EX STRONG SHAKKI-N

Posted on August 5, 2022 | Last updated February 2, 2025

matsukiyo EX STRONG シャキーン
Released on June 22, 2022, this is "SHAKKI-N" from the matsukiyo energy drink series. Unlike the previous 250ml cans, this one comes in a 185ml shot-style format. Not only does it feature a high caffeine content, but it also delivers a powerful and intense flavor unlike anything before.

EX STRONG SHAKKI-N

Manufacturer	matsukiyo
Country of Origin	Japan
Price	120 JPY
Flavor	Grapefruit、Bitter、Mint
Total rating	★★★★☆

Features and recommendations for EX STRONG SHAKKI-N

メントール、ミントの冷感、スースー感が強烈
爽やかなグレープフルーツ系フレーバー
世界トップクラスのカフェイン配合量、185mlあたり185mgは強烈

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 matsukiyo EX STRONG SHAKKI-N

Upon opening, a burst of bitter fruit aroma, reminiscent of pink grapefruit, fills the air. The scent is quite strong. The liquid itself is an intense, unhealthy-looking red.
Flavor of matsukiyo EX STRONG SHAKKI-N

Taking a sip, the initial impression is a tart and bitter fruit flavor. While there isn't much depth to the taste, the well-crafted aroma ensures a clear grapefruit presence. However, all of that gets completely overpowered by an intense menthol sensation! Although I first described the bitter fruit base, the truth is that 90% of the taste experience is dominated by the cooling, almost numbing menthol. It's less of a "cooling" effect and more of a sharp, piercing sensation.

Not only does the menthol tingle in the mouth, but the cooling effect continues down into the stomach. The menthol's intensity is quite strong, making it a perfect energy drink for those who enjoy menthol or mint-based flavors.

With such a strong cooling effect, the bitter fruit base almost feels wasted. However, if this had been a more traditional sweet energy drink flavor, the unique aroma and mild chemical notes might have interfered with the menthol experience, reducing the drink's overall impact. The combination actually works well—it's almost like a grapefruit mojito in terms of freshness.

I also tried it over ice. When heavily chilled, the grapefruit's acidity becomes more pronounced, making it taste much more refreshing. Shakki-N is *significantly* better over ice!
Flavor of matsukiyo EX STRONG SHAKKI-N

With ice, the balance between the bitter fruit and menthol is just right. As I mentioned earlier, it's like a grapefruit mojito, and if someone told me that's what this flavor was meant to be, I would believe it.

Interestingly, Shakki-N also contains "strong carbonated gas," which might contribute to the drink's refreshing feel, especially when served with ice. That said, the carbonation itself doesn’t feel particularly strong. I highly recommend trying it in a glass full of ice.

My personal rating is ★5 when served over ice. However, as a standalone drink, I'd rate it around ★3. Given the ice potential, I settled on ★4. If the can explicitly stated "Best served with ice," I'd gladly give it a ★5!

Energy Ingredients of matsukiyo EX STRONG SHAKKI-N

This drink contains 185mg of caffeine, 400mg of arginine, and 10mg of isoleucine. It also boasts 10,000mg of glucose.
Energy Ingredients of matsukiyo EX STRONG SHAKKI-N

With 100mg of caffeine per 100ml, this ranks as one of the strongest energy drinks not just in Japan but in the world. To put it into perspective, a 185ml can of Shakki-N contains 185mg of caffeine—about 2.3 times the 80mg found in a 250ml can of Red Bull. It also surpasses Monster Energy’s 355ml can (142mg) and ZONe Original’s 500ml can (150mg). In terms of caffeine content, Shakki-N is truly on another level.
⇒ Japan's Energy Drink Caffeine Ranking

For reference, in a 250ml equivalent, this would contain 250mg of caffeine, and in a 500ml equivalent, it would be 500mg—making it one of the strongest caffeine-loaded drinks worldwide.
⇒ Global Energy Drink Caffeine Ranking

Drinking two cans of Shakki-N would bring your caffeine intake to 370mg—nearing the daily recommended limit of 400mg. If you also consume coffee, green tea, or other caffeinated beverages, be mindful of your intake.

Design of matsukiyo EX STRONG SHAKKI-N

The can features a compact 185ml size, distinct from previous matsukiyo energy drinks, while maintaining the brand’s signature slanted design.
Design of matsukiyo EX STRONG SHAKKI-N

For the first time in the series, white is used as the base color, complemented by a striking blue gradient with dynamic motion lines that create an electrifying effect. The combination of white, blue, and black text gives the design a clean and sharp appearance.

Design of matsukiyo EX STRONG SHAKKI-N

Considering the high caffeine content, one might expect bold callouts emphasizing this feature, but instead, the information is displayed in a rather subtle manner. While this minimalistic approach is interesting, given how high the caffeine level is, a more prominent warning might have been beneficial.