Faygo Black Cherry

Here's the second Faygo flavor to be reviewed on this blog. You'll find more about the history of Faygo on the first appearance here.

Although most of the carbonation has seeped out of this bottle, indicating it's been around a while, it tastes like a black cherry soda should. It actually smells a bit like cough syrup. But the dark cherry flavor hits true. Dark fruit flavors just seem a bit more brooding and complex than some of the bright and cheerful flavors don't you think? I'd like to try this one again with it's appropriate carbonation, but I'd say give this one a go.

Refresco Goya Cola Champagne

This is the second Refresco Goya soda to be featured on the blog, after pineapple appeared here.

For your average American this is an unusual flavor, but this is not my first "champagne" soda. It's scent is that of a red cream soda, but it is orange like Irn-Bru. This offerring does not tastes like a cheap vanilla cream soda. It has no bite or crispness to it and is only moderately carbonated. This is a pass for me as I can think of better choices from the cream family of sodas. It's pretty to look at but that only goes so far. 

Hank's Gourmet Vanilla Cream Soda

Out of Philadelphia, Hank's Beverages has been producing "gourmet" soda since 1996. The company's website will tell you they have been in the beverage industry for 40 years, however I was unable to discover what they were doing in the years prior to releasing these sodas in the 90's. As to what makes their sodas "gourmet" is debatable. Many soda producers use pure cane sugar, aside from this they state to use only premium ingredients. What comprises qualifies as "premium" in the soda business aside from sugar is up to you I guess. One thing is for sure, people will usually spend more on something if it's labeled gourmet than not.

It does have a welcome vanilla scent when opened. It has an average carbonation level. While drinking you can taste cream flavor but the vanilla is there too, just harder to find behind that cream flavoring. While a decent choice, it's not memorable and a bit on the dull side. I would pass on this if you have the choice for something with a little more zip.