Full disclosure here: I have drank this soda many times before. I first had Cheerwine from a gas station en route to Myrtle Beach. It was always a little puzzling to me; the soda seemed to be such a well established brand in the Carolinas, but wasn’t really a presence elsewhere. Slowly but surely, it’s started to gain more popularity outside of ol’ Northy and Southy.
Of the major production sodas on the market, Cheerwine is absolutely my favorite. I’ve preached the gospel of that bubbly red liquid at every opportunity I’ve come across. Part of the appeal for it probably comes from the relative scarcity in my area, but knowing that doesn’t change my feelings.
Speaking of changes, let’s change the topic of this text and get into the review!
Place of Acquirement: Kroger, Gahanna, OH
Drinking Vessel/Portion: 12 oz clear glass bottle.
AROMATICS: 8/10
The main smell is that pungent, sweet cherry goodness. It’s very pleasant.
FIRST SIP: 9/10
Sweet, complex, perfectly carbonated. Difficult to ask for much more.
TASTE: 9/10
It’s exceptionally delicious, full stop. The tastes mingle, like CPAs at an accounting convention in Reno. In a good way, I promise. And somehow cherries are involved.
AFTERTASTE: 9/10
Sweet, no bitterness, sweet cherry goodness.
MOUTHFEEL: 7.5/10
Standard mouthfeel, carbonation is very nice.
DEPTH OF FLAVOR: 9/10
It really is difficult to pin down the flavors, apart from the obvious cherry taste. It’s not complex in the way that certain root beers are, but there’s still a nicety to it.
SWEETNESS: 8.5/10
Not too sweet, but definitely sweeter than your average soda.
FLAVOR(S) TASTED:
Cherry, “other natural flavors”.
LAST SIP: 9/10
Retains carbonation and taste very well!
OVERALL RATING: 9/10
Again, I came into this from a biased standpoint. Cheerwine is and has always been a delightful treat and part of my life. I live for the times when I’m in the Southeast and can get a Cheerwine Float, or a Cheerwine slushie, or Cheerwine sherbet. (Obviously there’s more going on in my life than just that, but y’know, it’s very nice.)
That being said, Cheerwine is a fantastic soda. It’s keeps you engaged for the entirety of the bottle, and it just plain tastes fantastic. Heck, even the diet version is delicious! Whenever I’m asked what soda to try, Cheerwine is always going to be one of my recommendations.
