El Sol (It's the Sun) Ultra Red Ginseng

This is my second review for the day. This time I have the El Sol Ultra Red Ginseng. Phew! Long name. But that means it has to be good, right? I love a tea-like drink, so I am really exctied to tear into this one This can has a ginseng plant, roots, plant stem, flower, and all. Behind it, you see a fire-red background with the words Ultra Red Ginseng going vertically alont the side of the can. I also notice the words El Sol inside its trademark orange-yellow sun.This drink also comes in a small, 8.3 ounce can. This thing acts so big yet its so small. I think that this one will prove to me that it has bragging rights to put large writing and designs on it. So, here it goes.

As I pop open the can, I smell the odor of dirt, pretty nasty. I hope the taste will be better though. It comes out of the can a dark amber color, with minimal carbonation. This is the most unique drink I have reviewed yet. As soon as it hits your mouth, you get sweet sensation of natural herbs and honey. Pretty refreshing. I can also notice trace amounts pf cinnamon. However, the aftertaste is like you're eating a plant. It's bitter and you can taste dirt, a little bit. I advise you take constant sips, or you might end up throwing up. I'm sorry to say that, but it's true...I cannot taste any gumminess whatsoever, that's what makes this drink natural and focusing on the flavor. As you might know, I enjoy drinks that have a natural flavor and with a hint of tea, but this drink is too natural. After about 4 ounces, I found this a little nasty and hard to drink. Now, I can't even taste the honey, the aftertaste has taken over. I would refer to this as juice instead of a carbonated drink because I can taste very slight carbonation. Overall, don't buy this drink, unless you can handle a strong, dirt-like taste...

Okay, let's talk about the ingredients. First, you see carbonated water. Then comes Korean Red Ginseng Extract (Dirty plant). Following that, I see honey, and then HFCS. Honey or no honey, this drink was pretty hard to drink. As for the HFCS, I found no gumminess anyway, so thats fine. I also notice herb flavor in the ingredients, it just helps the aftertaste get more bitter. Per can you only get 85 calroies, that's pretty low. You also only get 20g of sugar, that's okay too since all the sweetness is from the honey. On the back of the can I notice the words "Natural Health Drink." Yeah, sure it's a health drink, but you'll only get 4 ounces into it and nearly throw up. Save yourself the pain and the money, and don't buy it.

Taste: 3 - It had a weak flavor and let the aftertaste win...I couldn't drink more than 4 ounces
Kick: 5 - Well, nothing really
Overall: 4 - Just don't buy this, I mean it's no better than eating a plant with a dash of honey

Reviewed by: Chan

El Sol (It's the Sun)

As I was browsing for energy drinks at the Dollar Store, I found the 8 ounce can "El Sol." It's a small blue can with a silhouette of a man playing soccer at the bottom. Above him, I see a large yellow sun with the words El Sol printed in bold letters. I also notice the word 'Lotte.' Let me research what it means...hmm, it turns out to mean 'fights' in Italian. I'm assuming that this drink is Italian, rather than Hispanic, as I once thought it was, though it isn't. Anyway, I don't recall trying any foreign drink like this one, so without further ado, let us begin the review.

This drink has a pleasant, subtle scent, similar to a Monster, but not as strong. It comes out an amber color, same as the Monster. However, I notice a lot more carbonation than the Monster. Wow, pretty awesome flavor! This drink has a sweet, natural tasting red apple flavor with a mild raspberry aftertaste. The aftertaste is actually really mild and not bothering me whatsoever. This most likely comes in an 8 ounce can because of its light flavor and chuggability. You know, as of right now, this drink is already gone because I cannot resist its light carbonation and intense flavor. This drink has no gumminess and goes down really smooth, which is in my liking of energy drinks, as you might know. I think El Sol created this drink to give athletes a boost without the gumminess, overpowering flavor, and heavy carbonation. Overall, take this drink if you want a light flavor and big boost, and you will not regret it. However, you will probably find this drink 50 cents, worth every penny.

This drink has basic ingredients, so let's talk. First, I see carbonated water, like usual. Next, comes corn syrup, not HFCS. That's pretty interesting because this drink has no gumminess whatsoever. After that, I see taurine, which comes in at number three. As you know, we then have the usual ingredients: citric acid, guarana extract, niacin, etc. Per can, you get 110 calories, 10 more than average, but that's alright. You also get 1,000 mg of taurine, and only 28 grams of sugar, Pretty awesome drink! Okay, right now I just found out this drink was made in Korea, that's fine, I'm not feeling anything too bad. This drink is a true winner in my book. I would definitely recommend this drink to beginners to energy drinks or if you are just looking for a light drink.

Taste: 7.6 - Awesome flavor, light, easy to drink and swallow
Kick: 8 - What intense kick for a small can!
Overall: 7.8 - Do not let the Italian can design and words trick you into not purchasing this

Reviewed by: Chan