crushed if they let it fade away. :'(

Chestnuts roasted by Ryane @ 08/07/2006 11:31 PM EST

HEY! I drink out of a POM tea jar/glass too!

Chestnuts roasted by Somethin' Funny @ 08/07/2006 11:43 PM EST

I'm all for sweet new sodas, but Holiday Spice was made of TeH 3vil. I kept a 2 liter in my fridge to lure unsuspecting people into tasting it, at which point they would hate me.

Chestnuts roasted by Terror Claws Cole @ 08/07/2006 11:55 PM EST

I sorta like the 'Jazz' name...it's all exciting, but it also sounds a tiny bit tacky, maybe? And I'm not sure that I think 'Jazz' when I think strawberries and cream; much too spunky. But then again, I haven't tasted it; maybe it is all happy-and-spunky tasting. On another note, I love the Dr. Pepper Berries and Cream to death; it rocks my socks.

But right now, I'm just drinking a diet normal Dr. Pepper/diet Sprite mix. It is goood.

X-E every day?? Too good to be true!

Chestnuts roasted by razzkat @ 08/08/2006 12:03 AM EST

Black Cherry French Vanilla tastes more like bubble gum then anything resembling cherry or vanilla.

Diet Pepsi flavors never work out well. Though I've found DP with a little peach schnapps tastes pretty good

Chestnuts roasted by emperor_zorak @ 08/08/2006 12:16 AM EST

The "snazzy" label of Jazz caught my eye last week sometime. I picked up a 20oz. bottle and was pretty disappointed. The after taste killed me.

I totally miss OK soda...OK and Surge are two of my favorites ever.

Chestnuts roasted by MissJess @ 08/08/2006 12:41 AM EST

Oh my god. Surge had to be one of the top five best Coca-Cola releases EVER. I still see it occasionally in seedy gas station soda fountains. Don't trust 'em.

Chestnuts roasted by ColonelCatsup @ 08/08/2006 12:51 AM EST

I love the Strawberries and Cream Jazz. Although, the name was so silly it almost turned me off. I too crave new and exciting soda flavors.
I miss Holiday Spice as well. I wish they had it in Diet so I wouldn't get all shaky after drinkin it though!
Good shaky fun!

Chestnuts roasted by Fristine @ 08/08/2006 12:52 AM EST

The Manimal, I live in Eastern Europe, and Pepsi Twist is still going strong.
OTOH, we don't have that many new sodas introduced here- this summer's hit is Clear Lemonade Shweppes (that's too sweet for my taste). The only drink that seems to constantly be getting new tastes is Fanta, though.

Chestnuts roasted by Papa Taz @ 08/08/2006 01:17 AM EST

The only special flavor from Pepsi I've ever liked was Crystal. Blue and Holiday Spice both I spat out; Lemon and Lime were tollerable, but that's not to say I cared for them. I'll have to give these two a shot and see what they're like...I expect BC/FV to be much like Black Cerry Vanilla Coke, which I didn't care for either.

One last thing: Why are all the new flavors anymore Diet?

Chestnuts roasted by Ragnarok @ 08/08/2006 01:19 AM EST

I hate Dr. Pepper, and I hate all colas, with the exception of Diet Pepsi, and then it has to be consumed with pizza. I do really miss pepsi blue though. My allowance in middle school mostly went to getting a bottle of that stuff from the soda machine in the courtyard on the rare occasions that it worked.

Chestnuts roasted by Hazzard @ 08/08/2006 01:36 AM EST

Here's another good survey: What foods go with certain sodas/pops with you?

Me, I'll say that Vault, although addictively declicious on its own, seems to taste great with Coleslaw. And I'm the kind of person that eats it with burgers, as both a side and a topping.

Chestnuts roasted by Invader Norbert @ 08/08/2006 01:54 AM EST

For me, and I'm faced with a KFC biscuit, Dr Pepper all the way. Moutain Dew for Mexican.

Chestnuts roasted by ColonelCatsup @ 08/08/2006 01:58 AM EST

Dew and Pizza. Pepsi and Chinese

Chestnuts roasted by Knegative @ 08/08/2006 02:25 AM EST

When you think about the fact that 99.9% of these gimmicky and crazy-flavored sodas die within two years, you wonder why the companies keep bothering. To alleviate boredom maybe?

