I got this little shot from my fellow compatriot Taurine Rules, although I have heard about this company and their drinks and shots for some time. While I have never gotten hold ogf their stuff before, I am glad I was able to finally sample a shot.
On first look, I found they had a serious problem – they left out the word “Extreme.” I mean, they called this drink both “Insane ” and used “XXX,” although this drink did not seem particularly insanity inducing or pornographic. They could have at least added a couple more letters to substitute the lack of “Xtreme,” like INNNSANNE ENNNergy” or maybe “XXX to the MAXXX”. This also tries to cover more of a fan base by putting a little “support American troops” badge and proclaim it as having “hangover remedies” somewhere buried inside. For a little shot, I was impressed that they managed to pack in so many cliches into one small bottle.
Taste:2
I found the taste to be on the verge of absolutely horrible, like drinking melted chalk mixed with nyquil. Of course, this is a shot – which means it is supposed to go down quickly and taste bad by its very nature. I found this to taste smoky and leave a vague burnt aftertaste. While not the worst shot I have had, this ain’t no sippin shot.

Buzz:7
They mention on their site that this drink does not do the “bump and crash” routine, but its a lie. The high from this drink is substantial, even with not listing the caffeine content I am guessing it is around 150+. The issue I have is using High Fructose Corn Syrup as a sweetener, so you get a sugar rush from the drink, followed by a sugar crash. . The buzz was quite nice however, giving me about 3 hours of a very sustained energy before leaving me droopy and in need of more caffeine ( or a nap). There is also an unspecified amount of taurine in it, but does list that it has a fll daily serving of niacin, B and C vitamins.

Packaging:8
While I am not really a fan of the dumbbell shape, it does separate itself from the mass of 5 hour energy knock offs out there. I also like the use of the regular 20oz soda bottle lid, both making it completely accessible, plus eliminating the need to wrap it in shrink wrap. I also like the overall look, making the little can look like I am now cool enough to hang with the OC. Hell, with just a little more effort I might be cool enough to hang out with Michael and the Coreys and the rest of the Lost Boys Gang. I know people have a hard time with the 2 sexy sillouetted women in heels and the untra cool guy pose – but I think it works for getting across the late night atmosphere they are trying to convey.
My issues with it are pretty negligible – in that they still feel like they don’t need to list the caffeine and what the mystery “hangover element” is. I like to know what type of insanity I am putting in my body – even if is arsenic at least I am going into it with my eyes open.