Citadelle Banana Soda

One of the sodas I picked up last week at PathMark. I figured it was a little unusual so why not give it a shot.

Appearance:  Yellow, yellow, yellow

Smell:  Slight artificial banana scent, like banana taffy, a little carmelness

Taste:  Not as sweet as I expected from the color and smell. Definite artificial banana taste but not so strong that its overpowering. Tastes like cheap banana candy.

Mouthfeel:  Sugary syrupyness, not much carbonation an a banana candy aftertaste.

Drinkability:  Not as sweet as other banana sodas I've had.Still, the lack of carbonation makes it seem like drinking candy water. Not much going on here besides sugar and artificial banana.

If you're a fan of banana taffy, or circus peanuts you might like this soda. Otherwise...

Maine Root Pumpkin Pie

Spied this soda at Whole Foods Chelsea last week and decide to pick it up on the way home today. Seems to be a seasonal offering from Maine Root. Available as 4 pack or singles. I've enjoyed their Root Beer, Sarsaparilla and Lemon Lime so I was eager to try this.

Appearance:  Bright orange, a little hazy, not much carbonation

Smell:  On first opening the bottle there is a great general pumpkin pie spice aroma. However in a pint glass the nutmeg aroma seems to overwhelm everything else.

Taste:  First impression is a strong sweet spiciness and bit of biting / bitter sensation on tongue. Good cream soda like creamy vanillaness is generally balanced with spiciness. However the overpowering initial spice bite and aftertaste detract.

Mouthfeel:  Good clean mouthfeel and finish overall (sucrose). Not quite enough carbonation. Major downside in the initial tongue numbing.

Drinkability:  A generally good soda that seems to be based on cream soda. Not too sweet but needs more carbonation and a little less spice. Worth seeking out to try a single but I wouldn't buy a 4 pack.

Still I'd like to try a second as an "ala mode" pumpkin pie float

- Happy Halloween