So I actually tried all 4 of Kin‘s canned beverages last year, not sure why I didn’t review them here, but from what I can recall, Actual Sunshine was the only one that really tasted good, but had no psychoactive or “euphoric” effect at all. Kin Bloom had a nice flavor, but with some weird bitter herbal notes underneath, and had minimal effects though I did find it paired well with an energy drink. Lightwave tasted kinda like root beer but with extra bitter herbs added and had a very subtly sedating effect. Kin Spritz had the least appealing flavor but seemed to also have the strongest effects, a mild uplifting euphoria. I did notice after 4 days of one can of each my mind seemed a little clearer and I was more relaxed, but Kin is rather expensive and I can’t afford to spend over $27 per day to drink it regularly.
I however decide to pick up the bottles discounted on Amazon and see what I think.
High Rhode: By itself served on the rocks it smells floral and herbal with a dominant licorice aroma. The taste is reminiscent of lemonade without the sugar, just lemon juice and water, with a lightly bitter herbal finish. I actually don’t mind this and find it much more palatable than the Kin Spritz that’s based off High Rhode, with the citrus acidity balancing the bitterness nicely. Mixed with Frannie’s Irish Ginger Ale it’s almost undetectable, adding just a touch of lemon and herbs to the finish. After consuming 4oz of High Rhode I do feel a distinct buzz; completely clear headed and lucid, but calm and content with the world. I’m pleasantly surprised by both the flavor and effects felt from the bottled High Rhode and would absolutely recommend anyone who is Kin-curious to skip the cans and try this.
Dream Light: by itself on the rocks smells of cinnamon, grape must, and chamomile. The taste is creamy and spicy with flavors of oat milk, cinnamon, and tart cherry on a thick, syrupy body. The finish is long and lightly acidic, featuring notes of cinnamon, clove, lemon juice, brown sugar, and butter. It’s honestly a very odd and hard to describe concoction, thick and nutty and creamy and a little sour all at once… Mixed with an Irish Ginger Ale the flavor is much smoother and balanced with notes of cinnamon, and sour cherry peeking out from under the dominant citrusy ginger flavors. After consuming 4oz a distinct drowsiness sets in with a subtle relaxed calmness underneath.
2oz of each High Rhode and Dream Light is relaxed and calm with a buzz not unlike that of alcohol. Definitely a synergistic combination.