JAVA MONSTER IRISH CREME
This is a review of JAVA MONSTER IRISH CREME, released in April 2024.
This product is a renewal of the long-selling JAVA MONSTER IRISH BLEND, with its flavor concept still based on Irish coffee as before.
In this review, I’ll take a closer look to see whether it’s simply a design update or if there have been any changes to the flavor as well.
JAVA MONSTER IRISH CREME
Manufacturer | MONSTER ENERGY |
---|---|
Country of Origin | USA |
Price | 3.63 USD |
Flavor | Coffee |
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 8,000 varieties of energy drinks from various countries. I am also active as a critic and expert, receiving media interviews.
Flavor of JAVA MONSTER IRISH CREME
When I opened the can, a rich aroma of sweet milk and deep coffee spread instantly. Unlike the typical sweet North American energy coffee drinks, this one had a more authentic coffee scent. The color of the liquid is also a deep brown, just like real coffee. Let me give it a taste.
As I took a sip, I was greeted by a gentle, mellow sweetness that wrapped around the bitterness and richness of the coffee. The mouthfeel reminded me of chocolate—sweet and smooth, filling my mouth with a rich coffee flavor.
While the coffee's bitterness is softened by the sweet milk, the drink still retains its coffee character, resulting in a chocolate-coffee-like flavor.
I believe this shift toward a bolder coffee presence follows the trend set by recent releases like JAVA MONSTER COLD BREW SWEET BLACK and JAVA MONSTER COLD BREW LATTE, both of which highlight the authentic taste of coffee.
Perhaps the overly sweet, coffee-less energy drinks of the past no longer fit the current trend.
With that in mind, I compared the new JAVA MONSTER IRISH CREME to the previous version, JAVA MONSTER IRISH BLEND.
Taste Comparison: JAVA MONSTER IRISH CREME vs. JAVA MONSTER IRISH BLEND
On the left is the newly reviewed IRISH CREME, and on the right is the previous IRISH BLEND.
The IRISH BLEND I prepared for this comparison was a fresh 2023 batch I brought back from the U.S., and both drinks were in good condition with no noticeable flavor degradation.
The older IRISH BLEND on the right appears milkier and sweeter just by looking at the color. Even a simple color comparison reveals a clear shift in the flavor direction of the JAVA MONSTER series.
As expected, the base flavor is entirely different. The older IRISH BLEND has a very faint coffee taste and aroma, dominated by the gentle sweetness of milk—more like a sweet milk coffee.
Although both drinks are inspired by Irish coffee, they are fundamentally different products.
The press release also stated that IRISH CREME “emphasizes the flavor of coffee,” which may suggest that the era of purely sweet coffee is coming to an end. Personally, I'm not a fan of overly sweet coffee, so I welcome this shift in the American market.
Energy Ingredients of JAVA MONSTER IRISH CREME
Contains 200mg of caffeine, along with taurine, inositol, and carnitine. However, detailed quantities of the other energy ingredients are not listed.
In addition to sugar, the drink also contains a generous amount of milk and cream, so it includes not only carbohydrates but also fats. As a result, the total calorie count is a relatively high 190 kcal.
Design of JAVA MONSTER IRISH CREME
The main color is Irish green, with illustrations on both sides that evoke images of Ireland and St. Patrick’s Day. Let’s take a closer look.
On the left side is a striking illustration of a skull version of a Leprechaun, the fairy from Irish folklore.
The skull Leprechaun has both cool coloring and design.
On the opposite side are items associated with Leprechauns, such as a harp, gold coins, and a pot.
Compared to the previous IRISH BLEND, the new design is livelier and more expressive, with a clearer character and theme.
Looking at the old and new designs side by side, it's easy to see how Monster Energy has shifted its branding approach with the times.
The old IRISH BLEND used simple Celtic patterns, while the new IRISH CREME uses bold illustrations to convey a more vivid energy drink vibe. Which one do you prefer?
Energy Drink-kun's Personal Rating
- Flavor
- Aroma
- Weight
- Freshness
- Munchiness
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