REVIEW OF BATTERY HYDRO

CAFFEINE CONTENT: 128 MILLIGRAMS PER 13.5 OUNCE BOTTLE.

RATING: 6.3 OUT OF 10.

     Yesterday, we took a closer look at the world's first Finnish energy drink, which was first put on the shelves in the ancient days of 1997. It was a decent energy drink, but it left a lot to be desired. So in light of that, I have decided to review a different flavor that will hopefully fulfill my desires. Just what were those desires? I thought that the flavor was too harsh and really grabbed hold of my tongue. I also thought that the energy blend was mediocre, and the effect wasn't anything special. I'm hoping at least one of these qualities can be improved with a flavor they call Battery Hydro.

     Battery Hydro utilizes the exact same black, 13.5 ounce plastic bottle, except this version has the word "hydro" written along side the drinks name. 99% of the text on the bottle is in Finnish, but I did manage to translate the text to determine the advertised flavor. It turns out that Battery is going for a lemon flavored drink, which could indicate another harsh flavor. To my displeasure, my prediction turned out to be accurate. Sure, the lemon flavor is palatable, and done well. I didn't dislike the flavor, in fact I actually found it to be rather nice. The issue lies in the sheer acidity of the beverage. I feel like the acidity is simply manhandling my tongue, and that takes away from the experience.

     That left one desire unfulfilled, so let's see what's in the blend for this version. Battery Hydro is an energy drink, with added sports drink benefits, so it should bring something new to the table. To begin, we have the usual 1,600 milligrams of taurine, and 128 milligrams of caffeine. The added electrolyte benefits come in the form of magnesium sulfate. Once again, this blend is about as basic as they come. That leaves two desires unfulfilled.

     I wasn't expecting the effect to be out of this world, and I wasn't mistaken. It has the same caffeine content as the original flavor, so the effect is pretty much identical. I felt a decent increase in wakefulness and alertness, just enough to satisfy my caffeine craving.

     If you happen to be going to Finland soon, purchase this drink while you're there, just to say you tried the world's first Finnish energy drink while you were in Finland. Other than that, there's really nothing that stands out in this drink, besides the packaging. The flavor is pleasant, yet acidic and unforgiving, the energy blend is still sub-par, and the effect is at a medium level. I highly encourage you to try other energy drinks during your trip to Finland. I can almost guarantee that you will find a better energy drink than Battery. Unless, Battery is the only energy drink available in Finland. Gosh, I hope not.

REVIEW OF BATTERY

CAFFEINE CONTENT: 128 MILLIGRAMS PER 13.5 OUNCE BOTTLE.

RATING: 6.2 OUT OF 10.

     Quickly, what was the first Finnish energy drink? If you said Battery Energy, you would be correct! Battery Energy was the first energy drink to be sold in Finland, dating all the way back to 1997. In energy drink years, that might as well be 1865. Consider that Rockstar, the first 16 ounce energy drink, was introduced in 2001 and Monster came a year later. Red Bull wasn't introduced in the United States until 1997. So what we have here is truly an original energy drink. I can't wait to see what's in store.

     Battery Energy is packaged in a black, 13.5 ounce plastic bottle. It is very unique and brings something new to the table in an industry filled with 16 ounce cans. There is no indication of what the flavor is, but after taking a couple swigs it wasn't a mystery for long. I can't say it's a Red Bull clone, but it does have an extremely tart and pungent flavor that will remind people of that traditional energy drink flavor. It's a taste experience that satisfies the taste buds, but is a nightmare for the tongue. All things considered, I would put the taste right in the middle.

     As much as I enjoy receiving energy drinks from overseas, they do come with their challenges. This entire bottle is in Finnish, so I had to Google Translate the heck out of it in order to figure out what's in it. Unfortunately, Google Translate isn't the most accurate translator in the world, but nevertheless I was still able to determine what the energy blend consisted of. As far as I can tell, this blend is compiled of 1,600 milligrams of taurine and 128 milligrams of caffeine (from guarana), along with vitamin b2, vitamin b6, and vitamin b12. This blend is about as basic as they come. Throw a little caffeine and taurine in there, add some b vitamins and you're golden.

     128 milligrams of caffeine is also pretty basic, and it shows. After consuming the 13.5 ounce beverage, I was hit with a decent uplift in energy and alertness. The caffeine concentration is approximately 9.5 milligrams per ounce, which puts it right on par with the industry average. It's nothing too spectacular, but it still manages to get the job done.

     Being the first Finnish energy drink that I have reviewed, I must say this drink leaves something to be desired. It's not just the flavor, or the overly simplified energy blend. It is a combination of all three categories that left me wanting a bit more. Granted, this drink does nothing wrong, but it doesn't hit any home runs. I'm incredibly grateful to have another flavor to test out. Perhaps that will be able to fulfill my desires.