Jerking Around #1 - Boylan's MASH, Lemon Peel Ginger Root
MASH meets the definition of ‘soda’ that I mentioned in Jerking Around #0(b) - it’s carbonated and non-alcoholic. Boylan’s, the manufacturer, calls it “a low calorie water drink”. There are four flavors; I’ll be reviewing them all, each in its own entry in this series.
The Lemon Peel Ginger Root is a cloudy lemon-yellow color. The carbonation is very light - about the only sign is in the fizziness on the tongue and a slight pressure release on opening the bottle.
The flavor is quite lemony, with overtones of ginger and the bitterness of most citrus peels - a very nice combination. One can also taste some sweetness, enough to take the edge off the flavors, perhaps a bit more, but definitely not overpowering. It’s perhaps just a bit too sweet to be acceptable as a palate-cleanser, but I would certainly find it more refreshing on hot days than the typical mass-market soda.
I would happily drink this with just about anything, but would recommend it with dishes that have heavy or cloying flavors.
I've only seen this sold as single 20 oz. plastic bottles.
5 Cal/fl oz (16.9 kcal/100ml)
Sweetened with crystalline fructose and sucralose.
Boylan Bottling Co. - note that Boylan's website has absolutely no mention of this product line anywhere to be found.
ETA: I find this product at a local ‘gourmet’ deli, and also at one of the food vendors in the Dining Court at Grand Central Terminal.