Review: Mountain Dew Throwback (December 2009 Rerelease)
Jan 7th, 2010 by Steve
After you read our review of Mountain Dew Throwback below, check out our Pepsi Throwback review
Mountain Dew Throwback has returned… sorta.
Just like its sibling Pepsi Throwback, Mountain Dew Throwback has returned for another "limited time" run, once again running 8 weeks, from December 28-February 22.
Mountain Dew Throwback – December 2009 design
However, unlike Pepsi Throwback, the re-release of Mountain Dew Throwback seemingly uses a different formula when compared to the April 2009 Dew release. We should have picked up on the clues from Pepsi when they announced the "Throwback Comeback" via Facebook and Twitter in August.
Let's compare the actual phrasing, shall we, with italics added for emphasis…
Pepsi Throwback
Thanks for all the Throwback tweets, videos, pics & pleas. We've heard you & you convinced us. And… We've got great news! Throwback is coming back!! On Dec 28th for 8 weeks. Same formula, but cooler vintage look!
From Pepsi's Twitter account:
So… We've got great news! Throwback is coming back!! On Dec 28th for 8 weeks. With the same formula, but new awesome vintage look!
Mountain Dew Throwback
From Mountain Dew's Facebook Page:
We've got some awesome news for you guys today! Mountain Dew THROWBACK is officially coming back thanks to all your feedback! It will hit stores on December 28 for eight weeks with sweet new packaging. Get ready!
From Mountain Dew's Twitter account:
we heard u guys loud and clear and now its coming back!!! mountain dew #throwback will hit stores dec 28 for 8 weeks w/ new packaging!
You'll note that the messages regarding Pepsi Throwback specifically mention "same formula," while that description is notably absent from the Dew Throwback communications.
Mountain Dew Throwback – April 2009 design
Now that the rereleased version of Mountain Dew Throwback has hit the shelves, we can compare the two Throwbacks (and their high fructose corn syrup stepbrother) via their ingredients:
Mountain Dew Throwback (April 2009 Version)
Carbonated water, sugar, citric acid, natural and artificial flavor, sodium benzoate (preserves freshness), caffeine, gum arabic, brominated vegetable oil, Yellow 5
Mountain Dew Throwback (December 2009 Version)
Carbonated water, sugar, orange juice concentrate, citric acid, natural flavor, sodium benzoate (preserves freshness), caffeine, sodium citrate, gum arabic, erythorbic acid (preserves freshness), calcium disodium EDTA (to protect flavor), brominated vegetable oil, Yellow 5
HFCS Mountain Dew
Carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, concentrated orange juice, citric acid, natural flavor, sodium benzoate (preserves freshness), caffeine, sodium citrate, erythorbic acid (preserves freshness), gum arabic, calcium disodium EDTA (to protect flavor), brominated vegetable oil, Yellow 5
Simply by looking at the ingredients, you can see there's a substantial difference in the Throwback versions. Namely, the December 2009 version features orange juice concentrate, sodium citrate, erythorbic acid, and calcium disodium EDTA — all ingredients you won't find in the April 2009 version. Interestingly, however, they are found in the HFCS version of Dew.
If you take the time to read the 300+ comments on our original Pepsi/Dew Throwback story from February 2009, you'll note a pattern emerged. There were folks who really liked Dew Throwback, but also a large and passionate crowd that absolutely hated the taste, saying it reminded them of a diet drink.
It would seem that PepsiCo relented and ended up changing the formula for the "new" Dew Throwback to more closely resemble the current Dew taste vs. the old Dew Throwback, which probably had a more historical flavor profile. But that's all speculation, of course.
Fortunately, we still had a can of April 2009 Mountain Dew Throwback lying around BevReview HQ, so it was chilled along with the December 2009 Throwback. To add a little fun to the mix, we once again got a bottle of HFCS Mountain Dew, and rounded out the tasting with an imported bottle of Mountain Dew from Canada (which uses "fructose/sucrose" as the sweetener and comes caffeine-free by default).
