Upshot Energy Shot

Product Type:Functional: Energy Shot; Container: 2.5 oz bottle
BevNET Review: There's a lot of good stuff going on in this little 2.5 fl oz bottle, but let's start with the drink's flavor. Unlike other drinks in this space, "5Berry" actually means five berry, and there's pomegranate, raspberry, blackberry, goji, and blueberry concentrates on the panel to prove it. In terms of performance, the drink contains 200mg of naturally derived caffeine per bottle -- so there's no question about the drink's kick. Packaging is unique, attractive, and clean, but it doesn't tell the true story of what this shot is all about. Specifically, Upshot would benefit from putting something on the front panel, such as "Contains real juice," that alludes to the shot's taste and mostly natural contents. Otherwise, this shot runs the risk of being perceived as one of the "me-too" players in what is currently an extremely busy category -- certainly an injustice for this superb tasting product. Definitely the best tasting of the lineup. Reviewed on: 9/3/2008

Product Type:Functional: Energy Shot; Container: 2.5 oz bottle
BevNET Review: Of the three flavors of Upshot, this one has the sweetest and least tart flavor. On the other hand, it appears to have the least discernable fruit flavor, resulting in something that has a tropical meets raspberry meets a stiff dose of caffeine finish. Still, while this isn't Upshot's best work, it's still miles ahead of many of the medicinal or Red Bull style shots and energy drinks that it will inevitably be competing with. Packaging is clean and has pop, using a red toned label that is brighter than the other flavors. Lastly, the name "Fruit" doesn't seem to align with the other flavors, which are properly named 5Berry and Pomegranate (both references to "fruit," we might add). Overall, it's an enjoyable product that we'd probably rave about if 5Berry and Pomegranate didn't exist.Reviewed on: 9/3/2008

Product Type:Functional: Energy Shot; Container: 2.5 oz bottle
BevNET Review: "SuperBerry" might be a more appropriate name for this drink, which contains not only pomegranate but also cranberry and acai. There's also some passion fruit in there, which helps round out the drink's tart berry flavor and cut the noticeable caffeine bite that hits you on the finish. Plus, all of the fruit flavors are discernable from this product's potent, sugar sweetened mix. Compared against most energy shots out there, this one is surprisingly straight forward, using many ingredients that will be understandable to your average consumer and listing the drink's caffeine content (200mg, from natural sources). That disclosure, as well as the kick from 200mg of caffeine, are a big plus for this drink being perceived as something that is safe to drink. Packaging uses a proprietary 2.5 ounce bottle that has been given a purple toned, minimalist design. It's definitely one of the more attractive shots out there. Overall, superb taste, functionality, and packaging.Reviewed on: 9/3/2008