This is the StrangeLove Lo-Cal Soda Smoked Cola, which follows on from the mandarin and yuzu.

The beverage was an opaque brown-black colour with a smoky spiced aroma and prominent carbonation. Served chilled, bold smoky notes persisted throughout the sip along with a subtle sweetness, while notes of clove and nutmeg dominated the head of each sip before a bright acidity emerged in the body ahead of a slight bitterness in the finish that lingered long of the palate with a sour smokiness.

The sour smokiness prevented this cola from having the refreshing, thirst-quenching qualities of the sharper and sweeter acidity of usual cola. The overall flavour bordered on medicinal and recalled a dried monkfruit, which is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. The drink was palatable but not something we’d seek.

This StrangeLove Lo-Cal Soda Smoked Cola contained 300 ml. It was produced in Australia and purchased in Sydney, Australia in 2020.