Real Gold Dragon Boost
Released on October 7, 2019, the new Real Gold energy drink, Dragon Boost. Among domestic energy drinks, it stands out with a design that looks more like an overseas product, making it a bottle that catches your eye just from its appearance.
Real Gold Dragon Boost
Manufacturer | Coca Cola |
---|---|
Country of Origin | Japan |
Price | 185 円 |
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 Real Gold Dragon Boost
Contrary to the press release which mentioned a berry flavor, the drink inside is yellow, the classic color for energy drinks. With a red top and a red dragon logo, I was expecting a red color inside, so it gives off the impression of “Not this color again!” which I believe most people will feel.
The aroma is the sweet, artificial scent commonly found in Japanese energy sodas, and it doesn't quite connect with the berry scent. Let’s try it now.
The taste, as expected, doesn’t really have a strong berry flavor. It has a somewhat rich sweetness on the tongue, with a mild acidity and bitterness, reminiscent of the traditional energy and nutritional sodas. The sweetness has a somewhat artificial fruit-like flavor, leaning more towards the classic chemical flavor.
The sweetness doesn’t linger for too long, and the aftertaste leaves a slight sourness, with a hint of medicinal or herbal scent fading away.
At room temperature, it loses its refreshing feeling and mouthfeel, but adding ice dilutes the sticky sweetness. It’s best to chill it in the fridge and drink it directly.
Energy Ingredients of Real Gold Dragon Boost
Contains 80mg of caffeine, 327.5mg of arginine, royal jelly, and, in addition to the classic ingredients in the Real Gold series, six types of Eastern ingredients, such as ginseng, red ginseng, Siberian ginseng, longan, goji, and reishi mushroom extract.
I had a feeling that focusing on these ingredients would result in a medicinal-like taste, and it indeed did Σ(´∀`;)
The caffeine content is the same as Red Bull, at a standard 80mg. For people who drink coffee or tea in addition to energy drinks, this amount might be just right.
Design of Real Gold Dragon Boost
The surface has a slightly rough texture with a sparkling silver finish.
The red top, which matches the color of the dragon, along with the vertical alignment of the brand name, logo, product name, and energy drink label, makes it one of the most energy-drink-like designs among the products released in Japan.
Real Gold adopts the red top, which had surprised Japan with Coca-Cola Energy. However, Dragon Boost feels more like an energy drink than even the original brand.
This is likely due to the contrast with the white can, and the attention to both texture and appearance, not just a plain white can.
I also appreciate that there are no strange spells or unnecessary text, which is a pleasant surprise.
Expectations for the Dragon Boost Series
If it had been a red berry flavor with a red dragon, red top, and red tab, it would have been perfect. That being said, the medicinal-like flavor is likely important for creating that “It might actually work” feeling.
With this design, I think a colorful dragon logo, along with different color tops and tabs, would make for a great series. They should research the flavor and color of the drink, especially in Europe, to create a version that students, women, and, of course, men in their 30s who Real Gold targets can enjoy.
I’ve never felt so impressed by a domestic, original product, and I have high expectations for the future of the Real Gold series.
Energy Drink-kun's Personal Rating
- Flavor
- Aroma
- Weight
- Freshness
- Munchiness
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- Real Gold X
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- Real Gold Dragon Boost
- Real Gold Rocket Start