Mountain Dew from Canada!
I might as well tell you right now that we preferred the overall taste experience found with the April 2009 Mountain Dew Throwback. The reissued version of Dew Throwback just can't stack up. It feels like a cop-out to the vocal batch of zombies who were brought up to think that high fructose corn syrup Dew is the way it's supposed to taste… and Pepsi caved in. I don't blame them, to be honest. It's not like they've had a good 2009. From marketing stupidity to eroding sales, they need all the cash they can get these days! But enough editorializing for now…
We mentioned in our original review of Mountain Dew Throwback that the drink tasted 'flatter' than HFCS Dew, but that wasn't a bad thing. Instead, "you'll note from the get-go that Throwback is a bit less carbonated/bubbly, along with having a less acidic bite, more along the lines of Coke's Vault. …I think what is really present here is that you actually have the flavor of Mountain Dew being present during the entire drink experience, rather than having it buried by excessive carbonation, acid, and syrup. Compared to HFCS Mountain Dew, Throwback seems to have a more authentic citrus flavor. …Mountain Dew Throwback is "full bodied"."
I think that authentic citrus flavor and full bodied experience are missing from the new Dew Throwback. For one thing, when you smell the drink, there's nothing there. Nada. Zilch. Compare this to the scent coming off the old Dew Throwback… which actually had a citrus aroma. This is surprising given that new Dew Throwback contains orange juice concentrate, thus you'd think it would taste better. Well, "better" is a relative term. If you are a fan of the way regular Mountain Dew tastes these days, then you are probably going to really love the December 2009 version of Mountain Dew Throwback. However, if you were a fan of the smooth, citrus flavor found in the April 2009 version, then you are going to be disappointed. This new Throwback is blander and less packed with unique flavor. It's not horrible, but compared to the distinct taste that we all were able to experience with the original Dew Throwback, it's a bit frustrating to a soda enthusiast.
Canadian Mountain Dew… in French!
For kicks we tasted the imported Canadian Mountain Dew as well… and that had a completely different flavor profile compared not only to HFCS Mountain Dew, but also to the two Throwbacks as well. I was hoping we'd get sort of a benchmark to compare the the sugar-sweetened Dews against, much like we already have with Kosher Pepsi and Mexican Pepsi. But in this case, that little experiment didn't provide much data other than to tell us… yes, it's different! There's a sweeter taste, but it tastes more syrupy when compared to the citrus experience found in the April 2009 Throwback. Here's the ingredient list for those interested:
Mountain Dew (Canada)
Carbonated water, glucose-fructose and/or sugar, concentrated orange juice, citric acid, flavour, sodium benzoate, sodium citrate, erythorbic acid, calcium disodium EDTA, gum arabic, colour and brominated vegetable oil
Personally, I crack up at the mention of simply "flavour" being an ingredient!
Mountain Dew Throwback Comparison: Prototype, April 2009, & December 2009 Designs
That said, we would be remiss if we didn't mention the substatial change in label design for the rereleased Dew Throwback. Pepsi ditching the 'box' logo used throughout the 1970s/80s — that looked VERY similar to Dew that is currently on the shelves. Instead, we jump way back to the mid-1960s with the 'hillbilly' logo that was used along with the tagline, "Ya-Hoo Mountain Dew . It'll tickle your innards." Like the Pepsi logo reboot, this design is also aligned horizontally instead of vertical and sideways as seen in the April 2009 version.
The strong use of white space greatly sets apart the December 2009 Dew Throwback logo from previous versions, including the prototype. It does a nice job of conveying that, "yes, this is a different product… and it's old." Using the hillbilly character along with the "Ya-hooo!" motto also does a nice job of tugging at the nostalgic heartstrings in hopes of selling to a market that might remember such a logo.
