Popping the bottle there is no strong odor except the smallest hint of spice. This concerns me so I take the first sip and find nothing. Oddly, the flavor of the soda is not overtly present and barely brushes the taste buds as it flows flatly across the tongue. The expectation of sugary syrup mixed with cream soda is crushed beneath a liquid that lacks sweetness, creaminess, and bubbles. From the soda perspective, I can be extremely negative because this might be one of the least flavorful sodas I've ever sipped. However, that does not make it a bad beverage. Looking back, that first scent that emulates from the bottle is the fire maple syrup. It's slightly smokey. The lack of bubbles hurts it as a soda but the spice and that indistinct smokiness combine to form an adult beverage, a drink for those looking for minimal sweetness and limited carbonation.
Overall Taste: 5.0 - Not for me, but I think I know a few who might like it.
Fizz Factor - 2.5 - Not even sure this one is carbonated.
Appearance - 4.0 - Clearer than you would expect but the bottle screams Vermont-made.
Flavor - 6.5 - Here is where I will concede that this is something unique. I've never had a beverage like this and honestly plan to recommend it to a few friends that do not appreciate soda and its bubbly personality.
