Soda Shaq Strawberry Cream Soda

Who is the man, that can jam over any man? SHAQ! Can you dig it?

The third can in Arizona's Soda Shaq Cream Soda quartet is the Strawberry Cream, a flavor that is unique but not the only in the industry. Coming off the orange cream I have high hopes for the strawberry; hopes that are only fueled by cracking the can and launching a strawberry splash into the air.

"Keep yo eye on Big Shaq and
 put yo money on the Lakers"

The strawberry odor is strong and the soda has a pink hue, features that enhance the experience. The first sip is as advertised, a strawberry cream, but just like the orange cream, the lightness to the soda creates a refreshing beverage that does not overwhelm. Sure, those craving something sugary and heavy should look elsewhere, but the two fruit flavors of Shaq's cream soda I've tasted so far satisfy in a way a heavy soda cannot and complement a snack or dinner without weighing you down.

Overall Taste - 6.5 - Equivalent to the orange cream and far above the vanilla.
Fizz Factor - 4.0 - Again, Arizona sodas seem to lack bubbles and this one is no different.
Appearance - 7.2 - Giving the strawberry a notch above the orange because the pink tint is cute, and really, I don't see too many pink cream sodas.
Flavor - 5.0 - Can't say it's better than the orange, or worse, and the choice really comes down to what you like better - orange soda or strawberry soda.

So choose, but choose wisely.

From the company: 8oz has 90 calories, 24g of carbs, 24g of sugar, and 0g of protein.

Soda Shaq Orange Cream Soda

"Hey Kobe, how's my orange
cream soda taste?"

Remember when Shaq came out at the All-Star Game and danced with the Jabbawockeez? I do. It was just another example of Shaq's awesomeness. The man has some serious moves.

Following Shaq's Vanilla Cream Soda is the Orange Cream Soda. Despite a lackluster performance for the vanilla, I still have high hopes for the orange cream. Pouring it from the gigantic, Shaq-sized can, there is an orange tint to a light tan soda that lacks bubbles but not a distinct aroma. The odor is a creamy orange, not an orange, but the exact flavor of an orange cream candy. I'm giddy.

The first sip is generous and strikes with a solid orange cream sweep of the taste buds. Each additional sip loses a little of that power but the light feeling of Shaq's soda is a benefit here. The refreshing lightness and the tan color make it a unique flavor in the orange cream spectrum, one that is quickly finding its way from the can and into my stomach. The soda is not filling and worthy of a try because it is a new experience, one I might not routinely repeat, but something that might befit other soda enthusiasts.

Overall Taste - 6.5 - The orange stands out and it is light, making it a refreshing drink that's not too sugary, not too sweet and definitely not filling.
Fizz Factor - 4.0 - Just like the other Arizona beverages there isn't much bubble to this soda, but in this case, it doesn't negatively affect the taste.
Appearance - 7.1 - The orange tint is unique and you got to love Shaq's smile on the can.
Flavor - 5.0 - A pleasant surprise! A light but creamy orange soda.

From the company: 8oz has 90 calories, 24g of carbs, 24g of sugar, and 0g of protein.

Soda Shaq Vanilla Cream Soda

Shaquille O'Neal. Four-time NBA Champion. Rapper. Actor. Soda Entrepreneur.

"Do you think Shaq got rich playing in Orlando?"
                                          

When I first heard of Shaq's new soda my mind exploded. Literally, BOOM! I love Shaq and really, who doesn't? I've never met him but from what I've seen on television, he appears to be a fun guy. His intensity as an athlete is off the charts. He was a Celtic. Due to all these reasons I wanted to try the soda badly, to plaster this former baller's face all over the blog and combine two things I love: carbonated beverages and basketball.