Like the new Pepsi Throwback logo, this Dew logo also uses the phrase of being "made with real sugar" and "limited time only". Overall, it's a vast improvement over the April 2009 rollout design (and substantially different from the leaked prototype designs).
Overall, we're happy that Mountain Dew Throwback has returned once again. And if you like the current taste of regular Mountain Dew, then you are sure to love this iteration of the limited edition drink. However, if you are pining for the clean, smooth, citrus taste you remember from the first Mountain Dew Throwback back in April, be prepared for something substantially different.
Other Throwback coverage on BevReview.com:
- Pepsi/Dew Throwbacks discovered via trademark filings (February 9, 2009)
- Unused prototype bottle designs leaked (February 19, 2009)
- Official Facts about Pepsi Throwback & Mountain Dew Throwback (February 26, 2009)
- Preview of another sugar-sweetened drink: Pepsi Natural (March 5, 2009)
- Review: Pepsi Natural (March 16, 2009)
- Review: Pepsi Throwback (April 17, 2009)
- Review: Mountain Dew Throwback (April 21, 2009)
- Tips in finding Pepsi and Mountain Dew Throwback? (April 21, 2009)
- NPR Interview with Steve Tanner about Pepsi Throwback (May 5, 2009)
- Pepsi, Dew Throwback to return in December for 8 weeks (August 10, 2009)
- New Mountain Dew Throwback Design (September 9, 2009)
- Pepsi Throwback, Mountain Dew Throwback December 2009 relaunch designs (November 27, 2009)
- Review: Pepsi Throwback (December 2009 Rerelease) (January 1, 2010)
In agree! Glad im not alone on the "missing" the april taste!
I thought something was off with Throwback, thinking that it's just my mind playing tricks on me once again. Some kind of "It only tastes like diet because you don't know better". Back in April this was true, but after 2 bottles I didn't notice anything funny about it's taste/aftertaste. However this time around, even after 4 bottles, the taste wasn't as I expected/remembered it and the peculiarities didn't go away.
Seems that my problem isn't that Diet Dew has the taste and aftertaste of artificial sweeteners, but also the stuff HFCS covers up with it's syrupy taste in regular dew.
It seems that while it's still thinner, it lost it's charm, making it taste more like regular/diet than something more pure like it did in April. The entire reason I liked throwback was because it was like I was drinking something that had the thickness more near water but still had a huge flavor to it.
Hopefully I'm making some sense, as I could very well be talking out of my behind right now >_>
I'm so disappointed that they decided to change the formula for the throwback dew. In my opinion they had it perfect the first time around. Personally, I even liked the old label better. Oh, only to go back to April 2009!
But is it noticeably better than the HFCS version?
What we need to do is find an OLD Mountain Dew can from the early '70s and see what the ingredients are in that. It does taste different than the first throwback.
@Tony W.
Yes, it's better.
Just got a 12 pack today, had some, the canned version seems to taste better than the bottled. Which is always weird when that happens.
So far the only thing I have to complain is that it doesn't taste like flavored water(but full of flavor), but flavored juice. Which isn't too bad, but I still liked the idea of having something that was smooth as water with all the flavor.
I think both versions are better than the HFCS version, but I agree the April throwback was slightly better. I did too like the April can style better. In my perfect world, I'd take the April formula and logo, take off the words "Throwback" and "made with natural sugar" and discontinue the HFCS version, making throwback the "regular". But we all know that's not going to happen, so PLEASE Pepsi, don't give up because people think this version is inferior to the April version! Bring back the April formula and make Throwback PERMANENT!
This is so aggravating, I can't find any throwback formulas here in Colorado Springs. Suggestions? Locations? I've been everywhere. Maybe Denver?
At least they put the OJ back in.
the new rerelease of Moutain Dew throw back is terrible. i liked the april version better.
Saw it in the store and bought 2 twelve packs…..:( This sucks I miss the old throwback. What a bunch of crap.
Okay it FINALLY showed up in Colorado Springs yesterday.
