If you’ve been hiding under a rock for the last month and happened to avoid the internet and TV, then you probably have no idea what Pepsi Throwback is.  Pepsi, for a limited time only, has decided to go back to its roots.  Pepsi Throwback is the standard Pepsi recipe using sugar rather than high fructose corn syrup (HFCS).  I suspect that most people haven’t had the opportunity to or don’t remember what Pepsi made with sugar tastes like.  You can get Pepsi made like this in Mexico and in the Caribbean Islands.

Pepsi has altered their packaging to show the retroness of their product — going back to a logo from days past.  The second thing you’ll notice is that Pepsi Throwback is difficult to find.  I spent 45 minutes in downtown Houston going from one store to another.  After hitting 4 stores I was finally able to locate it at a Walgreens (2 for $2.49).

After all of this it was finally time to taste this new Pepsi science project.  I’ve enjoyed Pepsi Crystal, Pepsi Blue, so this should be a walk in the park.  The first thing you notice is the smell is about what you expect.  A smell of sweet mixed with the smell of plastic bottle.  Next a gulp.  You first notice Throwback is a little flatter than what you’re used to compared with the HFCS option–you generally expect more carbonation.  This was a little subdued but not bad.  The next thing you notice after swallowing is a much less harsh aftertaste.  Much more pleasant.  Not to mention less gas due to the reduced carbonation.

Overall not bad at all.  I suspect that even if this product takes off, they’ll stop production in several months as they’ve done in the past with Crystal and Blue.  Either way, go try some and let me know what you think.  If you aren’t a fan, Mountain Dew is also offering made with sugar options.