Review: Cherry RC
Apr 27th, 2005 by Steve
When I was in high school, we didn't have Coke or Pepsi available in our cafeteria. No, we had the off brands of Dr. Pepper, 7-Up, and RC. Around that time all the cherry colas were being released from Coke (Cherry Coke) and Pepsi (Wild Cherry Pepsi). RC decided to get in on the craze by rolling out Cherry RC.
Now a little history… R.C. Cola (or Royal Crown Cola) was developed in 1905 by a Columbus, GA, pharmacist named Claud A. Hatcher. The first product in this "Royal Crown," line was "Chero-Cola", followed by Royal Crown Ginger Ale, Royal Crown Strawberry and Royal Crown Root Beer. The company was renamed Chero-Cola, and in 1928 called Nehi Corporation after its colored and flavored drinks. In 1934 Chero-Cola was reformulated and rereleased as Royal Crown Cola. Later the company introduced the first diet cola, Diet Rite, and the first decaffeinated cola, RC 100. In October 2000, Royal Crown was acquired by Cadbury-Schweppes.
Back in high school, I seem to remember thinking that Cherry RC was the best cherry cola out there. Of course, you really can't find it around much here in Chicago, though I've read that RC is still big in the South. Thus, the other day when I saw a bottle of Cherry RC on the shelf at a local convenience store, I had to pick it up for old times sake.
Upon opening the bottle, you immediately notice the amazing cherry scent. Unfortunately, that is probably the only great thing about this product. The cola flavor is very subdued and the drink feels watered down overall. I don't know if the formula has changed or if my memories fail me, but I didn't enjoy my recent experience with Cherry RC. Bummer.
I live in NE Ohio and Cherry RC just appeared on the shelves this year….at Walmart. I bought a 2 liter immediately and enjoyed it! Last weekend it appeared, again, this time in the 12 pack. I remember when Arby's only cola on tap was RC. I was just a kid and this was the 80's. No one seems to remember that. Now they serve Pepsi products.
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