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ROCKSTAR PUNCHED HARDCORE APPLE

Posted on January 17, 2023 | Last updated February 1, 2025

ROCKSTAR PUNCHED HARDCORE APPLE
The Hardcore Apple, released in 2017, makes its appearance in the PUNCHED series. This is a renowned masterpiece in the world of American apple flavors, boasting an exceptional taste. No energy drink has yet surpassed Hardcore Apple, so it's great to see that we can still enjoy it even after PepsiCo's acquisition.

ROCKSTAR PUNCHED HARDCORE APPLE

ManufacturerROCKSTAR
Country of OriginUSA
Price2.69 USD
FlavorApple
Total rating★★★★★

Author informationAuthor: 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 PUNCHED HARDCORE APPLE

Upon opening, a sweet and refreshing aroma of grated apple flesh spreads. The color inside is also natural, giving a more authentic feel compared to the original Hardcore Apple.
Flavor of ROCKSTAR PUNCHED HARDCORE APPLE
When you take a sip, the tangy apple flavor spreads alongside the fragrance of apple flesh, followed by the unique sweetness of fresh apples that wraps around the taste, leaving a rich and lasting aftertaste.

There’s a generous amount of aftertaste, creating an illusion of apple juice being included, making it deliciously pleasant. By the way, Hardcore Apple has always been a no-juice flavor since its release, and the latest version I'm reviewing is still without juice. It's quite rare to encounter such a delicious flavor with a no-juice apple base.

The nutritional content that I can confirm matches that of the world-class apple flavor, ROCKSTAR REVOLT KILLER APPLE POMME released in Canada in 2019. The flavors are almost identical, and it’s impressive.

Personally, with 240mg of caffeine, I find it inconvenient to adjust caffeine levels with other beverages, so I usually avoid drinking it. However, the taste of ROCKSTAR PUNCHED HARDCORE APPLE makes me want to drink more regardless of the caffeine content. The high caffeine content, along with 62g of sugar, makes it dangerously delicious, so it’s important to watch out for overconsumption.

Energy Ingredients of ROCKSTAR PUNCHED HARDCORE APPLE

Energy Ingredients of ROCKSTAR PUNCHED HARDCORE APPLE
It contains 240mg of caffeine, taurine, milk thistle, ginseng, and guarana.

It’s scary that this flavor has 240mg of caffeine, but despite the high caffeine content, I feel that most people return for the taste. As mentioned in the taste review, the amount of sugar is substantial, so it’s important not to drink too much.

Design of ROCKSTAR PUNCHED HARDCORE APPLE

The color scheme continues the green and black of the original Hardcore Apple, and the design of the new PUNCHED series post-PepsiCo acquisition is featured.
Design of ROCKSTAR PUNCHED HARDCORE APPLE
Although it’s now part of the PUNCHED series, the green and black color immediately brings Hardcore Apple to mind, which is a nice touch.

However, this PUNCHED series features a simple design where the colors are simply reversed on either side, which is a bit disappointing compared to other major brands. This isn’t just an issue for Hardcore Apple but a shared concern across the PUNCHED series, and I hope for a more detailed design in the future.

Design of ROCKSTAR PUNCHED HARDCORE APPLE
Additionally, there’s a fatal design flaw where the flavor name isn’t visible from the front of the can on the store shelves. I hope they’ll return to the previous design soon.

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