BIG SHOCK MUSIC EDITION 2023 Cuba Libre

Posted on March 24, 2024 | Last updated January 29, 2025

Released alongside the 2023 Summer Edition, Summer Edition 2023, this is BIG SHOCK MUSIC EDITION Cuba Libre.

As a limited-edition summer product, this beverage features a party-themed design and a cocktail-inspired flavor. Among the two flavors released, this is the Cuba Libre flavor. Several versions of Cuba Libre have been released, including in Japan, but what does the Cuba Libre made by the top Czech brand taste like?

BIG SHOCK MUSIC EDITION 2023 Cuba Libre

Manufacturer	BIG SHOCK
Country of Origin	Czech Republic
Price	29.9 CZK
Flavor	Cola
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 BIG SHOCK MUSIC EDITION Cuba Libre

Upon opening, a cola-like aroma mixed with a somewhat artificial scent is noticeable, giving off a vague smell with no clear sweetness or sourness that is typical of cola. Let's take a sip.
Flavor of BIG SHOCK MUSIC EDITION 2023 Cuba Libre

When I take a sip, I taste a lemon or lime-like flavor with a cola-like taste, but the carbonation is mild. This is certainly the kind of flavor you'd expect if you're trying to recreate a Cuba Libre.

At first glance, the color and initial impression when sipping do indeed feel cola-like, but in reality, the cola flavor isn't overpowering, and the citrus-like notes of lemon and lime are prominent. It's a mysterious flavor that is "cola-like but not cola-like."

The aftertaste quickly disappears, leaving behind a subtle cola flavor and a faint lemon-lime sourness.

The residual taste in my mouth is light and not lingering, and when I check the ingredients, I discover it's sugar-free! I'm surprised that this sugar-free Cuba Libre flavor was achieved so well.

The key to capturing the essence of Cuba Libre is likely due to the fact that it’s sugar-free, which helps reduce the richness and off-flavors of cola, and also the subtle cola aroma that I noticed when opening the can. The cola flavor has been perfectly controlled to create a delicate balance.

Cuba Libre has been released as a flavor in energy drinks around the world, but BIG SHOCK MUSIC EDITION Cuba Libre does an excellent job of evoking the atmosphere of an actual Cuba Libre.

Energy Components of BIG SHOCK MUSIC EDITION Cuba Libre

Energy Components of BIG SHOCK MUSIC EDITION 2023 Cuba Libre

Contains 145mg of caffeine. No other energy ingredients are included.

Design of BIG SHOCK MUSIC EDITION Cuba Libre

Design of BIG SHOCK MUSIC EDITION 2023 Cuba Libre

A smooth matte texture, featuring a vivid and calm blue color combined with the iconic yellow of BIG SHOCK, makes for a limited-edition design.

Design of BIG SHOCK MUSIC EDITION 2023 Cuba Libre

The top of the can fades into black through a dotted gradient.

Design of BIG SHOCK MUSIC EDITION 2023 Cuba Libre

The back of the can features a simple design with the BIG SHOCK logo, flavor name, and nutritional information for Czech and Slovak markets.

The can’s color and the Cuba Libre flavor don’t seem to match perfectly. If I only look at the appearance, it gives off more of a citrus-bitter vibe than a cola flavor.