#ardagh

Espresso Monster Triple Shot Energy Drink Can 250ml - 60mg / 100ml Can manufactured by Ardagh

I suppose this could be considered the “original” Espresso Monster but there’s not much to separate the 3 Espresso Monster cans apart. Each has a different colour theme and a different image to the bottom right of the front of the can but other than that they’re pretty much the same. It gives the range a nice cohesive look but leaves me without a lot to say.

Europeans are famous for fast cars, fashion and coffee served long, short, hot, cold, you name it. So we travelled the continent, learned from the best baristas and created our latest coffee, Espresso Monster.

Espresso Monster is a triple threat: 3 shots of espresso, ice cold milk and Monster’s Espresso Energy Blend.

‘Cause when it comes to coffee, we’re a sophisticated beast.

These are one of a small set of cans in the collection that have custom ring-pulls.

“Is ó mhnáib do-gabar rath nó amhrath.” Roughly translated as "It is from women that fortune comes, good or bad." but what if it really means "Fortune, good or bad is taken from women." Midir did talk in riddles and apparently this quote is cited as coming from Midir, in the council of the Tuatha Dé Danann. You can find this quote and the citation with many more "wise" sayings that will send you off down a rabbit hole here:

https://www.sengoidelc.com/is-o-mhnaib-do-gabar-rath-no-amhrath

Why would I take a more sinister translation than the obvious "women are mighty and great and the reason for everything", (which of course we are)? I'm thinking it is more a prophesy of what was to come for the women of the Goddess Isle of Ireland, the island of the Síle na Gigs, the womb mounds and Paps mountains. This was the beginning of the end of the old ways and the introduction of the roman patriarchy system to Ireland. The destruction was on a grand scale and still lingers. I think he was warning us. I've convinced myself more on this notion after reading this:

The Acallam na Senórach: A Medieval Instruction Manual by Annie Donahue

https://www.jstor.org/stable/40285190

Of course what would I know, I'm only making it up as I go along, except he loves warning us and watching to see if we trip. Look how he often he warned Eochaidh during The wooing of Etain, he didn't listen either. Nothing Midir ever says is just as is.

There are many things I have found interesting in this reference to Midir and the reading I've done since, one of which is that Midir is given a second name, Midir Mongbuide, unusual for someone who normally riddles me this and riddles me that when you ask him who he is. He is the most reluctant namegiver of the Tuatha, often giving great big long winded descriptions of himself and his deeds rather than handing over his name. Of course then I find it everywhere and in places I know I looked before which happens regularly in the research of this legend. It only reveals what it wants me to concentrate on and delve deeper into at that particular time.

" Midir Mongbuide m. in Dagda 407. 5068. 5184. 6937. also called Midir Bri Leith and Midir Mórglonnacli. Mil (Espáine) 399. 2059. 3909. ancestor of the Milesian Irish. CA. 78. 79. 99." https://digital.nls.uk/early-gaelic-book-collections/archive/76498395?mode=transcription

"Ancestor of the Milesian Irish", hmmm, eventually I'll manage to prove we're related! 🤣😂🤣😂

Monster Pipeline Punch 500ml - 32mg / 100ml Can manufactured by Ardagh

I think the Monster Punch range is the range of drinks containing fruit juice but there’s also the Monster Juiced range so I’m not sure what the difference is between them. The designs for these are along similar lines to the Monster Ultra cans but with a different feel.

Ths one is a very lightly textured can with a delicate flour and fern design in various shades of pink around the edges echoing it’s Hawaiian inspiration. The “Punch” logo on the front is very bold, as you would expect, and the same on every Monster Punch can, just in different colours.

One small detail that would have been quite easy to miss is that the ‘+’ between Punch and Energy at the very bottom of the can is customised for each design. In this case it’s in the palm of the Shaka Sign again calling back to the Hawaiian Surf inspiration of this drink.

Banzai Pipeline, the world’s most famous wave, on Oahu’s fabled North Shore comes alive for just a few brief month every winter. In honour of this epic force of nature, we created Monster Pipeline Punch. The perfect blend of the best flavours Hawaii has to offer - passion fruit, orange & guava, the “Monsterised” with a full load of our famous energy blend. And, just like the wave it was named for, it is destined to become a legend. Unleash the Beast!

Tenzing Natural Energy Drink Can 250ml - 32mg / 100ml Can manufactured by Ardagh

This is another one of the “natural” drinks that I feel talk themselves up to a large degree. Having said that it’s also one of the soft-feels cans that I quite like, and found myself stroking while writing this review. I’ll put all the bumpf that they say on the can in a quote below. When it comes to the design I really like this one. The layered mountains give a nice idea of perspective while still being simple and geometric and I love that the design continues all the way around the can, not being interrupted to give space for all the information on the back. The relatively simple colour palette just gives it a nice, fresh feel and it’s a pleasing can to look and and to read.

Inspired by a traditional Himalayan Sherpa recipe. Purely from Plants, nice. Our drink is inspired by Sherpa Tenzing Norgay - one of the first two men to summit Mt. Everest - and the natural, energising brews the Himalayan Sherpas use to fuel their expeditions: a plant-based triple hit of vitamin C, natural caffeine and electrolytes. Energy that is good for mind, body and planet. 100% Vegan and Non-GMO Green Tea from Rainforest Alliance certified farms BPA free and infinitely recyclable can 5% of our profits fund environmental projects Himalayan Rock Salt, Indian Gooseberry, Lemon Juice, Green Coffee, Guarana, Green Tea, Beet Sugar