Chestnuts roasted by Mars @ 08/08/2006 03:06 AM EST

Why must all these fancy new flavors be diet?! I am horribly allergic to aspartame!

I do approve of the drinking from the Pom tea jars though. One of mine is filled with my D&D dice and the other is sitting next to me holding my cherry 7Up (which needs to be more easily available).

Chestnuts roasted by Gadget @ 08/08/2006 03:12 AM EST

I didn't realize there was a strawberry and cream one. I enjoy strawberry soda from safeway, It's great if you make an ice cream float out of it. And I am also a sucker for new food products, which probably is bad because that means there is a burst of cost for them and then they find out if it's a good product or not after a couple of months.

And like other people have said, you can get a knockoff of pepsi blue in safeway select form. I don't remember what it's called but it has the word berry in it. I didn't like it at first, too artifical, but I like it now. On wednesday (payday, I get paid weekly direct deposit sweet) I might get some. Also that is my day off. So I get to sleep in and then go grocery shopping for the week!! Sweet!! I actually enjoy grocery shopping now because I can get pretty much whatever I want. I might have to beg to go to target.

But being poor for so long (I started working at a decent job a month ago) I would splurge on the damage goods section of safeway. A half mangled box of cereal for a dollar! right on!! But the only way to take advantage of the deals is to go on a regular basis and always have enough money to spend on them. There is a store called the grocery outlet (their logo is a rainbow, no joke) and I love it there even though it's not convienent to go. I love getting frozen food there it's awesomely cheap! Goodwill also is like that. But if I feel bad about being so cheap I remind myself the reason why millioniares have all of that money is because they get the best deals and they are sickingly cheap. I mean, the richer someone is the cheaper they are.

I hope this didn't rollover from other thread too much.

Chestnuts roasted by Goob @ 08/08/2006 03:26 AM EST

I was racking my brain over this, but another Pepsi Blue substitute (I went apeshit over the stuff too during it's run) is the Baja Blast Mountain Dew, that at SOME Taco Bells, is still available.

Again, though, that's another one of those questionable fountain drinks from almost two years ago, still around randomly.

Do I satisfy my taste buds and deal with the explosive diarrhea, or do I go thirsty?

I'm still thinking!

Chestnuts roasted by ColonelCatsup @ 08/08/2006 03:46 AM EST

What exactly is so French about the Vanilla? Has it a slight odour of cheese?

Chestnuts roasted by Mr Magoo @ 08/08/2006 04:22 AM EST

For those of you that don't know, Pitch Black I was a color-altered version of Pepsi Blue (according to someone who worked at marketing at Pepsi that I talked to).

Coke ditching Vanilla Coke was their biggest mistake since switching to Coke II, but supposedly they're bringing it back.

Chestnuts roasted by oliverhaddo @ 08/08/2006 07:29 AM EST

I'm going nowhere near a product called "Pepsi Jazz." I don't want to end up trapped under a vending machine, toothless, addicted to venom, with a mess of scorpion larvae laid in my navel. No thank you.

Chestnuts roasted by Jedoc @ 08/08/2006 07:39 AM EST

The rare times I buy soda, I just buy the regular stuff. Then, I add my own flavoring. Pepsi + Vanilla Vodka. Pepsi + Grenadine. Dr. Pepper + Captain Morgan. Yummmm.

Has there ever been an x-e soda vs. pop vs. cola survey?

Soda.

Chestnuts roasted by bad karma @ 08/08/2006 07:48 AM EST

LuLu - I am not a fat cow, but I prefer diet because I try to stay away from sugar, thank you very much.

I've had the strawberries and cream variety, and I gotta say, I sort of love it. It almost reminds me of cherokee red, one of my all time favorite drinks.

and bad karma - don't start that again. i'm from Pittsburgh, I say pop. But to each their own. there is no right answer.

Chestnuts roasted by bitchpants @ 08/08/2006 08:51 AM EST

I miss my Crystal Pepsi (probably more for nostalgia than taste), and I really miss my Surge. I noticed that Vault is similar, kinda like a weakened formula, with less bite. Coke, give me back my Surge!