Impressions:
Pepsi Throwback redux has a very sweet taste, almost blueberry plastic flavor. It could have been because we all sampled it from the plastic 20oz bottle. I taste differences from the original.
Mountain Dew "Yahoo" Throwback redux is definitely different but I strongly disagree with the original review. Firstly, the nose is very strong of oranges. It's like Mike Tyson made a boxing glove of oranges and punched you in the nose-face, hard. Taste was extremely orange-y, almost like Sunkist orange soda with a tiny bit of alternate citrus lemon/lime, about half as potent as Livewire. There's a strong aftertaste of sweet that lingers. Overall it is indeed more like normal Mt.Dew (which I had immediately afterwards for contrast) but not as syrupy.
Oddly, I actually prefer this new Mountain Dew Yahoo Throwback to the original Throwback version.
I suspect formulas are different in different regions, possibly by error, but more likely to analyze demographics and formulas by region. Indeed, regular Mt.Dew in Dallas taste -totally- different than Mt.Dew in Denver (I travel a lot). There's almost no consistency. I suspect there are several formulas based on region. The Dallas version had a heavy lime taste. Interestingly, different expiration-date "vintages" have different tastes too. Here in Colorado Springs, the April 23rd exp.date version was very crisp and dry, whereas the May13th exp.date version was very strong in lemon flavor and overly sweet. It's very apparent there are differences within batches.
The Canadian also doesn't have any caffeine in it by order of the government. We all would buy some of the American cans when we went over the border.
I gotta side with Mike. When I tried the original Mountain Dew Throwback in April, I enjoyed the difference in taste, but as time went on, I found myself longing for the taste of HFCS Mountain Dew. I enjoy the citrusy pop that I find in HFCS Mountain Dew, where as time went on, the more I drank April Throwback Mountain Dew, the more it just seemed like the only thing I could taste in it was it's overpowering sweetness.
Contrast this with Pepsi Throwback, which I without blinking would pick over HFCS Coke 100% of the time (in contrast with HFCS Pepsi which I won't even touch), I saw Mountain Dew Throwback April as both a completely different and inferior product to HFCS Mountain Dew.
New Mountain Dew throwback has all of the things I like about HFCS mountain dew (namely the flavor), with all the things I liked about April throwback (the cleaner aftertaste).
Just got a couple cases of the new Throwback Dew. I love it. It doesn't have the sickening sweet cloying that aftertaste that Regular Dew has. With all it's faults, I think the both versions of Throwback Dew are worlds better than regular Dew. And yes, the Hill-Billy logo does tug at the heartstrings of those that remember Mountain Dew as it was. Now if they had only completed the look:
"It'll Tickle Yer Innerds"
Put me in the camp that likes the April 2009 throwback more than the current throwback. IMO the old version had a very distinctive taste that could be identified as sugar. I can't find that taste in the new version.
I haven't read the old article yet so maybe it's been mentioned there but one of the first things I noticed is the expiration date on throwback is much more in the future than the HFCS version. The 12 packs I bought in December had June 2010 expiration dates. That struck me because I often buy single bottles and one or two months is about the maximum length that I find.
While I liked the flavor of the April version, I REALLY love the look of the December version. That combination would be perfect! Either way, both versions are VASTLY superior to both the taste and design of HFSC MD. I really wish Pepsi would stop playing this "Limited Time Only" crap. Give the people what they want…FULL TIME! I have to stock up on this stuff, but it only lasts so long (besides the expiration date to boot). If nothing else, sell them side by side with different target audiences. HFSC MD sales may see a slight decline, but TB MD would more than make up the difference, resulting in an overall increase in sales and market share.
Bought a 12pk of Mountain Dew (TB) It does have a certain, almost diety taste to me, I guess due to the absence of syrupy sweetener. But does make for a resfreshing drink. Just wish I had a chance to experience the original TB back in April.
sucks that long island doesnt it have it yet, just like in the spring.
