I could tell after I got into the VSO Lime Shane. Thank you.
2 Likes
Maraschino Cherry (VSO) 2.5% / 5.0% (6-11-22) – Sharing a somewhat relaxed profile like VSO’s Cherry, I decided to double this one up to 5.0%. At 2.5% the delicious Maraschino didn’t feel like it was fully being fleshed out, and at the doubled rate of 5.0% it was far more present. At this higher rate, it was a deliciously clean, and accurate MC. Very natural tasting as expected, and NO off notes, florals, medicinals or anything off-putting that is VERY common with artificial Cherries. I wouldn’t call it a “bright red” MC, but still very mara none the less. It actually hard some darker tones, and while not a black cherry, worked to fill this one out with both darker/lower, and some brighter/higher notes. I really think that pushing this one, opened it up, and allowed you to better enjoy it. No pits, BUT, I did get a hint of “skin” from time to time. Accurate, clean, with some full bodied / darker nuances is what this one delivered on. About mid-level sweet, and slightly tart on the finish, this one could really help you out, in your cherry quest. It’s possible it could have been pushed higher, but it felt unneeded, as at 5.0% it was very full. Sweet, with just enough tartness, and all natural tasting this one was hard to fault. Again, not a bright red mara, but that was supplemented with some darker tones. Nicely placing this one at 9/10.
8 Likes
Milk (VSO) 3% (6-11-22) – As previously stated, testing Milks (and creams) can sometimes be a challenge, because solo’d they don’t always reveal themselves, and/or how they will impact a recipe. This one proved to be a clean, somewhat dariy-ish flavor with a nice mouthfeel, and a sweetened creamy finish. It was veyr clean, with no overt malted, or powdered notes like many other “milks”. Because of this, it was harder to quantify, and with Shane’s billing as,
" Fresh, clean and crisp with a hint of creamy mouthfeel. Perfect for your next cereal recipe!"
, I could see this working out perfectly in that regard. Many people use Milks not for a milky taste, but more of a blender, softener, and / or creamy enhancer. Because this was did have some sweetness, and just below mid-level sweet, I think a cereal milk is EXACTLY where it will shine. No off notes, no strange aftertastes, just a clean, simple milk, with an almost creamy mouthfelt finish to it. Cleanly done, and it felt perfect @ 9.2/10.
9 Likes
Shane sent me a sample a while ago of this. I haven’t tried it yet. Thanks for it review! I guess I’ll make a cereal flavor now!
4 Likes
You can get an adapter so that you can use a regular CO2 canister. I just get one from my local medical gas company. I pay $20 for a 20 pound exchange, vs a 2.6 pound sodastream canister for $15. If you do go that route, make sure that you get beverage grade CO2. You can get CO2 from welding supply stores, but there is industrial grade (dirty, icky, icky, yucky poo) or beverage grade (yum).
I am diabetic, and have been for many years. Ever since the great sleep of 2016, I am extremely insulin resistive. I take loads of insulin and am on a zero carb diet (carnivore). One of the few treats that I allow myself is the soda that I make for myself. I know exactly what is in it, so there are no surprises, and no added crap. (brominated vegetable oil? 
) One of the biggest reasons why I started on the flavor train is to enjoy the things I like, without a glycemic impact. Bonus is, other people get to enjoy them too.
6 Likes
Thank you for the information, i too am diabetic and its one of the reasons i have been thinking about getting one of these BUT i did not like the price of the tiny little tanks. While i got it under control and dabble a tiny bit with sugar i have completely given up sugar based sodas. I still drink Mountain Dew Zero but it is disgusting.
Ill do a bit more research into which one to get, best for modding, and start a new DIY adventure.
5 Likes
The Aqua Fizz is what I use. It uses glass carafes. They are much easier to clean, have more secure lids, and higher carbonation. They also do not expire like the plastic bottles. It also has a slide system that is a bit easier to use.
The modification is pretty simple. There is just an adapter that screws on to the unit itself. Since the proprietary sodastream connection is universal, all adapters work with all sodastreams.
My wife does not drink “soda” like I do. She will make a bottle of sparkling water and add in 5 drops of a raw. Mine is a bit more extensive than that, but either way you can make a tasty beverage for pretty cheap.
4 Likes
Added to my Amazon wish list, now to stalk it for the best price.