As for all this flavor silliness, make your own. Get the flavored syrups that they use in italian sodas, and you can mix whatever you want! Neopolitan Pepsi anyone (don't try it, it isn't good)?

Also, you can have the "just cream" part too, just add cream (ok, that was a painfully obvious one). When I was growing up, whenever we went to Village Inn, I always had them bring me some of the vanilla syrup (kept on hand for the pies) and some coffee creamer, and mixed it into my Coke. Guess I was a visionary?

Chestnuts roasted by Dr Sketch @ 08/08/2006 08:56 AM EST

can't wait til those jones halloween sodas are back in stores this year

Chestnuts roasted by Eddie Lightning Frog @ 08/08/2006 09:13 AM EST

I'm not a big fan of the "adding shit to cola" trend. For one thing, once you get past cherry and vanilla (not mixed together) you're in highly dubious taste territory. I like Wild Cherry Pepsi and Vanilla Pepsi, but will settle for Cherry Coke and Vanilla Coke. As I'm not a big soda drinker (too much sugar and caffeine guarantees I won't sleep for days), they're mainly good chasing off headaches and staying awake for 24 hours at a time. Besides, RC Cola kicks everyone's ass.

My true soda love resides now not with Coke or Pepsi, but with the venerable house of Canada Dry. I've had a lifelong love affair with that particular Black Cherry soda, created first by Frank's Soda. Frank's was an old school Philadelphia brand, bought mainly at beer distributors in the area. Their cheesy advertising hook "Is that a Frank's .... THANKS!" still adorns the older-than-dirt vending machine at the mini golf by my folk's house just north of Philadelphia. Frank's also created several other flavors, not all of which are in production by Canada Dry -- grape, strawberry, orange, and the venerable carbonated punch concoction Tahaitian Treat.

And BTW, Black Cherry soda + vanilla vodka = boozy goodness. We call it the G-side Cherrybomb.

Chestnuts roasted by LemurCat @ 08/08/2006 09:44 AM EST

Matt,

Don’t know if you've gotten a chance yet, but on your lunch break head down to Bryant Park. The place is covered with pokemon. People in pokemon costumes, statues, inflatable pokemon, and even the macy's thanksgiving pikachu baloon. There's so many pokemon it will make you poke-puke.

Chestnuts roasted by Bob @ 08/08/2006 10:08 AM EST

Lemonwitch: Yes!! I did the same thing when I worked at DQ, years before they came out w/ Vanilla Coke.
I miss it but the Dr. Pepper Berries and Cream isn't bad. I just bought some coconut syrup to put in my coffee..but I'm wondering how it will taste in Coke...

Chestnuts roasted by Tarable @ 08/08/2006 10:32 AM EST

I drank nothing but Dr. Pepper B & C for a long time after it came out but I'm tired of it now. I had seen these "Jazz" sodas at Walmart but didn't realize they were diet. May have to try one now. I am trying to lose weight but I am not one of Lulu's afore-vitrioled fat cows, but I would consider myself a fat cat. I think I am one of the few people that prefer Pitch Black I to PB II. I wonder what the catch will be this year if it returns. Special Hyde formula?
I just had my first strawberry soda in years last night (Fanta). It was heavenly.

Chestnuts roasted by freudguy @ 08/08/2006 11:06 AM EST

The soda tasted like shit to me. While I was working a full shift, I noticed it and bought both flavors as 12oz's. During my break, I had several cups out to let my co-workers try the stuff, with a checklist listing every good or bad for each flavor.When I came back during my lunch break, the checklist was full of bad's. I tried it myself finally and said to myself that I need to vomit this crap out now. I didn't, but I wanted dramatic effect for myself. Honestly, the Pepsi clashes with the new mixes.

Chestnuts roasted by Aaron Frederick @ 08/08/2006 11:32 AM EST

MissJess, ColonelCatsup

Surge still lives (or something very close to it) though it got a name change. Vault.

Chestnuts roasted by Wenthral @ 08/08/2006 12:04 PM EST

bitchpants

I said "survey", not "debate". I know there's no right answer, but I always find it interesting to see which parts of the country/world call it one, or the other...or the other other.

