Isca’s four CBD sodas. Photo provided by Isca.
Michael Caines, a two-time Michelin Star-winning Chef and U.K. resident, is the man behind Isca, a CBD beverage company that takes its name after the Romanian town of Isca, which is also Caines’s birthplace.
Each Isca beverage is free of GMOs and gluten. The company also makes the sodas with a broad-spectrum hemp formula. Broad-spectrum formulations contain a variety of plant compounds, like cannabinoids and terpenes — but are free of THC.
They come in four flavors such as Indian Tonic Water, Cola, Ginger Ale, and Pink Grapefruit and Roses. The sodas come in packs of six or 12, and have 20 mg of CBD per 12 ounce bottle.
Buyers can mix and match different flavors. For instance, one can buy a 12-pack with six bottles of Cola and six bottles of Ginger Ale. Additionally, if a customer is hesitant and wants to try out all the flavors, he or she has the opportunity to purchase a 12-pack that contains two bottles of each flavor.
I tried three beverages from their collection — Cola, Pink Grapefruit and Rose, and Ginger Ale.
Isca Cola
20 mg of CBD
$5.95 per 12-ounce bottle
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an average soda usually contains 29.4 to 42 grams of sugar. As such, the CDC categorizes it as unhealthy for an individuals’ health.
However, not all sodas have to include a large concentration of sugar. Isca’s Colas, for example, has only 17 grams of sugar per can. As a result, the level of glucose is cut down by almost half.
Isca Cola contains Jamaican kola nut, Ceylon cinnamon, and Madagascar vanilla. These ingredients are carefully mixed with U.S.-grown hemp extract.
I was intrigued by the Cola and tasted it first. The cap of the bottle was very secure to ensure the drink was properly carbonated. When I pooped it open, I heard a click. It became so bubbly, I had to close the cap again so it did not spill out. Overall, it tasted just like Coke, but with a bit of spiciness! However, I did not feel the CBD’s effects.
3.5/5 emeralds
Ginger Ale
20 mg of CBD
$5.95 per 12-ounce bottle
Similar to Tonic Water, Ginger Ale can be mixed with alcohol such as Whiskey or Bourbon. This Ginger contains a special breed of ginger that grows in Africa. African ginger is known to hold more medicinal benefits and a richer flavor of spice. The soda also has chili powder to add to its spiciness, giving it a stronger kick.
When I popped the soda open, I heard the click and knew it was going to be bubbly. And as promised, it was frizzy. As recommended on the site, I tried it with alcohol — but I didn’t have Whiskey, so I used the Tequila I had at home. I added two shots of Tequila and a splash of lemon juice with the soda into a separate bottle.
The cocktail was very refreshing and subtle. I was amazed at how the alcohol complimented the drink. I enjoyed the mixture so much that I will always drink my Tequila with some Ginger Ale! But again, I did not feel the CBD’s effects.
3.5/5 emeralds
Pink Grapefruit and Rose
20 mg of CBD
$5.95 per 12-ounce bottle
Isca’s Pink Grapefruit Soda consists of two main ingredients: grapefruits and Damask rose. The grapefruit is the highlight ingredient in this soda, which the company imports from Florida. According to Chef Michael, he said that the Damask rose proved to be a good blend with the fruit. He has been mixing these two ingredients in his desserts for several years at Gidleigh Park Restaurant, and currently, at Lympstone Manor hotel — both located in the U.K.
The citrus from the grapefruit with the sweetness of the Damask rose extract is refreshing. The subtle taste of Damask rose reminded me of rose water. It definitely reminds me of the summer. It is one of those drinks that someone might enjoy while lounging on the beach. I cannot wait until it is beach weather so I can take it with me and drink it under the soaring sun on the warm sand.
3.5/5 emeralds
What do the Lab Test Results Show?
Each bottle of soda came with a QR code, which led customers directly to Isca’s website. There, individuals can check out the certificates of analysis (COA) for the products and learn more about their ingredients.
The latest lab test results were confirmed in December 2020. The results showed that the hemp extract used in the sodas have zero THC, as properly indicated on the label.
On the other hand, test results show that each soda contains only 15.75 mg of CBD. That is 4.25 mg or 21% less CBD than advertised. Furthermore, this means a six pack has 94.5 mg instead of 120 mg, which accounts for 21% less CBD. For a 12 pack, it only holds 189 mg (also 21% less) CBD, not the 240 mg one would expect.
Researchers find that products that contain +/-10% of the CBD content that is advertised receive an “A” rating; +/-20% would get a “B,” within 30% gets a “C,” and more than that gets an “F.” Isca’s sodas all get “B” ratings.
Furthermore, lab tests show the sodas are free of additional cannabinoids such as CBG and CBN. Also, it does not include any terpenes. This begs the question as to whether Isca uses a broad-spectrum hemp formula like they promise.
Finally, their COA represents a passing grade when tested for microbes and toxins such as salmonella and Escherichia coli.
My Overall Experience
CBD-infused drinks can be bitter. As a result, I prepared myself for bitterness upon my first sip of each beverage. However, to my relief, there was none. I was satisfied since it was not bitter or sweet. That said, their sugar levels were just right.
The drinks are very tasty and the depth of each flavor is evident. Additionally, the prices are reasonable, about average when compared to other CBD sodas (but a bit steep in our opinion for one beverage). If I had to choose my favorite drink, it would be the Grapefruit Soda because it reminds me of the clear blue sky, the sounds of waves crashing, and the smell of sunscreen.
Each drink earned just three and a half emeralds. That is because, while the lab tests confirm the sodas are THC-free, they do not seem to contain a broad-spectrum blend, and have less CBD than advertised. Also, I did not feel the CBD’s effects. Although the flavors were great and rich, I did not feel the zen or calm that Isca promises.
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