28 DRINKS BITTER LEMON

Posted on January 8, 2015 | Last updated February 15, 2025

This is a review of 28 DRINKS BITTER LEMON from the 28 DRINKS series, a non-energy drink lineup by 28 BLACK.

28 DRINKS BITTER LEMON

Manufacturer	28BLACK
Country of Origin	Germany
Price	1.3 EUR
Flavor
Total rating	★★★★☆

Author information Author: Energy Drink-kun

In 2001, while living in the United States, I encountered energy drinks through the dance scene and was deeply impressed. After returning to Japan, I found that energy drinks were considered novelty beverages, so I established a comprehensive website in 2013 to share the true appeal of energy drinks. As an energy drink enthusiast, I began drinking them seriously again, collecting over 7,000 varieties of energy drinks from various countries. I am also active as a critic and expert, receiving media interviews.

Flavor of 28 DRINKS BITTER LEMON

The blue can made me wonder what "Bitter Lemon" would taste like, but the contents were just as expected, a reassuring color—exactly what you'd expect from a bitter lemon. If the inside had been the same color as the can, it might have changed my impression. The flavor is so good, though, that it would have been a mistake to make it anything too gimmicky. With this flavor, making it flashy would actually detract from it.

28 DRINKS BITTER LEMON
As for the taste, it's a true bitter lemon flavor with a strong, heavy citrus bitterness. The bitterness is deep and substantial, with the flavor being more like fresh grapefruit juice than just a simple lemon. It's a fresh and authentic taste.

Looking at the ingredients, that intense bitterness likely comes from quinine. This natural weightiness makes it perfect for relaxing and taking your time.

If it had only been tart, it might have ended up feeling cheap, with added citric acid and stronger sourness. But the balance of sugar, lemon juice, citric acid, quinine, and lemon flavoring is spot on.

Outstanding Balance of Flavors

The combination of lemon's refreshing and juicy qualities, the intense bitterness, and the light carbonation creates a strong flavor profile, yet the aftertaste of fruitiness fades away smoothly. After drinking it, you'll understand why this wasn't part of the energy drink lineup. It doesn't need caffeine or other ingredients added; "Bitter Lemon" is enough on its own.

It's perfect for a relaxing warm afternoon or for enjoying a calm evening. I haven't felt like this about a drink in a while—it's truly delicious. (●´ω｀●)