More Drinker's World

Review of Sparks Malt Beverage aka Come Taste the Sweetness

Posted By Zach Tuesday, 23 January 2007 16:42

In case you haven't had Sparks, it is one that must be tried. It is technically a malt "beverage", but doesn't taste anything like most malts. I guess it is a malt like Smirnoff Ice, but it is certainly not a "girlie" drink like these. For one thing, it is an alcoholic energy drink. Who can beat that combo! Read more to find out about the Sparks goodness.

Zach's Review

I know some of you out there may not have had or heard of Sparks, although I think it is a lot more common now. I was first introduced to it back in February during my bachelor party out in Vegas. One of the guys there was drinking it all night. I had some and thought it to be tasty, but for somre reason, couldn't put down the High Life tall boys to enjoy it out there. After trying it again when said person brought some to a Hash, I was hooked.

Taste: A It doesn't get any better than this sweet nectar! It has a taste that is hard to describe, but I always tell Sparks newbies that it is like drinking a Sweet Tart or I guess it has a Red Bull flavor. I will have to say that it is  sweet, so some may not like it, but most people seem to enjoy the smoothness. Only problem with the sweetness is that the sugar can get to you after 2 or more. While you may be tempted by the drunken potential of the Sparks Plus, it certainly doesn't have as good of a flavor, so I stick with the regular Sparks.

Packaging: A The Sparks packaging is simple, but pretty bad ass. Or maybe I only look at it after I have the great drunk and buzz combo from downing a couple, so it seems better.  It is basically laid out like a 16 oz battery with a bright orange top and shiny silver bottom. Very distinct, but it isn't trying too hard like some of the weaker malt/energy drink combos out there.

Value: B Possibly the only downside of Sparks is that it is generally found for nearly $2 for a 16 oz tall boy. On the plus side, you usually can't stand to drink for than 2 at a time anyway, so you are feeling pretty good for less than a fiver. There are certainly cheaper options in this genre, but don't be fooled and stick to the best!

Drunkeness: B+ For something that essentially has wine coolers as competition, Sparks kicks some wine cooler ass by coming in at a hefty 6%. Even though you are only pounding the tall boys, 2 or 3 of these and you are good for awhile. You'll also feel like you can go run 5 miles, so the drunk feeling you get from this is pretty cool. Even though it isn't as smooth, die-hard drunks can hit the Sparks+ to get a full 7%!

Overall: A Sparks is one of my favorite overall drinks right now. The great flavor coupled with the high alcohol content and energy drink goodness, make this a winner. Unfortunately, you may have to search for it in some liqour stores, as it is relegated to the back with other malts, but it is worth the hunt. Pick yourself up a tall boy and chug it today!