ROCKSTAR GINGER BEER

Posted on September 12, 2017 | Last updated February 14, 2025

This is a review of ROCKSTAR GINGER BEER, released in Australia in 2015.

Initially, it was available as a store-exclusive item, but soon after, it became available nationwide.

Later, collaboration design cans were also released, and it became a staple product in Australia. It was produced exclusively for the Australian market for about three years, until around 2018.

In this review, I also compare it with the similar ginger-flavored version that was released earlier in the U.S.

ROCKSTAR GINGER BEER

Manufacturer	ROCKSTAR
Country of Origin	Australia
Price	3.5 AUD
Flavor	Spicy
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 ROCKSTAR GINGER BEER

The moment you open the can, a strong ginger aroma bursts out. It’s almost as intense as the ginger notes found in Japanese energy drinks.

ROCKSTAR GINGER BEER
The liquid is a slightly cloudy champagne color. It has a different kind of beauty compared to the classic golden hue.

Let's give it a try.

As you take a sip, the ginger aroma fills your nose, but the ginger sensation stays only in the scent. The flavor is a sweet ginger ale with little to no spiciness. Although it’s not a spicy ginger ale, the overpowering ginger aroma makes it a bit hard to drink.

If you’re expecting a sharp, spicy ginger ale based on the aroma, you might be disappointed.

What is Ginger Beer?

I learned about ginger beer for the first time thanks to the release of ROCKSTAR GINGER BEER. Upon researching, I found that although it’s similar to ginger ale, the production process and taste are different.

Ginger beer is made by mixing ginger, lemon, sugar, yeast, and water, then sealing it in a bottle and allowing it to ferment, creating natural carbonation. (In contrast, carbonation is added during the production of ginger ale.)

Additionally, ginger beer tends to have a stronger ginger flavor and less sweetness than ginger ale. Compared to ginger-flavored ROCKSTAR products released in the U.S. and Germany, this one had a notably stronger ginger aroma and taste.

Energy Ingredients of ROCKSTAR GINGER BEER

ROCKSTAR GINGER BEER
Contains 160mg of caffeine, 2000mg of taurine, 50mg of ginseng, and 50mg of guarana. A standard set of ingredients and amounts. Ginger extract was not listed.

Comparison: Ginger Beer vs. Ginger Brew

ROCKSTAR GINGER BEER, released in Australia, was followed by a similar flavor called ROCKSTAR GINGER BREW in the U.S. Let’s compare these Australian and American ginger-flavored varieties.

ROCKSTAR GINGER BEER
The Australian version is on the left, and the American version is on the right. They look similar, but you can see the difference: the Australian version has a cloudy gold color, while the American one is clear and transparent.

ROCKSTAR GINGER BEER
The Australian Ginger Beer is cloudy, while the American Ginger Brew is clear and translucent.

Both have a ginger ale-style flavor, but the American Ginger Brew has a milder aroma, a sweet ginger ale taste, and a cleaner finish. When compared side-by-side, the Ginger Brew feels more refreshing.

In both aroma and flavor intensity, the Australian Ginger Beer is stronger. If you prefer a bold, robust taste, the Australian version is for you. If you enjoy a milder, crisp ginger ale, the American version is a better match.

ROCKSTAR GINGER BEER
This vibrant yellow Rockstar design was quite striking when I first saw it. Moreover, it was an original flavor from Australia, which later inspired similar ginger-flavored products in the U.S. and Germany. It was a rare release from Rockstar Australia. However, with its strong ginger profile, it became a love-it-or-hate-it drink, which may explain why it was discontinued in under three years.