4 Likes
Vanilla Cream (VSO) 3% (6-12-22) – I actually finished off the ENTIRE tester, trying to answer ONE question. Was it Vanilla in Cream, or Cream in Vanilla !!! What a FLAVORFUL, complete, and TOTAL waste of time, because, … I still can’t figure it out !!! Had ya for a second, right ?? OK, this one, like EVERY single other cream/creamy flavor from VSO has Shane’s trademark velvety smooth-ness. I honestly couldn’t figure out if it leaned more heavily towards the V, or the C, but let’s call it an even split. It’s a fascinating one to taste, as the on rush of vanilla, with a creamy feel on the front end, sets the tone for the duration. Swirling vanilla intertwined with a velvety smooth cream that is/are/was perfectly paired. Now I struggled to really identify exactly WHICH Vanilla was in here, and at first I leaned towards a Madagascar, but then later, leaned towards a blend. Either way, it is a delicious co-star of this show. The creamy mouthfeel, and (repeating) velvety smooth aspect of the cream, makes it similar to a few of Shane’s other offerings, but very unlike any other MFG’s. This of course places it right onto the top of the unique pile. At 3% not only could I find NO faults, off-notes, or artificial-ness, but it felt perfectly situated. The perfect pairing (IMO) left this one WIDE OPEN for a multitude of uses, because it didn’t lean harshly to either a smidge of Vanilla with a Pound of cream, or vice versa. Wow, Puddings, Custards, Icings, Milkshakes, etc., the list goes on and on with what you could use this one with, AND, dare I say, use it SOLO !!! Velvety smooth, perfectly paired Vanilla and Cream(s), with about mid-level sweetness await you with this one. When you pick it up, you TOO, may be stuck solo’ing it, like I did, because it’s JUST that good. 10/10.
10 Likes
YAY! I’ve been waiting on this one! Great review! I got Madagascar from it too. I’ve been playing around with it, I really like it. I made a frosted sugar cookie and mixed VC with a little Frosting (Cap) and it was perfect!
Thank you for the stellar review 
4 Likes
Waffle (VSO) 3% / 6% (6-16-22) – I decided to spend some EXTRA time on this one, as it was somewhat of a mystery to me. At the initial testing weight of 3%, I got a very, very light waffle flavor, but just really light to my tastes. I decided to double it to 6%, and although it increased, it did not double in strength, so your Single Flavor rates, will probably land somewhere in the 4.0-4.5% give or take. I think what was confusing me, was my OWN expectations, or my typical results when testing Waffles, always seemed to have a somewhat heavy butter, or syrup baked in, and because Shane specifically billed this one as a “Naked Waffle”, now I get it.
This waffle is straight to the point. No crispy edges, no syrup, no butter. A waffle straight from the iron, ready for you to add your own personal touches. Need some inspiration? Try adding some VSO Maple to it, and you are well on your way!
Maybe I should have read the product page LOL. OK, In the absence of butter or syrup, this flavor presented lighter than expected, and I did prefer it at the higher rate. Not whole wheat, but more of a lighter, Belgian waffle. There were not any darker, or toasted elements, and it was a very “clean” waffle". Even at the higher 6% rate, nothing got squirrel-y, out of place, and there were no off-notes. Because it presented fairly light, I think it would be best served with some butter and/or syrup, and you could boost it with another waffle, IF needed. As it stood, it was a very clean, relaxed, Belgian waffle with no extras, which left you completely able to shape it in any way you needed. Blank slate breakfast. Because I had become very used to heavier waffle flavors, most with butter and syrup, this one was hard to judge, as it was much more of a blank slate waffle, waiting to be molded/pushed/pulled. After numerous testers, I finally decided to place it at a 8,75/10.
10 Likes
Single flavor testing can be a bit deceiving on a lot of VSO flavors. Most specifically on a flavor such as this. It was really designed to be built upon. I enjoy it in a little mix of 5% VSO Waffle, 3% VSO Maple, 1% VSO Butter, and .35% VSO Sweet. I figure why smother it with maple syrup out of the box, when you can add just the right amount that you yourself like. 
11 Likes
Very agreed, especially on the Waffle. I need to pick up your Maple so I can check out that mix, as I could see that working very well.
3 Likes
Don’t see VSO Butter listed on your site. Is it new and just not listed?
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Thanks @NeonKoala. Got my cart loaded up… guess I’ll wait a couple of days for the release of the butter.
3 Likes
I’m waiting for the Maraschino Cherry, so I have a bit of a wait 
3 Likes