We’re back with another Thirsty Thursday—where the drinks are mysterious, the reactions are honest, and the branded merch is always the main event. This time, Jade, Briar, and Kirby team up to put both a new beverage (that has double the juice) and a fresh piece of drinkware to the test.
So, what’s on tap?
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The drinkware: The sleek and sustainable Duo 26oz Recycled Aluminum Bottle from PCNA
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The drink: Juice Jolt from Southern Tier Brewing—a fruit-forward double IPA with a lot of personality (maybe too much?)
Watch the full episode here:
The Drinkware: Duo 26oz Recycled Aluminum Bottle from PCNA
First up, let’s talk about what we were drinking from—and this one got high marks across the board.
Why we liked it:
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Sustainable design: Made from recycled aluminum, this bottle is a win for both branding and the environment.
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Generous capacity: At 26 oz, it’s big enough to keep you hydrated throughout the workday or a solid outdoor adventure.
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Twist-on lid with carry handle: Easy to transport, secure, and leak-resistant.
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Modern finish: The matte finish and minimalist design give it a retail-inspired look—perfect for employee gifts, wellness programs, or event swag.
Jade, Kirby, and Briar all agreed—this is a strong option for brands that want to combine function, eco-consciousness, and style. Whether you’re trying to eliminate single-use bottles or just want your logo traveling around town, this bottle delivers.
The Drink: Juice Jolt from Southern Tier Brewing
Now, the drink.
This week’s mystery beverage was Juice Jolt, a high-octane double IPA with bold citrus flavor from Southern Tier Brewing.
The reaction? Let’s just say… it was mixed at best.
The description on the can made some big promises—intense citrus notes, balanced bitterness, and a powerful punch—but our team felt it landed more in the “meh” zone than “wow.”
What we said:
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Kirby described it as a drink that doesn’t quite know what it wants to be.
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Jade felt like it had some fruitiness, but not enough to be refreshing.
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Briar just wasn’t sold—especially after the first few sips.
Bottom line: We were excited going in, but Juice Jolt didn’t quite jolt us into a new level of beverage bliss. If you’re a big fan of bold IPAs, you might still enjoy it, but this one won’t be making our top-shelf list.
Merch First, Drinks Second
As always, Thirsty Thursday isn’t just about the drink—it’s about testing branded drinkware in the wild and having some fun while we do it.
The Duo bottle shined as the kind of promotional product that blends eco-friendly values with everyday usefulness. When your merch becomes a part of someone’s daily routine, you’ve done something right.
And even though the drink didn’t win us over this time, the bottle absolutely did.
Want More Thirsty Thursday Favorites?
We’ve been taste-testing and merch-reviewing for a while now, and we’ve curated a shop filled with Thirsty Thursday-approved drinkware—including bottles, tumblers, mugs, and more.
Check out our Thirsty Thursday Merch Shop
Whether you’re looking for ideas for your next client gift, event giveaway, or employee welcome kit, our team can help you find the perfect piece to make your brand unforgettable (and appreciated).
Final Sip
Every Thirsty Thursday brings a surprise—sometimes in the form of a new favorite drink, and other times in the unexpected success of a promo product we can’t stop raving about.
This week?
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The drink fell a bit flat.
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But the Duo 26oz Recycled Aluminum Bottle from PCNA? Total winner.
Thanks for joining us for another round of Thirsty Thursday. If you’ve got a drink you think we should try—or a piece of branded drinkware you want us to test—send it our way!
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