Shaq Cream Soda is made by Arizona and comes in four flavors: vanilla, orange, strawberry and blueberry. Beginning with the vanilla, this week will be devoted to the entire line-up of Shaq Soda. Starting with the cans, Arizona has outdone their colorful, and large, cans with a design inspired by the man himself. Shaq's face graces each can and it appears that there are 8 different face contortions to choose from. A Shaq for every flavor. Right from the start, even before you sip the beverage, you are already smiling.

For those of you who regularly read this blog, you may remember Cream Soda Week and using those cream sodas as a baseline I can truly say that Shaq's vanilla cream lacks intensity. It lacks that vanilla flavor. Combine this with a low amount of carbonation and you get a soda that is plain. I can't say the soda is bad though. It could be marketed as a lighter cream soda but not lighter on the calorie count. Each can contains 24oz and 270 calories, comparable to a 24oz Pepsi or Coke.

Despite the drawbacks, I still give a strong recommendation to try this soda. Like I said, it is not bad at all. It's just...light. Me? I want a creamy vanilla cream. Thick and lip-smacking. But maybe there are some who like a hint of vanilla from a soda that doesn't fill you up. If that is you, go out and get a can today.

"I am...Kazaam!" - Shaq

Overall Taste - 4.0 - Not a very strong vanilla but you can taste it.
Fizz Factor - 4.0 - Like the Cherry Lime Rickey, Arizona doesn't go crazy with the bubbles.
Appearance - 7.0 - They're getting a 5 just for the can design. It was so much fun to open my fridge and have 4 Shaqs looking back at me.
Flavor - 3.5 - Not the best vanilla cream soda...but an interesting one. Something to look for if you are out and about.

From the company: 8oz has 90 calories, 24g of carbs, 24g of sugar, and 0g of protein.

Arizona Cherry Lime Rickey

Last week while at my nearest convenience store a young man asked the local merchant to begin carrying Arizona Cherry Lime Rickey. My inquisitiveness about this new beverage was quickly answered as the young man pulled an enormous, colorful can from his pocket, informing the cashier he had purchased this down the street. I thought little of the exchange until I saw the can at a 7-Eleven, the only location these new drinks are available, while working yesterday.

"How dare you interrupt my lime rickey!"
- Mr. Burns

First, and most obvious, impression is the size of the can: 23.5 oz and 695 ml. For a carbonated beverage this is a little large for my one serving tastes. The can design is extremely unique, created by Kenny Vidinich, winner of a contest for the cherry lime rickey's big can design contest. The swirling greens and reds on the can sweeping across the Brooklyn Bridge really helped set this can apart while the bubbly cherries and halved limes found bouncing around hint at the unique flavor contained within.

The name speaks for itself. Exactly as prescribed, this is a cherry lime rickey with a strong lime aftertaste. Initially, I believed there would be a really bubbly first bite, but the drink is smooth. With it being cherry, and not raspberry, that little kick of bitter that raspberry sodas tend to give is absent. But the lime is definitely there, taking right over after the liquid hits your lips. At halfway through the soda, I'm still trying to peg the taste as it's something I've never experienced. At halfway through the soda, I'm also starting to fill and the drink is slowly getting warmer.

That is the major drawback of the big cans. Too big for a guy like me, who would prefer to open and consume two smaller containers than one large one. I think the soda stays fresher. But with Arizona Cherry Lime Rickey only being available in the big cans, I had to make do. I definitely recommend trying the beverage but it's availability is questionable, so get to your local 7-Eleven soon to pick one up and help celebrate Arizona's 20th Anniversary with their new flavor.

Overall Taste: 6.5 - Unique, but a little flat, with a much stronger lime than cherry

Fizz Factor: 5.0 - Not much fizz but a smoother drink than soda

Appearance: 8.5 - The can is huge, but the design in marvelous, and reminds me of graffiti

Flavor: 7.0 - A must try but it's doubtful to become a regular choice of mine

From the company: 8 oz has 70 calories, 0g of fat, 19g of carbs, 18g of sugar and 0g of protein. The big cans hold about 3 servings (23.5 oz)