Monster M-80 Review

Just what the hell is an M-80? Well this is what wikipedia says about it:

"M-80s are a class of large Firecracker, sometimes called Salute (pyrotechnics). The Simulator, Artillery, M80, was originally made in the early 20th century by the U.S. Military to simulate explosives or artillery fire; later, they were manufactured as Fireworks. Traditionally, M-80s were made from a small red cardboard tube approximately 1½ inches (3.8 cm) long and ⁹/₁₆–⁵/₈ inches (1.4–1.6 cm) in diameter, with a Visco fuse coming out of the side, holding approximately 2½–3 grams of pyrotechnic flash powder; one source states that an M-80 has at least 3 grams of explosive. For comparison, a quarter-stick of dynamite contains 20 grams of explosive."

So why is this called an M-80? I was curious and had to find out.

This literally tastes like the regular Monster packed with more sugar and some artificial mystery flavours. OK, this is why the drink is called an M-80 - there is an explosion of artifial flavour in every sip you take. I think there is a hint of mango, some lemon/lime and a few other things I can't quite put my finger on. This feels like eating some pixie sticks then drinking an oversweetened juice...that has been carbonated excessively. I am not saying that the combination is awful, because as kids we have all done that, but I think it could be much better. God damn it, pick a flavour and stick to it. Also, is it too hard to list the juices used in the manufacturing of the product? Here is what the non-medicinal ingredients list says about the juices - "fruit juices from concentrate". That's it!!! What kind of juices? Random? Whatever is left over? That's not the only Monster beverage to say this on the back. The Khaos one had the same thing, so did the Mixxd one. The aftertaste is similar to eating consuming pixie sticks or other powdered candies. There is also a sour taste which I think helps things.

Like any other Monster, you get the energy boost you were seeking. There really isn't a difference in the level of caffeine found in all Monster energy drinks.

Scores:
Cost - $2.99 CAD
Taste - 6.7/10
Energy - 7.5/10

Overall - 14.2...all Monster drinks are similar in cost and energy boost, the only thing that differs is the taste, which varies from tolerable to alright

Read about the other Monster drinks I have tried:

• Originale
• Mean Bean
• Irish Blend
• Assault
• Khaos
• MIXXD