Chestnuts roasted by bad karma @ 08/08/2006 12:11 PM EST

Wenthral:
On the Surge=Vault debate...I'd need to do a side by side taste test myself, because either my taste buds have changed, or they were insane for liking Surge. I REALLY don't like Vault. I've read reviews where people have said they are like 95% the same and all. I refuse to believe it...I refuse to let go of the warm fuzzies I get when I remember seeing a full 12pk of Surge in my fridge....

Chestnuts roasted by MissJess @ 08/08/2006 12:30 PM EST

I totally have a thing where I have to drink certain sodas with certain foods.
Ballgames-Hot Dogs and Diet Coke
McD's Burger and Coke
Movies Popcorn and Cherry Coke
I'd bore you all with more, but that'd be boring.

Chestnuts roasted by kb @ 08/08/2006 12:55 PM EST

hey emperor zorak...Can i be your Col. Brak???????

Chestnuts roasted by JoshC @ 08/08/2006 01:02 PM EST

lulu - i drink diet soda. i'm not a "fat cow". sugar is horrible for you.

anyway, pepsi blue was nasty. anything that tastes of raspberries is gross.

vanilla coke tasted like rum and coke. i still have some diet vanilla pepsi in the fridge. it's good stuff.

diet black cherry vanilla coke is the best stuff ever. a lot of places around DC don't carry it though. diet cherry vanilla dr. pepper is ok. i kinda got tired of it.

cherry coke is still amazing. diet cherry coke is decent too. diet wild cherry pepsi is pretty decent too.

the spiced pepsi wasn't anything to write home about.

diet pepsi is a million times better than diet coke. 'nuff said.

Chestnuts roasted by matty @ 08/08/2006 01:12 PM EST

just wonderin'
does anyone know of 'stewarts cream ale' or any other flavor?
i miss it sooooo much, cantb get it here in newfoundland anymore,
and NORBERT: we dont get vault here either, care to inform me as to just what this apparantly amazing beverage is??
much appreciated...
and holy christ its been a LOOOONG TIME SINCE IVE POSTED BESIDES THE ONE ABOVE, BUT I HAVENT LEFT MY DEAR X-E AND ALL OF YOU, JUST HAVENT HAD MUCH TO SAY...
and on another topic, GODDAMM I CANNOIT WAAAAIT FOR ALL HALLOWS!!
HAVIN A HUGE BASH AND YOU'RE ALL INVITED!!
YOUR PLAIN TICKETS ARE IN THE MAIL!!!
RAD summer, and muppet baby, sooooo happy to hear that you have recovered!!
been dealin with a pretty serious sickness myself, wont go into detail but its not fun....so take care of yourself!!!

peace bitches!

Chestnuts roasted by JoshC @ 08/08/2006 01:18 PM EST

Ohh Jedoc you made me laugh profusely, yet again!

Wish I had a Bebop Cola machine, though. I could go for some Mingus Dew right about now.

Chestnuts roasted by Ryane @ 08/08/2006 01:20 PM EST

Pepsi Jazz you say? Well, I'm Jazzed, are you guys Jazzed?

Chestnuts roasted by Darth Poop @ 08/08/2006 01:31 PM EST

Hey LemurCat, where about in North of Philly is this Mini-Golf place with the Frank's vending maching? You wouldn't happened to be talking about Putt-Putt over there in Clifton Heights would you? I remember those Franks' commercials. I haven't had a Franks' soda in years though but I remember liking them.

One of my favorite all time sodas is Canada Dry's Vanilla Creme Soda. That was always my top pick for a long time. And even though around my area, I can only get it at Wendy's, Mr. Pibb is good too. Wish they had it in can and bottle form around here but I've never seen it.

Chestnuts roasted by Bob @ 08/08/2006 01:31 PM EST

yet again, ignorant canadian, what is mr pibb guys??
judging by the pink can(think it is pink) i always thought it was a strawberry soda, am i still completly ignorant??

im on a postin' spreee!!
HOOORRRAAAY FOR LAZY HAZY DAYS OF SUMMER!!!

HOPE YOUR SUMMERS ARE DOIN AS GOOD AS MINE GIRLS AND BOYS!!

