Celestial Seasonings Kombucha Energy

Product Type:Tea: Kombucha; Container: 2 oz PET
BevNET Review: Labeled as the “XTREME” formulation, the Pomegranate variety of Celstial Seasonings’ Kombucha Energy Shot has 50 percent more caffeine (150mg total) than the other varieties. The increased caffeine adds a bit of burn to the flavor and also accentuates the stevia aftertaste. Otherwise, we taste sugar, tea, and a slight amount of pomegranate flavor. Unfortunately, the finish is rather medicinal and there’s no sign of kombucha in the flavor. The latter is the bigger issue for us -- we don’t think that consumers will buy a product like this when you can’t taste the kombucha (and what you can taste tastes just like a regular old energy shot). Visually, the front part of the label is clean and well done as far as energy shots go, but the energy branding (as well as the word “XTREME”) are things that do not go with kombucha or Celestial Seasonings at all. That said, this product feels like something that’s trying to combine two categories that probably don’t go that well together. Overall, we think that this concept -- and the product that they’ve created -- need a lot of work. Reviewed on: 12/12/2011

Product Type:Tea: Kombucha; Container: 2 oz PET
BevNET Review: Of the three flavors of Celestial Kombucha Energy Shot that we sampled, we found this one to be the most drinkable. Unfortunately, “drinkable” is really more about being able to tolerate it more than enjoy it. The aroma of the drink is very similar to a lemon flavored iced tea, but with a slight note of kombucha funk to it. In terms of taste, the product drinks like a tea based energy shot, with no signs of the raw kombucha (aside from stuff floating in the liquid). Compared with other tea flavored energy shots, this product definitely needs some work. Our bet is that those consumers who try this looking for kombucha will be let down by the product’s almost medicinal flavor. Functionally, the product has 100mg of caffeine (from guarana), B vitamins, ginseng, and kombucha. The packaging, which is a fairly standard looking 2 ounce shot, is probably the best part of the product, with a clean and easy to read design that makes good use of the Celestial Seasonings brand. However, the product requires refrigeration, which might make things difficult at the retail level (as will the $3.49 price tag). Overall, we appreciate their attempt to create something new for the kombucha category, but the execution feels at odds with what a kombucha drinker is likely to consume.Reviewed on: 12/12/2011