This is a fairly new product for the energy drink space but is pretty popular and boasts some interesting characteristics so we thought we'd take a closer look and put it through our drink test.
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The drink comes in a 12oz (250ml) can and is lightly carbonated. On its website and label it mentions being made from 'real organic Sicilian lemons' (!) and through their 'patented matching process' they are on the only energy drink that combines a great taste with powerful energy components. Quite a full set of claims so let's take a closer look.
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​Packaging: Design is funky and certainly eye catching on the store aisles. The black hexagon type pattern works well and the strong yellow background nicely flags that it's likely to be a lemonade / lemon product. The label is funky and the MAD DOG / bulldog head in the middle of the label looks slightly more cute than menacing or mad but anyhow. Writing is in clear yellow text on the back against a black background which is easy to read and starts with the comedy phrase 'yep indeedy' - well done those people.
Overall: Pretty snappy and unique - (8/10)​
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​Taste: It's certainly light in the taste. When you open the can a pleasant light aroma of lemons comes from the drink and with the first few sips the drink is zesty and not too sugary. The aftertaste is mild and the fizzy in the drink creates a light slightly uplifting taste. Remarkably for the energy drink sector there is really no aftertaste to take away the flavour - it really does taste like a normal soda drink where the flavours are consistent and stay the same even after sips. It slips down easily and being in a 12 oz can this one went away quite quickly.
Overall have to say the taste is pretty darn solid and with a blindfold on you probably wouldn't know the difference between this drink from a normal soda - very respectable (9.5/10)​
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​Energy: Well the taste is light but is the energy going to disappoint ? Well not really - the drink has 80mg of caffeine in it and 1,000mg of taurine which happens to be bang in line with Red Bull and the light and non over sugared texture really allows for a smooth delivery of energy. I actually think this drink might have stumbled upon a formula here, the initial hit of zesty lemons really feels like it wakes the body or taste buds up and then the lack of sugar and decent energy component comes in later to produce a real smooth energy boost. The energy lasted well into the afternoon and again without too much sugar didn't notice any jitters or any real crash to speak of. Good solid energy component - have had more potent drinks but in line with most energy products and no crash - (8.5/10) ​
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​Overall: Have to say it's been a while since I looked closely at an energy drink that has really impressed me. I think the lemon zest with decent energy thing is really quite smart and it really worked for me and seems like it has gotten others as well. The mild sugar and light taste is great and it slips down real easy and I could well see myself drinking one or two of these a day just as part of the routine and not really noticing them. I'd say this is one of the best drinks that I have reviewed this year and it has a bright future ahead of it.
Well done those people and good to see something new on the scene – (8.7/10)​
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Name: MAD DOG Energy Lemonade
Size: 12oz / 250ml
Nutrition: (per 250ml) Carbs 28g, Cals 113, Caffeine 80mg, Taurine 1,000mg
Website: www.maddogenergylemonade.com