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Zipp is a drink manufactured by “iBubbbz LLC,” founded by Sam Hyde and his squad. I first heard of this beverage watching Fishtank season 3 (the best season) and when I saw that it was available for preorder I had to get my hands on some. So back in late November/early December I purchased a 12 pack to the tune of around 50 dollars including shipping. For over 4 dollars a can, I thought this better be worth it… I rationalized it as supporting the show, even though they claim they aren’t affiliated. Which ever way you slice it, that price is hard to justify for a 12oz can, so expectations were high.

Anyways, lets get to what you’re all wondering. How does it taste? Well, nearly 4 months later I got to find out last Thursday. The label on the bottle reads “Cherry Menthol,” so I was expecting an artificial cherry flavor similar to other energy drinks like Ghost or C4 with a minty aftertaste like a Guayaki Yerba Mate, but ended up surprised. The flavor didn’t sit right with me at first, I would describe it as orange juice after you brush your teeth. It was a bit of a chore to finish, and I didn’t drink anymore that day.

On the second day, I cracked one open that night while I ate my dinner. Once again, it didn’t really sit right with me and I didn’t even finish the can until the next day. On Saturday, while I was figuring out how to set up this very website, the flavor clicked with me and I was addicted. That weekend I slammed Zipps back to back and began to crave the flavor. A week later, on the drive back from work I found myself salivating at the thought of cracking open a cold Zipp when I get home, conditioned like a dog into enjoying this beverage. I even marinated my chicken in it for dinner today.

It has a very earthy taste, not bitter but like unsweetened juice, which makes sense given the ingredients, which is mostly water, guava juice and natural flavors. Caffeine, Taurine, L-Theanine, and other “new tropics” give the drink it’s buzz, which is subtle compared to other energy drinks on the market but still packs a punch. The best part about this elixir is that I don’t crash after drinking it, which usually happens to me ~2 hours after drinking most energy drinks. I also got a ton of work done and ample inspiration while under the influence, or “being Zipped,” so my opinion on it has become much more favorable compared to the first can.

While I thoroughly enjoyed my Zipp experience, I question if I will order it again, especially after experiencing numerous shipping delays and paying exorbitant prices the first time around. Zipp is in it’s own lane, somewhere between a soda and an energy drink given it’s caffeine content, and outside the MDE bubble I’d imagine it being popular with a more health conscious crowd, like those Poppi probiotic sodas which I am yet to try. Overall, I think everyone should try this drink but understand that it’s an acquired taste and may not be for everyone, similar to the rest of the content Sam’s sphere produces. I recommend it – not the best energy drink I’ve ever had but I’m glad I got to experience it.