Rsp: £1.59 per 250ml can
Market size: £199m
The competition: Smirnoff Vodka & Schweppes tonic, Morgan's Spiced & Cola, Bulleit Bourbon & Cola
The Consumer
On the nose you are initially hit by vanilla, followed strongly by lemon and lime. It smells slightly chemical, the taste is overpowered by the sweetness of lemonade and there's only a hint of Southern Comfort. I was surprised by how quickly the drink lost its fizz it was nearly flat by the time I finished it. The can is a good size, but I would prefer it if the colour of the packaging represented the amber colour I associate with Southern Comfort. Grey's a bit bland.
Brunno Proud, hospitality recruitment consultant, London
The Expert
The straw-coloured liquid has a wonderful zesty fruity aroma, and the taste is light and well-balanced although a little too sweet. Packaging has a definite retro feel and is reminiscent of a certain "secret lemonade drinker". The disappointing grey backdrop and diminished brand imagery will inevitably hamper standout and sale. The product may gain listings from the size of the parent brand, but what will drive this can off the shelf?
Steve Howarth, trading controller beer, cider & spirits, Spar
The Grocer
This could be a perfect summer picnic drink but the whisky kick is so negligible that I could easily have believed I was drinking a soft drink, albeit a reasonably tasty one. The other issue is the appearance. For a drink associated with Mardi Gras, the uninspired packaging is more New Malden than New Orleans.
Nick Hughes, senior features writer
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