Bought a pack of latest MtnDew Throwback cans. Initial opinion: too sweet, kinda bland. Maybe I expected more with all the Throwback hype. In case batches are different as other reviewers have indicated, this batch, #1246CA121991, expires June 21, 2010. Ironically, I avoided the April 2009 throwback as it didn't contain OJ, but this version that does has very little OJ flavor whatsoever according to my tastebuds and I just don't like how sweet it is. If I travelled I definitely would sample Throwback formulas in different areas. As for the Throwback available here in CA, boohiss. TOO SWEET!! I will not be purchasing more. I think the next Throwback should be sweetened only with OJ! OJ is plenty sweet enough.
I have not gotten to try either of the throwbacks, but I just called the grocery store up the street and they have it. I am going to get some after work and I will reply back tomorrow with my thoughts.
I wonder how much difference is the taste between the most recent throwbacks and Mtn Dew from the 70's. I have some very old 10oz bottles of Dew in my collection and looking at the ingredients, the latest version more resembles the 70's not the throwbacks fom last April. I'm not saying that last Aprils weren't good, I really enjoyed them but im curious if the latest version is a saleout or more true? I don't know. One things for sure I'm not cracking open any of my ventage stash I've been able to collect to findout.
Found some bottles at a WalMart, strangly they didn't have bottles of Pepsi Throwback but they did have cases of Pepsi Throwback but no regular Pepsi!
I just procured three two liter bottles of Pepsi Throwback and one two liter of Mountain Dew Throwback from a Star here in Newton. I didn't think they were doing two liters (they didn't last time) and I didn't see any advertising with regards to two liters. However, it's much more economical to have two liters instead of twelve packs, so I'm glad that these are around!
It is more economical to have 2 liters if you can drink it fast enough. Otherwise, it goes flat.
hmm two liter bottles of this stuff havent seen it around here yet.
i forgot the taste of the original mtn dew throwback but this bottle i got seems excessivly sweet, and i put it in the fridge and still good today. like my bottles chilled for a more crisp flavor.
24 pepsi fan, where in Long Island did you find it? I've checked a few Targets and Walmarts in Nassau County, with no luck.
I am the biggest Mt Dew fan out there!!! Been drinking it for over a decade and I must say I do NOT like the throwback Dew!!! I tried both the new throwback and the other one a few months before that one. They just don't have the bite that my regular Dew has. It gives off a fake sweetener taste and after taste like diet pops have. Does anyone else taste that???? The guy who put this page together has shown that the last 2 throwback versions are different in ingredients. Which leads me to believe that none of these throwbacks are close to the original version. I will stick with the one I've grown up with and that's NOT the throwback, and I was really hoping for a better version. Guess NOT! lol
chris, i was at the westbury walmart. they had a good stack of em in the soda section, and bottles of mtn dew throwback in the coolers by the front checkout. no pepsi throwback bottles and no mtn dew throwback cases.
They had it right on the money with April 2009! An excellent review, and push for Throwback to Throwback to April 2009! (I do like the new December label)
i should have gotten 20 oz bottles in ohio, they were a dollar there. here in ny i found them at 1.59 plus tax plus and if it comes to be, a sugared soda tax. add it up and youre being rippewd off lol. ill wait for a sale on the cases.
Ahhhh the great Dew Debate! Pepsi missed the boat by NOT taking in to consideration that probably most of its survey crowd is from the "microwave" (gotta have it now) generation or even more current, that are most likely apt to go online and vote. Sure, my generation may have heard The Who originally release an album in the sixties & seventies and not ask "WHO" is playing the Super Bowl this year. And we are the same generation that would not typically vote on something like this online. So (like Derek who has been drinking Dew for 10 years) , if you were to really poll those of us who grew up on original dew, they woudl find out that the 1st batch of Throwback Dew rocked, and the second batch is not far off the mark – however, like one guy said, the citrus smell is missing when the can is first opened like the first batch of Throwback Dew. Both are still by far better than the HFCS version. The HFCS version has a bad after taste. Both Throwback Dews go down smoothly. And if the Throwback Dews weren't that well received, why are the shelves of those stores that carry it where I live, always empty of it!? PS. Hey Derek, I probably have been drinking Dew longer than you have been around – I have been doing the Dew for 40 years …. and the NON HFCS version doesn't even come close to the Throwbacks … but just like you, that is only my opinion – just wish more people from my day would hop on line and vote too! Do The Dew!
