Sparks

[Ensign Steve]

Sparks Energy Beer. What the fuck is this? It's like that time I did crystal meth, only not really because I never did drugs before. My brain is fried. It tastes like orange soda.

Premium malt beverage with caffeine, citric acid blend, taurine, guarana, siberian ginsent blend, natural flavor unit, certified color & FD&C yellow number five

I think they are trying to capitalize on the Red Bull-esque energy drinks craze. The art on the can makes it look like a big battery. It's 6.0% alcohol by volume. The cans are 16 oz. which I didn't figure out until this morning, but last night I tell you 2.5 cans completely floored me. What is a natural flavor unit?

Good stuff! I give it 2 thumbs up.

[viscousmemories]

My brain is fried. It tastes like orange soda.
I confess I had no idea fried brain tastes like orange soda.

[Ensign Steve]

I told Dorian I was drinking Sparks, and he said, "Is that the one with Taurine in it?" I was duly impressed, as I've never even heard of Taurine!

[godfry n. glad]

I told Dorian I was drinking Sparks, and he said, "Is that the one with Taurine in it?" I was duly impressed, as I've never even heard of Taurine!

Wazzat? Bovine urine?

[Ensign Steve]

I dunno but Dorian says Red Bull got it's name from Taurine. He's pretty smart when he tries to be.

[pescifish]

The only thing I know about taurine is that it is a byproduct of an amino acid that comes only (I think) from animal organs and/or muscle (maybe shellfish too) that cats must have. I heard of it as the explanation as to why cats cannot be vegetarians and that its not a good idea to feed cats dog food exclusively (unless it has taurine). I had heard that it's gaining popularity in health food/herbal industry for being heart-healthy (lowers blood pressure, IIRC) and maybe some nervous system stuff, but I've never looked into it re: that.

Seems odd to try to make an energy drink out of something alcoholic; aren't those two things kinda counter to each other?

[Ensign Steve]

That's why it fries the brain and is therefore fun. Kinda like Irish Coffee or Jager and Red Bull. mmm...

[Lauri D]

Hehe, I discovered that in my local convenience store around the corner from my old house, a couple years ago. It came in quite handy for stuff like gardening chores and cleaning out the garage, where one might normally have a few ice cold brewskies, on account of its extra KICK! And the orange soda flavor was YUM. I haven't had it in a while but sure did like it. I guess the concept is kind of like when people drink vodka and Redd Bull when partying at night - catching the buzz but extra energy at the same time.

[Dingfod]

It's made so you can dance all night, even after you pass out.