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    We Tried Crystal Pepsi From The '90s, And This Is What Happened

    *shakes from nostalgic sugar high*

    Clinton is running for president? Everyone is playing Pokémon?

    Your calendar says 2016, but let's face it, we are in the middle of the great '90s renaissance. The climate is ripe for the return of Crystal Pepsi.

    Crystal Pepsi was only available for two glorious years in the early '90s before it was discontinued. Now, 25 years later, the clear soda pop is making its return.

    The drink debuts in the USA on August 8th and will be available for eight weeks.

    However, our Canadian neighbors to the north have been drinking this nostalgic sugar water since July 7, which is really unfair. I mean, they already have Justin Trudeau. Now they get Crystal Pepsi first? It's not fair.

    So my impatient, soda-addicted ass travelled to BuzzFeed Toronto to give you the Crystal Pepsi review you deserve BEFORE YOU CAN EVEN TASTE IT.

    We had seven taste testers, including myself. Please, hop aboard our time machine. Buckle up your taste buds.

    Tester 1 - Elamin

    Initial thoughts?

    What’s happening in my mouth? Clear pop should taste different. I have a standard for clear pop, and that’s Sprite. This does not fit that standard.

    Does it taste different from regular Pepsi?

    They’re virtually identical. Crystal is slightly lighter.

    Would you get it again?

    One more time. Maybe.

    Elamin's Ruling:

    Tester 2 - Sarah A

    Initial thoughts?

    It smells sweet. It looks like seltzer. It looks, dare I say it, healthy. I’m terrified. I’m actually scared for humanity.

    Does it taste different from regular Pepsi?

    It tastes like regular Pepsi. Is Pepsi clear like this and they just add food coloring? I'm freaking out.

    Would you get it again?

    Sure, why not.

    Sarah A's Ruling:

    Test 3 - Lauren

    Initial thoughts?

    The fuck? I can't get over the color. It’s like Sprite, but worse. Pepsi is never the bride, always the bridesmaid.

    Does it taste different from regular Pepsi?

    It feels different in my mouth. It finishes like a sparkling water.

    Would you get it again?

    I guess I would drink clear over regular.

    Lauren's Ruling:

    Tester 4 - Ishmael

    Initial thoughts?

    It’s really close to Pepsi. That makes me wonder why we need it.

    Does it taste different from regular Pepsi?

    Crystal Pepsi is a little lighter. There's a difference in the syrupy-ness.

    Would you get it again?

    I’d only do it for weird retro nostalgia.

    Ishmael's Ruling:

    Tester 5 - Craig

    Craig, you're the only one who's had this soda before. What do you remember from drinking Crystal Pepsi when it first was released?

    At the time, I thought it was a bad idea. I was in 9th grade and I thought it was commercial crap. Now I have a soft spot for “Right Now” by Van Halen. Great ads.

    It was a crazy time. I had a front row seat to huge multi-million dollar corporations pissing away profits on bad ideas. Sorry, but there’s never going to be a market. It’s just clear Pepsi.

    Initial thoughts now?

    There’s a weird dissonance. It tastes more syrupy. It really makes it clear that you’re drinking sugar water.

    Does it taste different from regular Pepsi?

    There is something a little bit different, but I don't care to take another sip and find out exactly what.

    Would you get it again?

    I can’t fathom getting Crystal Pepsi. It seems like a cruel joke of nature. The real irony is that it looks healthier than regular Pepsi.

    Craig's Ruling:

    Tester 6 - Jeff

    Initial thoughts?

    Whoa, funky Pepsi.

    Does it taste different from regular Pepsi?

    It’s not bad, I like it a lot. It’s got a berry tone. It’s missing some caramel flavor.

    I still think it’s too close to regular Pepsi-- that’s why it didn’t work in the '90s.

    Would you get it again?

    Only because the labeling makes you feel '90s.

    Jeff's Ruling:

    Tester 7 - Sarah B

    Initial thoughts?

    I like it. I love soda, and this is familiar and safe for me. Do you remember when they sold purple ketchup? It's unsettling at first, but the novelty wins me over in the end.

    Does it taste different from regular Pepsi?

    At first, it's exactly like Pepsi. The aftertaste is different -- it reminds me of that Swiss soda, Rivella. There's some extra syrup flavor.

    Would you get it again?

    Definitely. Once you tell me you're going to take something away from me after a few weeks, I get nervous. I will collect enough to fill my hypothetical bomb shelter.

    Sarah B's Ruling:

    Overall, we gave Crystal Pepsi 3.14/5 on the yum-yum soda rating scale.