For people that does not like throwback, and saying it is too weak etc. (both summer, and winter formulas) I think that you probably are not drinking it cold enough.
I have always liked my soda pop, as cold as it can get without freezing. Refrigerator temperature is not enough for me. Unless it's packed away in an ice cold cooler, I will put my drink from the fridge to the freezer, for about 5 minutes.
If it's even a few degrees warmer, the dew just does not taste good enough. To be honest, your taste buds get more of the truth, and for me that is a bad thing somehow.
I purchased 6 12-packs of this before I knew they changed the forumla. Needless to say, it is complete crap when compared to the old Throwback formula. It is probably about even with regular mtn dew, but I'm not even sure I like it as much as that. I went to the pepsi webpage and left feedback that the old version was much better, and I encourage you all to do the same.
I did not like this recent release nearly as well as the previous. The aftertaste is chemically (if that's a word). I much preferred the smoother flavor of the first throwback release. I'm disappointed because I liked the first so much I was anticipating the re-release.
I like it. I do think it is slightly more sweet. Now if only they'd make it in glass bottles
Dr. Dew: you so nailed it! And anyone who has only been drinking Dew for the last..oh, 15 or 20 years isn't likely to understand the whole "Throwback" vs. "Regular" concept of taste. Actually, there isn't a "Throwback" and a "Regular" Dew. The Throwback IS the regular Dew, and the stuff they've been making the last 20 years or so is just a bad knock-off that stole the name. My only problem with the Throwback is that they better keep on offering it for limited times only because at my age, becoming a Dew junkie again like I was 30 years ago is totally hazardous to my health.
Ah ha! I thought the new Throwback was different! When Throwback came out the first time I bought thirty 12packs. I am down to the last three 12packs and I just noticed the new Throwback last week.
Because I still have some of the original Throwback I can compare them. The new Throwback has a slightly bitter after-taste to it just like HFCS Dew does and is not quite as sweat as the first Throwback.
If they are going to make it tasted exactly like HFCS Dew then I might as well drink HFCS Dew. Unless of course this is all an experiment to find a formula people like better so they can replace HFCS in all versions of Dew.
Found some 2Ls in the Catskill region of NY. Surprised me.
What a thrill to drink a real Mountain Dew again!. My father had a soda machine at his business, and I drank it every day for free!
I was a hyper child…now the mountain dew having so much caffeine explains that!
Anyway- couldn't stand the high fructose corn syrup flavor- couldn't understand how I had liked it so much as a kid. Bought the Dec 2009 throwback version. Love it- would love to taste the April 2009 version too. Just happy to taste and remember how great it was…Oh, oh- back to my bad habit- loving every can- have my 12yo daughter loving it too!
Im gonna miss it
i like the original pepsi throwback more than this one. but i like the new Mountain Dew throwback better than the original. Also! i started a soda review online of strange old and rare sodas youtube.com/thesodareviewer Ive reviewed moxie original elixir and Green River. i post a new video every tuesday and friday. please check it out!
I have been drinking Mt Dew since the early 60's. I long for the taste of the product I knew from that time period. I tried a can of the throwback and was hoping for the taste I remembered. The Mt Dew from the early 60's had a more lemon lime flavor. I don't think it had any orange flavor add, but I could be wrong about that. From what I have read by others I am going to try a can of the throwback again.
I cant not believe so many people like Mountain Dew. I can not stand the taste at all. I would much rather have a coke or pepsi.
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