Monster Ultra Black Energy Drink Review

Name: Monster: Ultra Black

Size: 16 fl. oz

Caffeine content: 140 mg. per can

Energy blend: Caffeine, Taurine, Panax Ginseng Extract, L-Carnitine, Guarana Extract, Glucoronolactone, Inositol

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Monster's foray into the world of "Zero" energy drinks has been fairly successful as far as popularity is concerned. Several people I know actually like their "Ultra Zero" drinks more than their calorie-ized options, which (as far as I know) seems to based purely on their flavors. Speaking personally, I do have to agree that Ultra Zero Monsters tend to be unique enough to be worth a purchase no matter if you care about calories or not. So, with that in mind, how does Ultra Black stack-up against its sugar-free, calorie-free brethren?

Can/Design:

Ultra Zero's can designs are all the exact same minus their individual variances in color. Black is a great color for the Ultra Zero design, and the can looks nice. I do find that this drink tends to blend in with some other Monster drinks in Monster coolers, but if you're not able to find this amidst some similar looking cans, you shouldn't be consuming energy drinks anyway. The design is typical Monster garb but that shouldn't really bother anyone who's actually out to buy this.

Taste:

I wasn't disappointed here. Ultra Black's core flavor is cherry, and it tastes decent. Definitely beware of this one if you don't like the "artificial" taste that sugar-free carbonated drinks usually have, but otherwise you should be satisfied. I wouldn't say that this is my favorite Ultra Zero drink, but the mellow cherry taste is perfect to sip without giving it much thought. A good drink to sip casually and an overall win as far as taste is concerned.

Energy:

Again, nothing surprising here. It's not that this drink lacks in the energy department by any means, but there's nothing new here that you haven't had before if this isn't your first Monster. Still, Monster's energy blend is quite efficient and should give you whatever lift in energy you're looking for as long as your caffeine tolerance is decently modest. 

Ultra Black is a nice addition to the Monster line as far as I'm sure Monster's point-of-view is concerned. As a long-time energy drink consumer, I can safely say that I think Monster has too many drinks- but that's not that important. What matters is whether or not you'll get enough bang for your buck with this, and I think you will. The cherry flavor is quite enjoyable and chances are I'll give this one a shot again someday.