Coming Soon: Jones Soda Holiday Pack 2005
Nov 14th, 2005 by Steve
In 2003, the soda world was forever changed. A small, Seattle, WA-based beverage company by the name of Jones Soda grabbed local headlines by releasing Turkey & Gravy Soda.
(Source: JonesSoda.com)
It was obviously a public relations stunt aimed at getting some press for the alternative beverages company. "We are really excited about the limited test launch of our new flavored Turkey & Gravy beverage. This seasonal flavor allows us to enter a new market segment, the meal replacement market. The new flavor will also appeal to new consumers, those who prefers a savory type flavor to the traditional soda flavors," said their CEO at the time. At that point in time, Jones was primarily known for the unique photos on their labels and non-mainstream flavors. Turkey & Gravy changed all that.
(Source: JonesSoda.com)
And yes, by all accounts, the drink tasted vile. But that didn't stop it from showing up on eBay, often going for $50 a bottle. It became a part of holiday beverage lore! I never got a chance to taste in back then. Most folks didn't. But the legend of the Turkey & Gravy soda grew… and put Jones on the map.
(Source: JonesSoda.com)
One year later, in 2004, Jones capitalized on their marketing genius by releasing 4 other "food flavors" to go along with the seasonal Turkey & Gravy soda. They bundled all 5 drinks together in a Holiday Pack and sold it via their website… limited to a run of only 15,000 to inflate hype and the secondary market.
(Source: JonesSoda.com)
The 2nd year of Jones Holiday Sodas featured not only Turkey & Gravy, but also Cranberry Sauce, Green Bean Casserole, Mashed Potato & Butter, and Fruitcake. Profits from the crazy promotion were given to Toys for Tots.
(Source: JonesSoda.com)
(Source: JonesSoda.com)
(Source: JonesSoda.com)
(Source: JonesSoda.com)
(Source: JonesSoda.com)
Once again, I never got a chance to try these drinks, but we talked about them a bit here. Did Jones stop there? No sir!
(Source: JonesSoda.com)
Introducing the Jones Soda Holiday Pack for 2005… and this time, I got my hands on this new collection. This year, they actually released a national Holiday Pack (with proceeds benefiting St. Jude's Children's Research Center) and a regional Holiday Pack (again helping out the folks at Toys for Tots).
(Source: JonesSoda.com)
The national version of the Holiday Pack is exclusively available at Target, while the regional version is a little harder to come by. What flavors are on tap for 2005? The national version contains Turkey & Gravy, Brussels Sprout with Prosciutto, Cranberry Sauce, Wild Herb Stuffing, and Pumpkin Pie.
(Source: JonesSoda.com)
(Source: JonesSoda.com)
(Source: JonesSoda.com)
(Source: JonesSoda.com)
(Source: JonesSoda.com)
(Source: JonesSoda.com)
Meanwhile, those lucky enough to track down the regional edition can enjoy Turkey & Gravy, Broccoli Casserole, Smoked Salmon Paté, Corn on the Cob, and Pecan Pie.
(Source: JonesSoda.com)
(Source: JonesSoda.com)
(Source: JonesSoda.com)
(Source: JonesSoda.com)
(Source: JonesSoda.com)
(Source: JonesSoda.com)
Over the next few days, Amy and I will both be testing the flavors found in the national Holiday Pack. We'll post our reviews and reactions via this very special set of beverage reviews here on BevReview.com.
We hope you'll enjoy reading… because more likely than not, these things aren't going to taste very good! (Amy is so NOT looking forward to this) 
Stay tuned!
[…] As mentioned back in November, I was able to pick up the Jones Soda Holiday Pack (National Version). Now I've held on to these for a while waiting to taste them. Originally, I wanted Amy and I to give them a taste and then write reviews about them. But Amy's heavy influence (i.e. "Do I REALLY have to drink that stuff?") gave me a better idea to share the fun. […]
[…] up on the list of flavors to try from the 2005 Jones Soda Holiday Pack… Pumpkin Pie. If it was anything like our experience with Turkey & Gravy Soda, then we […]
[…] Soda, we realized that we had now tasted all 10 flavors found in the various collections. From the National Holiday Pack, we endured Turkey & Gravy, Brussels Sprout, Cranberry, Wild Herb Stuffing, and Pumpkin Pie. […]
[…] the stuff isn't good. It's just that our only experience with the brand was via their National and Regional Holiday Packs. We hoped to change that feeling as we tried Jones Blue Bubble Gum […]