This is a coffee/citrus flavored drink available in Australia and New Zealand.

"You know what they say about big black cans......"

No, I'm afraid I don't. If this slogan on the can is alluding to something, I totally don't get it. Someone help me out..

V is Australia and New Zealand's most popular energy drink and was developed by the Frucor Company in 1997. Up until recently V really had the market cornered here but, the tides are turning as more and more competitors jump into the ring.

Will V be able to keep their claim of 2/3 of all energy drink sales?

V delivers four varieties, but I decided to give V "Black" a go.

Taste

My first sip of V Black was pleasant, yet I couldn't place the flavor. Second sip gave me hints of citrus. Third sip brought a hint of cola, but still wasn't convinced. I went to V's website and discovered that Black is coffee and citrus flavored. Hmm,  now I'm a huge coffee fan, but I really couldn't taste coffee. Despite my palate's confusion, this is a good tasting drink and was enjoyable.

Ingredients

The drink's boast is 600mg of guarana and 2000mg of taurine. The drink has a rather week vitamin B complex and 155mg of caffeine for a 500ml can. Again, caffeine is limited do to caffeine restrictions in NZ and AU.

Effect

V Black other than the statements of being "big" and "more guarana" , makes no promises regarding energy, but relies on their reputation to speak louder than words. I received a good, late morning "pick me up" from V Black and I felt ready to tackle the rest of my day and especially that foot long Subway waiting for me.

Verdict

V Black is a quality drink in my opinion. I can see why it remains the go to drink for Kiwis and Aussies alike, but will it continue to be as the big players like Monster and Rockstar are now on the scene. Time will tell I guess.