MONSTER ENERGY RESERVE WATERMELON
Released in the U.S. in 2021, the RESERVE series introduced Watermelon as one of its initial flavors.
The RESERVE series made a sudden appearance with two flavors, featuring a classic design. Initially, it seemed like a limited-time release exclusive to the U.S., but by 2022, it expanded to Canada, Mexico, Europe, and other regions.
As with many energy drinks, the flavor profile may vary slightly depending on the country of distribution. Personally, I’m curious to see how the Watermelon flavor evolves across different regions—more on that in the review.
⇒ Click here for the Japanese version review of Monster Energy Reserve Watermelon
MONSTER ENERGY RESERVE WATERMELON
Manufacturer | MONSTER ENERGY |
---|---|
Country of Origin | USA |
Price | 2.69 USD |
Flavor | Watermelon、Strawberry |
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 MONSTER ENERGY RESERVE WATERMELON
Upon opening the can, a sweet and tangy strawberry aroma emerges. Wait, wasn’t this supposed to be a watermelon flavor? There’s no distinct watermelon scent at all. The actual liquid appears slightly more subdued in color compared to the photo, giving off a softer tone.
Taking a sip, it’s clear—this is a sweet and tangy strawberry candy flavor. There’s no real fruitiness or fresh pulp-like taste, just the artificial sweetness of a strawberry candy drink.
There’s none of the distinctive melon aroma that you’d expect from a watermelon flavor, and the noticeable acidity makes it even less convincing as a watermelon drink.
If you really focus on the flavor profile, you might detect a faint hint of watermelon in the background, lingering slightly after swallowing. But if you weren’t actively searching for it, you’d likely never identify this as a watermelon-flavored drink.
Considering the flavor, labeling this as “Watermelon” on the packaging feels misleading. It might have been better to leave the flavor unspecified. That being said, it’s not unpalatable—the tart strawberry flavor is actually enjoyable. As a strawberry candy drink, it holds up just fine.
This is the flavor profile of the U.S. version of MONSTER ENERGY RESERVE WATERMELON, but I’m curious to see how it’s localized in other countries. I think it could use a stronger watermelon presence.
Comparing the Production Version and Sales Sample
I had access to a pre-release sales sample of MONSTER ENERGY RESERVE WATERMELON, so I compared it to the final product.
Both versions share a subdued red color, with no noticeable difference when placed side by side. If the drinks were swapped between glasses, it would be nearly impossible to tell them apart.
Opening the can, the sales sample had a faint, indistinct aroma that made it difficult to pinpoint a specific flavor. This was improved in the final version, which, while still not watermelon-like, at least had a more enticing scent.
In terms of taste, both versions feature the same sweet and tangy strawberry candy profile. If I had to compare their watermelon characteristics, the sales sample might have had a slightly stronger hint of watermelon—just barely.
However, when compared to other watermelon-flavored energy drinks, neither version comes close to delivering an authentic watermelon experience.
There’s no significant difference in taste between the two, but if judged as a watermelon flavor, the sales sample might be slightly closer to a watermelon candy.
Ultimately, the dominant strawberry candy aroma creates an odd mismatch with the intended watermelon theme.
Interestingly, there was a notable difference in sugar content between the two, suggesting some adjustments were made before the final product hit the market.
Still, neither version convincingly delivers a watermelon flavor. Given the final result, it’s likely that this product was never intended to align with traditional watermelon flavors in the first place.
Energy Ingredients of MONSTER ENERGY RESERVE WATERMELON
Contains 160mg of caffeine, along with taurine, ginseng, and carnitine. It’s a standard formulation with no fruit juice.
Design of MONSTER ENERGY RESERVE WATERMELON
The design features a classic black can with a red Monster Energy logo. This gives it a more old-school feel, quite different from the flashy Monster Energy designs we often see today. It evokes the aesthetic of Monster Energy’s early 2000s era when the brand first hit the market.
The words “MONSTER ENERGY” are printed in mirror-finish silver on the side of the can, while the red sections have a textured finish.
Before the official release, I had a sales sample wrapped in film. When I finally got my hands on the final product and felt the textured red finish, it was a pleasant surprise. The tactile quality adds a nice touch.
Comparing the two side by side, the differences are clear—the final version’s textured finish and mirror-finish logo give it a more refined appearance. The sales sample, being a simple wrapped version, doesn’t quite match up in terms of overall quality. Holding the finished product really reinforces how much a can’s texture can impact its overall feel.
The red-black color scheme, silver top, and red tab create a simple yet classic look reminiscent of early 2000s Monster Energy cans. If this had been released back then, it wouldn’t have felt out of place at all.
Initially, I never expected the RESERVE series to expand globally, but as of 2022, it’s available in various countries outside the U.S. If you get the chance, comparing it to the original American version could be an interesting experience.
Energy Drink-kun's Personal Rating
- Flavor
- Aroma
- Weight
- Freshness
- Munchiness
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