Spindrift

Product Type:Carbonated Soft Drink: Regular; Container: 12 oz Glass
BevNET Review: For Spindrift, Sparkling Lemonade feels like their “mainstream” effort, with a flavor that should be familiar to just about every American consumer. On the other hand, lemon juice that’'s not from concentrate doesn'’t taste that much better than from concentrate, at least when it’'s in a carbonated product. In this case, it'’s sweet, but very heavy on the lemon flavor, with a slightly bitter finish that'’s definitely lip smacking. While it still tastes very good, we don’t think that this flavor really showcases what Spindrift is all about. Packaging is, like the other flavors, simple and clean, with a very homespun-looking design that will certainly catch the eye of consumers who are shying away from the big brands (or CSDs in general). Overall, it’'s a nicely executed flavor that’'s still better than countless other CSDs out there, but we prefer the other Spindrift flavors. Reviewed on: 8/20/2010

Product Type:Carbonated Soft Drink: Regular; Container: 12 oz Glass
BevNET Review: If you’re someone that loves the fresh flavor of summer blackberries, then Spindrift’s Sparkling Blackberry is a soda that you must try. The reason that this product succeeds is because of the use of the not from concentrate (or “crushed” as Spindrift calls it) blackberry juice. In fact, they'’ve quantified this further:– there are 8 whole blackberries per bottle (there’s even a little pulp). Plus, it contains fresh squeezed lemon juice and cane sugar, both of which help the product achieve its homemade and very fresh flavor. For a soda, that’'s definitely something new, taking concepts that have worked for super premium juice and applying it to the CSD category. Plus, we like the fact that they're positioning this as a soda instead of “sparkling juice,” which gives it a more adult vibe. But clearly, this is still a more healthy choice than the mainstream CSDs and, with the product'’s homemade visual styling, the product is able to make this obvious without directly stating it on the label. Ultimately, we think that this is a very well-executed super-premium CSD that certainly could excel in cafes, restaurants, or anywhere that consumers with an eye for quality go.Reviewed on: 8/20/2010

Product Type:Carbonated Soft Drink: Regular; Container: 12 oz Glass
BevNET Review: Made with not from concentrate grapefruit and lemon juices, Sprindrift’'s goal is to provide “a fresh take on sodas.” And, we think that they'’ve succeeded, with a very wholesome, artisanal flavor to this product that’s a pleasure to consume. The sugar sweetened product has a bold grapefruit flavor that also lacks the bitterness found in many from grapefruit juice-enhanced products. There’'s a moderate amount of carbonation to this product, but it’s not so much that the product fizzes over upon opening. What we like best about this product is its honest positioning, calling it a soda and selling itself on flavor and quality as opposed to it being a product with health benefits. And really, what’s so wrong with a little indulgence and refreshment, if done in moderation? Spindrift is definitely a superb choice to go for. Packaging is simple and clean, with a look that definitely fits with the artisanal style of the product. Our only issue with the product is a very small one:– the tag line would sound better if soda were not pluralized (“a fresh take on soda”). Overall, an extremely enjoyable and well executed product.Reviewed on: 8/20/2010

Product Type:Carbonated Soft Drink: Regular; Container: 12 oz Glass
BevNET Review: Of the flavors, this was our favorite. While personal preference will certainly impact which flavor you like the most, this one is, in our opinion, the best showcase for the brand'’s use of fresh squeezed juices. Specifically, orange and mango are two fruits where the difference between concentrate and not from concentrate is easily detectable. The result is something that has a naturally bold tropical flavor without being overly tart. Plus, the level of sweetness (aided by sugar) goes perfectly with these two fruits. Added carbonation adds some depth and sophistication, but it also gives the product a flavor that makes you think “this is what homemade soda would taste like.” They’'ve kept that going on the exterior, with a stock bottle, white cap, and a white colored label that feels like it was quickly illustrated. Just like what’'s inside the bottle, it subtly says that there wasn'’t a lot of processing involved in putting this product together. For us, we think that makes for a winning combination. Definitely one of the best CSDs we have in a long time.Reviewed on: 8/20/2010