Jones Pear Tree

Second up in our review of Jones Holiday 4-Pack is Pear Tree. I figured to continue on the fruit theme and go with the Pear Tree. For some reason, Candy Cane is the most anticipated flavor for me, I am saving that for last, so the Pear Tree fits perfectly for today, January 1st, 2013.

                                              

With the success of the Sugar Plum, I have high expectations for this one. This time I won't forget to relate my feelings on the bottle. Again, this one has a picture label, a snowman (a female snowperson by looks of her bikini), which is perfect for the holiday season, but also fits into a winter theme. The soda itself reminds me of the plum, in the sense that the plum was a faint purple, the pear is an almost clear yellow, mimicking the natural pear interior.

The pear bites right after turning the screw top, but it's not a burst like the plum. The pear flavor is spot on but this soda lacks some of the carbonation to give the flavor a bit of an extra kick. That, for lack of a better term, flatness, fits a pear but makes for a flavor that is appealing only it's uniqueness, unless the drinker is a big fan of pear flavored anything. I am coming off very negative for this soda but the reality is that I enjoyed it. It was something different, and probably a flavor that no other distributor will duplicate. Pear Tree is a strong part of the Holiday 4-Pack and an interesting flavor, but not something that will find its way into my regular soda rotation.

"I want my 35 cents back. Charlie,
give him the pear." - Mac
"I can't. I just ate it." - Charlie

Overall Taste: 5.5 - Better than average, but pear might not be the best flavor for a carbonated beverage.

Fizz Factor: 4.0 - Almost non-existent, which fits a pear, but not a soda

Appearance: 7.0 - Great label, unique color

Flavor: 7.0 - Perfect for a pear soda, but I think pear itself might not be a coveted flavor for many enthusiasts

I am not disappointed in this flavor. Coming off the spectacular Sugar Plum, I had high expectations but I did not expect to be blown away by the pear soda. The Pear Tree is a great pear soda, but not something for everyday consumption.

From the company: 12 oz has 160 calories, 0g of fat, 39g of carbs, 39g of sugar, and 0g of protein.

Jones' Holiday 4-Pack

Candy Cane, Pear Tree, Ginger Bread and Sugar Plum

Friend of the blog Chuck Woolery (probably not the real one) sent me a Jones' Holiday 4-Pack containing 4 holiday flavors: Candy Cane, Pear Tree, Ginger Bread and Sugar Plum. Every single flavor is one I've never heard of and am excited to try. Jones is known for some of their unique flavors as well as for having interesting labels, some that people can customize themselves and order 12-packs with their uploaded artwork, pictures or photos on each bottle. Since beginning this blog my interest in soda has spiked and looking at Jones' website, I already see a few new ones I'd like to try, specifically Berry Lemonade and Blue Bubblegum.

The first soda of the holiday flavors I'm going for is the Sugar Plum. The two main reasons for trying this soda is one: I'm so thirsty for a soda right now, with me being snowed in for the past 24 hrs and not having access to any I just want one so bad. Two: of the flavors, Sugar Plum looks most inviting for a moment when I need a pure soda, not a unique (and possibly not tasty) flavor. Popping the screw top I'd knew I made the right choice. You are hit with tiny bubbles of plum sweetness, almost a perfect match for the real plum experience. It is a fruit soda at heart and while nailing the plum flavor, the soda delivers with moderate to above average carbonation, a sugary, sweet flavor, and a smoothness that makes it more like a regular fruit soda than a speciality flavor. I'm not saying "regular fruit soda" in a negative way, it is just that this flavor would fit in with grape, strawberry and orange. Even as the bottle empties, the last few sips have that plum burst and a tongue-biting goodness.


With this being a seasonal or maybe one-time flavor, I will have to try hard to get some other Jones choices in this blog. I'll also have to savor the other flavors as this plum...I just can't describe it. I'm not even a plum guy, it's not a top 10 fruit for me, but this soda is just amazing! And I finished it long before I even finished writing this post!



    "I was plum surprised"   



Overall Taste: 9.0 - Only those who hate plum should stay away from this soda, but for all others it is a MUST try.

Fizz Factor: 7.0 - Regardless of the measurement, on par with fruit sodas and perfect for the flavor. The level makes it extremely smooth and it floats down the throat.

Appearance: 9.5 - I hardly discussed this in the review because as soon as I took a sip I was just so excited. The soda has a light purple hint (just perfect) and the label, well, this one has a baby crying on Santa's lap...perfect for a holiday flavor, while being unique and funny.

Flavor: 9.5 - I wasn't skeptical of a plum soda but did not realize how delicious this flavor would be. It is something that I might pick up once every three months. It's a flavor that I'm still craving but not only that, might be sought after by me once the craving strikes in a week or so.

Bottom line: you must try this soda. Get your hands on some as soon as possible if you can, before the flavor is gone for the season. Go on Jones' website too. I almost want to order like 12 12-packs right now. And don't look at their retired flavors because if you are like me, you'll wish you had a crushed melon or cherry right now.

From the company: 12 oz has 180 calories, 0g of fat, 44g of carbs, 44g of sugar, and 0g of protein.