Jazz T-Bone: The homepage for Joe Jackson

Thursday August 21, 2003

Topic: Coke or Pepsi?

posted August 20, 2003 09:02 AM by Joe Jackson:

I currently drink RC Cola, which has been customized quite a bit. I added some corn syrup, put in some vanilla extract, put in some almond scent, added some brown food dye, and some bottle hand braces for the left hand for weight support etc. Over all I'm fairly happy with the soda. However, I've been drinking this beverage for almost 10 years, and am looking for a new drink to add to the collection.

I did the Coke thing and found a drink I like very much. However, I will be spending a lot of money and want to make sure I'm not missing anything. I haven't had a chance to try Pepsi. I'm in the Southeast Bowie, MD area and according to the Pepsi web site the closest dealer is in Southwest Bowie. I've heard good things about the Pepsi carbonation process, and Pepsi in general.

I'm curious to hear what people have to say about their experiences with either or both sodas. I'm going for the typical large, dark, orchestral taste. I would also welcome any comments on versatility as far as how the two drinks compare in a chamber or solo setting. Also, if anyone has info on a different drink they prefer other than the Coke or Pepsi I would appreciate those comments as well.

posted August 20, 2003 09:11 AM by ken dowdy:

Just customize it with coconut rum and don't worry about what the base stock is. To me, coke and pepsi are just booze extenders.

As to RC, there is nothing closer to heaven than an RC soda and a Moonpie. If I were being sent to the chair tomorrow, that would be my last meal.

posted August 20, 2003 09:19 AM by denny seifried:

Joe,

You really need to try and sip any of your favorite drinks through a Bach 11C mouthpiece, preferred model would be a NY Bach, with a MV Bach, a second choice; and, lastly, in a pinch, an Elkhart model would even do!

Enjoy!

posted August 20, 2003 09:27 AM by RedHotMama:

Joe, are you feeling OK?

*worries*

posted August 20, 2003 10:23 AM by Joe Jackson:

Yeah, I'm fine; it's just that I have been sipping a tried and true beverage for years, and now that I'm ready to upgrade to the newer, modular, more expensive drinks, I want to be sure I'm making the right decision.

With RC, that was that - you could find some of the good, vintage RC's on ebay sometimes, send them to the soda doctor and end up with a really nice drink. However the starting point was always the basic RC.

But with Coke and the other high-end modular drinks, you have so many choices - Coke Classic, New Coke, Vanilla Coke, Diet Coke, Cherry Coke.

And I didn't even mention all of the new varieties of Sprite that trombeanbloke is always touting!

I know Sam always says when you are considering upgrading to the new modular drinks you should go to a well-stocked retailer (or even the factory!) and try every conceivable combination they have. But you are almost looking for the setup that feels right to you *in spite* of the various options.

So I might go to the Pepsi bottling plant and find a new 16 oz. Lemon Pepsi with a rose glass bottom and an open bottleneck, even if I went in there looking for a 2 liter Pepsi Light with reinforced lexan sides and a gold-plated cap.

In any case, I have come to the conclusion that when it comes to refreshing carbonated beverage enjoyment, equipment *does* matter, and I would appreciate hearing people's experiences with the different brands and vintages.

posted August 20, 2003 10:35 AM by Rich Hanks:

Well, here's my take on it. There has been all this talk about drinking one of these customized brands, but I still think the best bang for your buck is to find a good used soda. If you search ebay or even one of the various classified pages, you can usually find a soda that has been used for a few years that still has plenty of life left in it. I scored an old Mountain Dew off ebay a couple years ago for almost nothing, sent it to the "can doctor" for some alignment and dent repair, and I couldn't be happier. This soda performs especially well in some of the more "classic situations" such as the occasional family picnic or during my work break. Unfortunately it tends to "break up" a little to early when the temp gets up there. But, is the used soda for everyone? Probably not. If you wouldn't be happy without a new soda I'd say go out and spend the extra money, but I would say try out a used soda; you may be pleasantly surprised.

posted August 20, 2003 10:35 AM by Knuckle Dragger:

I think you take soda a little too seriously there Joe!!

Though, if I did have to choose between one or the other I would have to say that Pepsi has by far the superior taste. And the carbonation slides very smoothly down the throat not leaving a nasty after taste like Coke does.

posted August 20, 2003 10:36 AM by Joe Jackson:

quote:
Originally posted by ken dowdy:
Just customize it with coconut rum and don't worry about what the base stock is. To me, coke and pepsi are just booze extenders.

Ken,

Maybe sodas are just a means to a stumbling, bloodshot end for you, but for many of us a cold, refreshing carbonated beverage with good projection and a dark sound is an end unto itself.

Call me a purist. I have no gripes with the commercial use of pop as a mere accompaniment to trendy alcoholic beverages, but I find that nothing compares to the artistic and aesthetic value of the pure, simple and delightful sensation of sipping a cool cola served over chipped artesian ice from the mountains of Northern France.

Of course the mass audiences of today want a slick beverage that goes down quick and delivers a quick, convenient punch. But what has truly driven the history of the soda and the lineage of soda style has always been the artistic side of the medium.

Different strokes, I guess!

quote:
As to RC, there is nothing closer to heaven than an RC soda and a Moonpie. If I were being sent to the chair tomorrow, that would be my last meal.

Ken, I think I can see the closet pop aficianado in you showing through!!

etc...

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