AND MATT, THE ONLY THING I EVER HAD TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN THE MONTH OF AUGUST WAS MY BIRTHDAY(THE SEVENTEENTH, I EXPECT TONS OF PRESENTS!!! )but now with the mega party im happy as a clam!!!

thank you kind sage!!

Chestnuts roasted by JoshC @ 08/08/2006 01:42 PM EST

Mr. Pibb taste like Dr. Pepper but a little different, maybe more sweeter, I think. It also goes by the name Pibb Xtreme now at Wendys. It's not a bad drink. If you like Dr. Pepper, you'll probably like Mr. Pibb. I believe Pepsi makes it, if not, Coke does. One of the big two makes it.

Chestnuts roasted by Bob @ 08/08/2006 01:48 PM EST

Bob -- I speak of the Mini Golf on Easton Rd on the Glenside-Roslyn boarder, across the street from Burger King. Though I have just been informed by my brother that said Frank's machine was stolen at the end of last season and now resides in a basement in Glenside. Such informatin leads to believe even further that most of my friends really are criminals. And Canuckia Dry Vanilla Cream is kick ass. Why? It used to be Frank's too. All hail Frank's. All boo A-Treat.

JoshC -- Stewart's Orange Cream and Cream Ale is also delightful, as is their Real Root Beer -- no one does cream sodas like Stewart's. I am priviledged enough to reside in a part of NJ that still has several Stewart's stands in close proximity, though the closest one to me has turned into a Windmill.

Chestnuts roasted by LemurCat @ 08/08/2006 01:52 PM EST

Mr. Pib is CRAZY DELICIOUS!!! SNL is the best.

Chestnuts roasted by Old E @ 08/08/2006 01:57 PM EST

Mr. Pibb is certainly a close relative of Dr. Pepper. But given the choice, i'd go for the doctor every time.

kb - i'm with ya on the cherry coke and popcorn. i think the only time i drink cherry coke is at the movie theater. i don't know why though, because i really enjoy it

Chestnuts roasted by bitchpants @ 08/08/2006 02:21 PM EST

I agree. The popcorn/cherry coke combination is a necessity at the movies. But then you're forgetting the Twizzlers to finish the job.

Chestnuts roasted by ColonelCatsup @ 08/08/2006 02:30 PM EST

Jedoc's right. Whether it be Pepsi Jazz, MIngus Dew or Bebop Cola; soft drinks and music don't mix. "Ben!" "Daddy needs his medicine!"

Chestnuts roasted by Justin @ 08/08/2006 03:00 PM EST

JoshC - They still sell Stewart's at the grocery store across the street from the building I work at. Goooooood stuff. At the above mentioned grocery store, they have one side of an aisle dedicated to soft drinks in glass bottles. IBC, Jones, A&W, Stewarts, Hanks, Frostie, and a lot of other weird brands. Once they had this German stuff that was real good.

Of course, there's no beer like real beer.

Chestnuts roasted by Deuce @ 08/08/2006 03:49 PM EST

To paraphrase the late, great Mitch Hedberg, Mr. Pibb is a weak imitation of Dr. Pepper. Dude didn't even get his degree.
(In previous threads I believe we established that it's made by both Coke and Pepsi, depending on location, which strikes me as odd)
We've hashed out the Great Soda/Pop Debate a number of times, which I'd assume is what bitchpants was referring to

Chestnuts roasted by squee4242 @ 08/08/2006 03:52 PM EST

I order a "cola-flavored, carbonated berverage" when at a restaurant. It's easier than saying "pop" or "soda."

Chestnuts roasted by Bludge @ 08/08/2006 03:57 PM EST

Has anyone ever been to an A&W restaurant? The root beer giant actualy has had one for years, although tough to come by.

Chestnuts roasted by JLAJRC @ 08/08/2006 03:59 PM EST

JLAJRC, A&W restaurants are awesome places. The rootbeer's on tap and the food's pretty damn good. Though the only places I've seen them are in airports or malls.

I thought of another soda/food combination I love: Pepsi and kosher dill pickles. Mmmmm.....

Holy shit, am I pregnant?

