I first came across Paperboat several years ago. Back then, I immediately liked the packaging and the idea of a lineup of beverages that intended to evoke nostalgia.
A few days ago, the team from Paperboat send in 7 of their distinct flavours, for me to review.
I have always loved ambitious ventures, new flavours and free goodies :), so it was a offer I did not want to decline.
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Here is my take on the flavours:
Kokam:
During my drives along the Pune – Bombay highway, bottles of Fushia pink Kokam and Neon green Khus concentrates used to be lined along every junction and shop cash counters.
My tasting of these locally prepared concoctions wasn’t exactly delightful – always bordering on too sweet/too strong.
Paperboat Kokam however, is laced with spice (which I learn from the many recipes online, is how it is done). It certainly is refreshing to taste and a winning thirst quencher which leaves a pleasant after taste.
Imli ka Amlana:
To anyone who has tasted Ugadi pacchadi, this drink is like a super diluted version of the same. Although this beverage was also laced with spice, what you mostly taste is tamarind and tonnes of sugar.
I did not want to write-off this drink so quickly. In an attempt to transform it into something I could enjoy, I stumbled upon a shortcut recipe to make Imli (tamarind) chutney:
( (All you need to do is dry roast some coriander seeds in a shallow pan , and pour in the whole packet of Imli ka Amlana in, wait for the sauce to thicken and remove from heat)
Aamras
Easily my pick from the lot. Unlike the artificially sweetened mango drinks available over the counter (within comparable price range), this one retains the natural flavour of the fruit.
Although unintentional, the most fun part of drinking this beverage is when you squeeze the Paperboat package to get the last drop of aamras – it almost replicates the experience of squeezing the last bit of pulp from a real mango.
JalJeera
The most flamboyant of them all – explosion of jeera, followed by a punch of chilli, lest you forget the strong punch that Indian flavours carry. This deceptively mild looking beverage is a definite acquired taste..
Gol gappe ka paani
Perhaps a flavour that will appeal across age groups in the country. However, for those who like their golgappe ka pani minus the sweet notes (meetha), this may be a little disappointing.
(I even tried this with gol gappas and it tastes pretty close to the real deal.)
Jammon Kala Khatta
This one brought back memories.
Of eating jamun till my tongue was all numb and purple. Of the first time I tried ice gola (strangely though, synthetic orange is the only ice gola flavour I have ever tried).
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Verdict:
I really wanted to like these beverages. However, the initial novelty of tasting ‘new’ flavours wore off quick.
While these do not appeal to my personal taste of a thirst quencher, I know individuals who would enjoy the Paperboat flavours.
Considering that these are now available in most stores, I would say – try a flavour or two, irrespective of whether you like it enough to stock your fridge with these, it will certainly be a fun experience/experiment to try a chilled beverage that packs a tangy, spicy, khatta meetha punch.