Exploring the Unique Flavor of TS Cola Honey
In the world of soft drinks, most major brands stick to classic flavors like original cola, lemon-lime, orange, and root beer. But some adventurous beverage companies are starting to experiment with bolder, more intriguing combinations. One such brand is TS Cola Honey, which offers a distinct twist on regular cola with its honey-infused taste.
Honey isn’t a flavor typically associated with cola drinks. But TS Cola Honey makes it work surprisingly well. The honey adds a layer of sweetness and complexity that plays off the cola notes in an unexpected yet refreshing way. Let’s take a closer look at what makes TS Cola Honey stand out.
The Story Behind TS Cola Honey
TS Cola Honey was launched in 201X by beverage startup Three Stones Beverages based in Seattle, WA. Founder Tyler Smith was inspired to create a cola with a touch of honey after finding some old soda fountain recipes that blended cola syrup with honey.
After months of experimenting, Smith landed on just the right balance of flavors with TS Cola Honey. The drink launched in select West Coast markets and quickly gained a cult following. Three Stones Beverages was soon fielding requests to distribute TS Cola Honey nationwide.
What Makes TS Cola Honey Unique?
One of the keys to TS Cola Honey’s unique appeal is its use of real honey rather than chemical flavoring agents. Three Stones sources wildflower honey from apiaries in Northern California to give the soda an authentic honey flavor.
The honey blend makes up about 15% of the total soda formula. It adds a subtle floral sweetness that rounds out the cola’s flavor profile. Drinkers describe tasting notes of orange blossom, clover, and acacia from the artisanal honey.
A Lighter, Less Syrupy Cola
In addition to premium honey, TS Cola Honey also differs from regular colas in its use of kola nut extract rather than artificial coloring and phosphoric acid. This gives the soda a lighter, amber color versus the dark brown hue of most colas.
The kola nut extract adds a mild bitterness that balances the honey’s sweetness. TS Cola Honey forgoes the cloying corn syrup that makes many colas too syrupy. The result is a crisp, refreshing cola ideal for honey lovers.
The Taste Profile of TS Cola Honey
So what does TS Cola Honey actually taste like? Here’s a breakdown of the flavor experience:
A Fizzy, Medium-Bodied Cola
That familiar cola fizz greets you right away when cracking open a TS Cola Honey. The carbonation level is spot on - enough to feel that bubbly tingle but not so much that it goes up your nose.
The mouthfeel falls somewhere between watery soda and syrupy cola - right in the ideal sweet spot. TS Cola Honey has a medium body that almost drinks like a sparkling honey tea.
Complex Yet Balanced Sweetness
You’ll immediately notice the added sweetness from the honey blending with the usual sugary cola taste. The two play off one another in an almost duet of flavors.
The honey lends mild floral notes as well as deeper molasses-like tones. It brings warmth and added complexity without overpowering the cola base.
Subtle Bitterness for Balance
The kola nut extract provides a subtle yet lingering bitterness on the finish. This dry edge keeps the honeyed sweetness in check so the drink isn’t cloying.
The nutty, earthy undertones round everything out for a perfectly balanced flavor profile. No single element overpowers - it’s harmony in a bottle.
When and How to Enjoy TS Cola Honey
TS Cola Honey’s unique taste profile makes it more versatile than your average cola. Here are some of the best ways to enjoy this distinct honey-infused soda:
By Itself as a Thirst Quencher
Keep TS Cola Honey chilled in the fridge then crack one open whenever you want a sweet, satisfying beverage without unhealthy syrupy calories. The lighter flavors make it super drinkable on its own.
With Alcoholic Mixers
The honey notes in TS Cola Honey pair exceptionally well with rum, whiskey, or vanilla vodka. Think next-level honey whiskey cocktails or cola rum mixes.
On Ice for Maximum Refreshment
Pour TS Cola Honey over a glass full of ice cubes to dilute it slightly and make an ultra-refreshing cooler. The chilled honey flavor really shines when iced.
With Food Pairings
Enjoy TS Cola Honey with pizza, burgers, wings, barbecue, fried chicken, or any food that typically calls for cola as a pairing. The honey adds complementary sweetness.
Where to Buy TS Cola Honey
As TS Cola Honey increases in popularity across the country, distribution is expanding to make this unique soda easier to find. Here are some of the best places to buy TS Cola Honey near you:
Specialty Beverage Shops
Independent beverage stores that focus on craft sodas, root beers, and unique soft drinks will likely have TS Cola Honey in stock. These retailers pride themselves on discovering new and interesting brands.
Online Direct from the Company
You can buy TS Cola Honey directly from Three Stones Beverages through their website. They offer mix-and-match case discounts so you can sample several of their uncommon soda flavors.
Amazon and Other Online Retailers
Major e-commerce sites like Amazon, Walmart.com, and Instacart often carry specialty soda brands, including TS Cola Honey. You can find it among their other unique soda offerings.
Select Grocery Store Chains
As TS Cola Honey grows in demand, more conventional grocery chains are stocking it on their shelves. Regional chains in the Pacific Northwest and parts of California carry the brand currently.
How TS Cola Honey Stacks Up to the Competition
Cola is a classic flavor, but most mass-market brands stick to the standard sugary formula. In the world of artisanal sodas, TS Cola Honey stands out with its unconventional honey-infused taste. Here’s how it compares to some other unique cola brands:
More Interesting than Celery Cola
Some cola brands add unexpected veggies like celery juice or carrots for a savory twist. TS Cola Honey’s floral honey flavor makes for a more appealing cola innovation.
More Subtle than Vanilla Cola
Vanilla colas tend to be very sweet and overpowering. TS Cola Honey balances the honey with cola bitterness for a more sophisticated flavor.
More Genuine than Cherry Cola
Cherry colas usually rely on artificial cherry flavoring that tastes fake. TS Cola Honey uses real wildflower honey for authentic flavor.
Overall, TS Cola Honey represents a truly unique and delicious cola creation that holds its own in the gourmet soda universe. The honey infusion adds another layer that keeps you coming back for more.
Why TS Cola Honey Should Be Your New Go-To Soda
If you’re bored with big brand colas laden with corn syrup, give TS Cola Honey a try. This innovative honey-sweetened cola offers a tasty twist on classic cola flavor. Here’s why TS Cola Honey deserves a spot in your beverage rotation:
- Real honey adds floral complexity and natural sweetness
- Perfectly balanced flavor profile that isn’t too sweet
- Refreshingly crisp and lighter than syrupy cola
- Complements a variety of foods and cocktails
- Introduces daring new flavor to the cola category
TS Cola Honey reminds us that creativity and innovation in soda formulation can go a long way. This honey-kissed cola indulges your sweet tooth in the most refreshingly fun way. Keep an eye out for TS Cola Honey near you and see for yourself why this is one honey of a cola.
FAQs
Is TS Cola Honey caffeinated?
Yes, TS Cola Honey contains caffeine comparable to a standard cola soda. The caffeine level is approximately 34mg per 12oz can.
Does TS Cola Honey contain high fructose corn syrup?
No, TS Cola Honey is made without high fructose corn syrup. It uses real cane sugar as a sweetener along with honey for a more natural sweetness.
Where is TS Cola Honey manufactured?
TS Cola Honey is brewed and bottled at the Three Stones Beverages factory in Seattle, Washington. All production and packaging occurs there.
Is there an expiration date on TS Cola Honey cans?
Yes, each TS Cola Honey can has a clearly marked "Best By" date stamped on the bottom. This date indicates when the cola is freshest until.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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