Chestnuts roasted by ColonelCatsup @ 08/08/2006 04:03 PM EST

JLAJRC -- There is an A&W-Long John Silvers combo at the junction of Route 476 and I-80 in Northeastern PA. Nothing like ordering a burger with a side of hushpuppies and then continually hitting the root beer tap with the heavy, glass, frosty mug. Highly recommend it.

Chestnuts roasted by LemurCat @ 08/08/2006 04:11 PM EST

Has anyone tried Pepsi's Slice One? Man that is good stuff! I'm a type I diabetic and stay away from sugared sodas. Slice One is sweetened with Splenda, so I'm good with it. The red one is amazing for a "diet" soda. I've only been able to find it in a select few Wal Mart stores in my area. Unfortunately, it's become even more scarce over the past few weeks. I hope they aren't discontinuing it already. Anyone know more?

Chestnuts roasted by Chicken ala Sweatsock @ 08/08/2006 04:12 PM EST

Pibb is made by both Coke and Pepsi? Is that even possible? I thought it was Coke.

Chestnuts roasted by dylan @ 08/08/2006 04:13 PM EST

MissJess
I don't know much about the debate between Surge=Vault. All I know is that when I tried Vault the first thing I thought was, "Hey this is Surge!"

I certainly won't argue with the insanity of your taste buds for liking surge. It was quite the syrupy, highly caffeinated, neon green beverage. I was really pissed when they stopped selling it.

Chestnuts roasted by Wenthral @ 08/08/2006 04:25 PM EST

I know Dr Pepper is made by an independant bottler. maybe Pibb is too, that's why you can find it with both coke and pepsi

Chestnuts roasted by bitchpants @ 08/08/2006 04:36 PM EST

Thanks LemurCat for the response. I'm not sure if my area is considered north of Philly, south of Philly or norheast/southeast of Philly. I'm retarded like that. However, it's cool to know that there's an A&W/Long John Silver's combo restaurant in my state. I'll have to go look for that. I think I ate at an A&W restaurant once before but I can't remember where. I want to say NJ or maybe Delaware. Don't they have Dagwood from Blondie as their mascot?

Chestnuts roasted by Bob @ 08/08/2006 05:43 PM EST

Can I just say, I love this daily update thing!!!

Chestnuts roasted by Fox @ 08/08/2006 05:44 PM EST

We've got one of those A&W Restraunts about 10 minutes North of here. Good food. They'll even let you buy those mugs If you want to. I keep saying I'm gonna get a complete set of them, but I haven't even bought one yet.

My grandpa use to run the local 7up bottling company back in the 60's, before they moved it to Dallas (Lousy bastards), and they bottled Dr. Pepper there. I think he actually knows the original formulas for 7up and Dr. Pepper.

Chestnuts roasted by Deuce @ 08/08/2006 05:44 PM EST

Frankly, I'm shocked and appalled by the fact Jolt Cola has not even a vague mention so far....How dare you all.....

Chestnuts roasted by ColonelCatsup @ 08/08/2006 05:48 PM EST

ewwwww.. it sounds too unpleasant to me

Chestnuts roasted by Jenny @ 08/08/2006 06:03 PM EST

The best thing about SURGE was that I never had to pay for it. After concerts, hockey games, and once even after school, FREE GIVE AWAYS!!

Is Mystie a Juggalette?

Chestnuts roasted by The Manimal @ 08/08/2006 07:40 PM EST

I didn't mention Jolt because it is still available and I don't consider it a new pop. I have been drinking Jolt for about 10 years or so, maybe longer. I can remember my mom freaking out that I was drinking it because "it would kill me." As if her sugary-creamed coffee wouldn't.

Chestnuts roasted by Tony Johnson @ 08/08/2006 08:07 PM EST

Lol, it's sad that I know what you're talking about but no, I just like Faygo.

Chestnuts roasted by Mystie @ 08/08/2006 08:08 PM EST

Have only seen the Jazz flavors for sale in 12-packs here, but I grabbed the 20 oz Strawberries n' Cream when I was visiting my best friend in New England. Not bad. The Dr. Pepper Berries n' Cream is still better, but this is ok, though a tad sweet.

