For months now, the reviewer's friend, Lisa, as well as the reviewer's spouse, have been raving about the joys of Vanilla Coke. Now, as Diet Vanilla Coke has hit the streets, we'll see if the calorie-free version lives up to its corn syrup-sweetened cousin. Truly, Diet Cherry Coke and Diet Lemon-Flavored Coke fail to satisfy the taste buds. The cherry flavor is tepid at best, while the lemon flavor is quite artificial in nature.* Hardly fitting accompaniments for the classic, slightly harsh yet somehow divine taste sensation that is Diet Coke. Would the newest offering flop as badly as the first two?
As it turns out, no. Diet Vanilla Coke has a pleasant, soft and sensual aroma. It has an almost floral, sweet vanilla top-note that floats above the base Diet Coke flavor, blending perfectly to create a mellow, warm, semisweet flavor. The palate is left with a nutty yet clean aftertaste. An excellent aperitif, this would also make a great accompaniment to desserts. Looks like the third time's the charm for Coca-Cola's latest diet beverage.**
*Tastes like someone sprayed Lemon-Fresh Pledge in your Diet Coke.
**You know what it reminds me of? When McDonalds was selling Coke floats, I used to get Diet Coke floats; this drink tastes like that concoction. Yum!
