stories : Supertaster
Elvis Cups and Sopranos SodaPop with a bangWhat's new? What's great? What's weird? Our columnist samples offerings from supermarket aisles and fast-food menus. |
Reese’s Collector Edition Elvis Peanut Butter & Banana Creme Cups
By: Hershey’s
Suggested Retail Price: $1.25
1. Elvis Presley died at age 42, due in large part to an overindulgent lifestyle.
2. Nothing—other than a bottle of painkillers—symbolizes that lifestyle more than his favorite peanut butter–banana sandwich (pan-fried in bacon fat).
3. Reese’s, therefore, has done something morbid, tacky, and (pointless to deny this) totally delicious with the Elvis tribute Reese’s Peanut Butter—and Banana Creme!—Cup. A thick layer of banana-flavored goo at the bottom of what appears to be a traditional Cup tastes natural and pairs well with the peanut butter and chocolate.
But what’s next? The Thomas Becket Blood of the Martyr Capri Sun Party Punch?
By: Imbibe (Licensed by HBO)
Suggested Retail Price: $19.99 for a 12-pack
Sopranos Soda, which comes in three faux-alcoholic flavors (Amaretto, Chianti, and Limoncello), could be one of this year’s breakout soft drink lines. Served on the rocks, the gently sweetened Amaretto is a refreshing winner. The Chianti packs a subtle hit of wine-esque flavor that’s a little disconcerting but ultimately entertaining. Limoncello is a dud, as it tastes too much like SweeTarts.
But how about that wacky branding? The tag line is “Old Fashioned Italian Soda.” And the PR copy seems to lean on the following formula: “The Sopranos was about Italian Americans. Italian Americans drink beverages such as amaretto, limoncello, and Chianti. Our sodas have those flavors.” Or try: “The Sopranos was very popular, and by tying our sodas to the show we hope to turn popularity into fat wads of cash.”
But branding sugar water with a gun on its cap? Even on the TV show, guns were not cute. They were tools that removed inconvenient human beings. However, the booze flavors are a nifty way to help young teens make that first precious leap into underage drinking.
The Elvis peanut butter cup is not so good - the banana flavor is, unsurprisingly, very artificial. You'd be better off making a PB & banana (and chocolate, to make it like the cup) sandwich at home.
I agree with Scarlet--I thought the Elvis PB cup was kind of gross and fake tasting. Make the sandwich. Seriously.
There was also another incarnation of the Elvis cup: the mini cups. Instead of being made of chocolate with a banana cream, the CUPS were half chocolate and half banana-flavored candy, and they were simply filled with peanut butter. I kinda preferred those, though I usually don't care for banana-flavored candies. I guess it was the fact that it was paired with Reese's peanut butter and chocolate that made them good.
i thought the elvis cups were too much. the banana overpowers the peanut butter and it's just not good.