GOLDEN HAMMER ENERGY DRINK
Golden Hammer is a private label energy drink from the large discount supermarket "La Moo," which operates in the Kansai region.
This ultra-low-priced energy drink is known for its energy ingredients comparable to Red Bull. Having reviewed many domestic and international private brand energy drinks, Golden Hammer stands out as the only PB energy drink in Japan that meets global standards when considering its price, flavor, and ingredients. Let’s dive into the detailed review.
GOLDEN HAMMER ENERGY DRINK
Manufacturer | D-Price |
---|---|
Country of Origin | Japan |
Price | 47 JPY |
Flavor | Chemicals |
Total rating | ★★★☆☆ |
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 a Light Chemical Taste
Opening the can, you immediately get the familiar chemical scent of an energy drink, along with the unmistakable bright yellow color. You can already guess the taste, but let’s give it a try.
As soon as you take a sip, a strong chemical flavor spreads rapidly. This chemical taste is not just in the scent but also reflected in the flavor, with a noticeable acidity and bitterness, making it a hard-hitting type. If you imagine the taste of a nutritional drink, it might make more sense.
The sweetness is modest, and the overpowering chemical flavor, combining acidity and bitterness, lingers. It’s a chemical-driven flavor through and through.
If you’re someone who seeks an unhealthy chemical flavor in an energy drink, this would be a perfect fit.
Energy Ingredients of Golden Hammer
Contains 80mg of caffeine and 300mg of arginine. With the same ingredient levels as a 250ml Red Bull and a cost of just 50 yen per can, this offers excellent value for money. This is what a supermarket’s PB energy drink should look like.
Design of Golden Hammer
A gold can with the trademark "Golden Hammer," referencing the Japanese mythological "golden mallet." It’s simple but perfectly matches the product name and image.
There’s no cringe-worthy coolness or dark, edgy vibe typical of energy drinks. Instead, the design has a nice, approachable, slightly outdated charm, making it appealing to people of all ages in the style of a private brand.
Mega Size
Golden Hammer also comes in a mega 500ml can size.
It’s rare for a PB product to have two size options, which gives it a European supermarket PB feel. Plus, the product name "Golden Hammer Mega" is a nod to the overseas big-size cans.
Supermarket PB’s Original Low Price Setting
As of 2021, the 250ml can costs 47 yen, while the 500ml mega can is priced at 98 yen, which is slightly cheaper than buying two 250ml cans. Both prices are among the cheapest in Japan.
Although there has been a slight price increase due to rising costs, it still remains about half the price of other PB drinks, making it one of the most affordable options in Japan.
At this price, if you enjoy the taste, there’s no need to buy a major brand. Even those who don’t typically drink energy drinks can easily pick one up when they need an energy boost, thanks to the convenient price point.
In Europe, where supermarket PB energy drinks are plentiful, many products are priced around 50 yen, less than half the cost of major brands. It would be great if Japan could see more supermarket PB energy drinks like Golden Hammer with similar pricing.
Energy Drink-kun's Personal Rating
- Flavor
- Aroma
- Weight
- Freshness
- Munchiness
Everyone's GOLDEN HAMMER ENERGY DRINK taste and ingredient opinions and ratings
★★★★★
安いし結構好きな味なのですが最近はメガを見なくなりました。
鬱重めな時に早朝覚醒してしまって眠れないと片道10キロ程度のサイクリングがてらラ・ムーに行ってメガを購入後、すぐに飲み干すのがめっちゃ良かったのに…
普通サイズだと物足りないし、2本飲めば良いってもんでもないんですよねぇ…メガだからこその満足感があるのに。