So the other day, while on a road trip, I found a Code Red at a gas station. This is somewhat significant because it had been literal years since I've had or even seen one. Growing up in the states I used to drink these all the time and I have a lot of fond memories of riding my bike with my buddies to grab a soda and a honey bun (Another thing I haven't had in years, but I doubt I will be trying those again any time soon).
Without hesitation I grabbed two, one for myself and other for my spouse. We hit the road once again, feeling optimistic from this random find. Not wanting to wait, I cracked mine open and got ready to enjoy the drink of my childhood. With the first sip those good feelings and memories came rushing back. Thinking of sitting in my friends basement as we took turns playing GTA 3.
After that first sip however I started to notice something. Yes this drink was incredibly sweet with all of the fizz and artificialness that I remember, but the actual flavor of the drink was not nearly as strong as I had thought. I confirmed this with the second dink. I still could sense the flavor I once knew, but it really did not hit the same.
This whole situation really got me thinking... Have my taste buds changed enough over the years that I just don't enjoy the things I used to the same? Has the drink itself changed somehow over the years? Maybe it is a regional difference because I purchased it in another country or east vs west? Or perhaps it is some combination of these. Regardless of the reason I am still glad that I was able to experience this drink again after so many year.
TL;DR - Found a drink I haven't had in years... brought back good memories but not the same.