Chestnuts roasted by starwenn @ 08/08/2006 10:08 PM EST

i have a report. berries and cream diet pepsi jazz is gross. apparently, they were giving away cans of it at the local CVS, and no one wanted any. i bought a bottle tonight and it was just foul.

stick to berries and cream dr. pepper.

Chestnuts roasted by matty @ 08/08/2006 10:31 PM EST

thanks to all for the responses, my mental soda list has been updated!!

but, yet again, what is vault?

Mystie: Sad that i know what you guys are talkin about with the faygo and they dont even sell it in canada!!
well atleast in my neck of the woods they dont

G'night all

Chestnuts roasted by JoshC @ 08/08/2006 10:34 PM EST

Pitch Black is CRIMINALLY good. I almost cried the day they stopped carrying it at the gas station by my work. It's litterally all I drink when it's out.

Strawberry Jazz is ok. The aftertaste is kind of melted strawberry Skittles, which isn't all bad.

Chestnuts roasted by Hock @ 08/09/2006 02:35 AM EST

Dr Pepper is an independent bottler (we have a plant in NE, which is why I know this), but they let one of the big two distribute it for them. Here in NE, it is actually a separate distributor too (I believe it's called Midwest Distribution), who handles Dr P, 7-Up, and most sodas that don't belong to the big two.

A&W booths rock, here in Lincoln we have quite a few, but they are all "teamed up" with a different restaurant: usually Amigos.

Now, if we're going to discuss obscure sodas still in production, we HAVE to mention Bawls. Delicious, slightly expensive ($1.50 for a 10 oz bottle), but definitely worth it... Highly caffinated!

Chestnuts roasted by Dr Sketch @ 08/09/2006 08:57 AM EST

What's with all these people mourning Vanilla Coke? We still have Vanilla Coke here in Los Angeles. Maybe it is only in select areas? Oh, and Tahiti still has it, made with real Tahitian Vanilla... yummy.

Chestnuts roasted by mrboma @ 08/09/2006 07:35 PM EST

Let me address some of your soda curiousities. I work for the above mentioned Pepsi. (boos across the board Iam sure) Pepsi Jazz. Hmm. Well it's moved so well already that all of our locations have been out for two weeks. Now Iam not sure if this is a case of 'Hey, I wanna try this new and interesting flavor first so I can be the one to tell my friends it tastes like a cross between monkey piss and two year old peeps' or if people are actually enjoying it. Whatever. Also those of you anticipating PITCH BLACK 3.....sorry Pitch Black was a bomb. It bombed the first time it was out, and much much more the second time. Although if you want it bad enough I know a convenience store that has 5 cases of the shit dated DEC' 05. But.....you'd have to be pretty hardcore to drink that.

Chestnuts roasted by lantern80 @ 08/09/2006 07:49 PM EST

Wow, the world works in mysterious ways. At the store, I just picked up a fridge pack of the "Strawberries and Cream" version of Diet Pepsi Jazz and a 2-liter of the Black Cherry French Vanilla, thinking to myself, "I wonder if Matt's going to do an article on these." How silly of me to doubt the soda-reviewing master of all things carbonated?

I love the "Strawberries and Cream". I'm about to try the other now. But as we all know, the very best soft drink in existence always has been and always will be Dr. Pepper.

Anyway, thanks for the soda reviews, Matt. I anticipate your Coke Caliente - Nachos and Cheese Soda review in November of 2007.

Chestnuts roasted by Jason @ 08/09/2006 08:11 PM EST

I nearly threw-up a tad when I saw those setting ever so disgustingly on the shelves earlier today.

Chestnuts roasted by Dino @ 08/10/2006 06:21 AM EST

I bought Strawberry Pepsi Jazz after seeing it at the checkout counter at Publix. It was a true impulse buy (I was like "WTF?"
I must say that as a drinker of Diet sodas Pepsi Jazz: Strawberries and Cream is good. I like it very much.

By the way, Mr. Pibb is distributed by Coca~Cola

Chestnuts roasted by J T X @ 08/11/2006 01:08 AM EST

Is a dollar from every 2litre going to the Help Rebuild New Orleans Fund or something? What is up with that Disney-esque label? Horrid!

Chestnuts roasted by the Kevinator @ 08/12/2006 09:46 AM EST