KNOCKOUT ENERGY Original

Posted on July 3, 2014 | Last updated February 21, 2025

This is a review of the original flavor from the Knockout Energy series, a budget-friendly energy drink brand, KNOCKOUT ENERGY Original.

KNOCKOUT ENERGY Original

Manufacturer	KO Beverage
Country of Origin	USA
Price	1 USD
Flavor	classic 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 KNOCKOUT ENERGY Original

Budget-friendly energy drinks are available in Japan, and of course, there are quite a few in the United States as well. Among them, KNOCKOUT Energy gives off a somewhat "cringe-worthy" vibe.

The flavor is a sweet, classic energy drink flavor. In terms of type, it’s quite similar to Monster Energy Original. The scent isn’t very strong, and its subtlety might be one of the reasons it tastes so good.

KNOCKOUT ENERGY Original
For $1, many people might think it's just as good as Monster, if not better. It’s that solid.

The aftertaste leaves the unique sweetness and scent of KNOCKOUT Energy lingering, and there’s even a hint of an alcoholic-like flavor. I wonder if they’re using unique fragrances to make the aftertaste linger? It has a bit of that "Mogu-Mogu texture" too, making it a very tasty energy drink overall ( ´∀｀)b

High Quality Energy Drink at a Low Price

KNOCKOUT ENERGY Original
KNOCKOUT Energy is known for offering high-quality energy drinks at a low price. The flavor is solid, and the ingredients are almost the same as other energy drinks. I think it’s succeeded in its strategy of low price and high quality.

The Design Just Doesn’t Quite Cut It (；´∀｀)

It combines the strong energy drink image of something like American Punch with a challenger spirit aimed at the higher-priced energy drink market—sounds like something I’ve heard before.
KNOCKOUT ENERGY Original
When you think about it that way, the “COME GET SOME” message can be interpreted both in terms of consumer awareness and industry positioning. However, I think they could have put more effort into the design and coloring (；´∀｀).

Since the brand is mostly unknown in Japan, I don’t expect to see it much abroad either, but it currently offers five different flavors. They’re really putting in the effort!