Cocaine energy drink snuffed out

After months of criticism by everyone from the Food and Drug Administration to the Connecticut Attorney General (not to mention a blog of our acquaintance), the "Cocaine" energy drink has been taken off the market. According to a notice posted online by the manufacturer, "Cocaine Energy Drink will cease distribution ... Our Energy Drink will be released in a few weeks with a modified label in order conform to the FDA requests." Of course, if all that's being changed is the label, the drink won't win any converts here, regardless of what it's called. Not only does an 8.4 ounce can of the beverage contain 280 mg of caffeine, but our testers found that it had a taste similar to artificially flavored fruit punch, but bitter. Several thought it tasted like cough syrup. And the drink had a big spice heat sensation and burned the back of the throat. Without a controversial name to create buzz, consumers may actually judge the drink on taste and content — and we suspect that many will just say no.