Monster Energy
VR46
Zero Sugar
8.5 out of 10
Advertised flavor Citrus
- The Nose
- A distinctly citrus-inspired aroma, though not necessarily reminiscent of oranges. Instead, it evokes the familiar tang of generic sour candies, accompanied by a subtle suggestion of citrus pith. An intriguing introduction, if somewhat removed from freshly picked fruit.
- The Palate
- The initial sip reveals a pleasantly restrained sweetness, accompanied by a gentle citrus character. Neither overwhelmingly sugary nor particularly acidic, it strikes a reasonable balance, though the advertised citrus remains somewhat elusive.
- The Finish
- A mildly acidic finish with a delicate bitterness reminiscent of citrus pith. The sweetness gives way to this sharper character, providing a welcome contrast to the initial sip.
- The Verdict
- A surprisingly enjoyable citrus composition that balances sweetness and acidity with considerable confidence. The original, sugar-containing VR46 remains superior in my memory, but its sugar-free successor is far from disappointing. A worthy addition to the Monster lineup, even if the original still holds pole position.
The liquid pours an unexpectedly pale, almost fluorescent yellow-green, a rather curious visual counterpart to its citrus character.
I remember preferring the original, sugar-containing VR46 from a few years ago. Even so, this is a remarkably respectable successor.
