Best Energy Shots of 2009

While not all of these caffeinated treats came out this last year, This is when I could try them. So while these are not necessarily the best to come out in 2009, these were the best I have tried in the past year. Like last year's winners, They have been divided into three categories,Best Energy Drink, Best Energy Shots and Best Energy Products, which incorporates all those other gems, like foods, candies, pills, powders and best caffeinated alcohol product.

One CEO I talked to put it this way. When asked whether he was coming out with the shot version of his popular energy drink he told me " Of course we have an energy shot version of our drink, but there is no way we would come out with it here in the US." Convenience store counters are now littered with dozens of tiny bottles, With a thousand varieties, shapes and colors. Every popular energy drink has their mini counterpart, from Red Bull and Monster, to Venom and Rockstar. That means that shelf space is limited, and the shot has to be Really Special to make it into a convenience store. A few have surpassed all expectations, coming out with something unique and original in this sea of 2 ounce mediocrity.

Best Overall: Spike Energy
Spike has always come out with the most intimidating of energy products. Their Spike Shooters are a heart palpitation in a can, and their Spike Shotguns topped my list for best energy drink of 2008. The double dose 4 ounce bottle is not fooling anyone, as there is more than enough stuff in here to keep you going for a long long time. Sure, the striking and clever  bottle actually has a clear strip so you can measure out 2 ounces, but the taste is so good you just can't stop from downing the whole thing. And the whole thing is about as potent as they come, with 350mg of caffeine and the amino acid mix found in many energy shots. This drink can be a yummy sippin shot to last you a good half dozen hours, or slam down this smooth for a very scary intense rush. Either way - this does everything you could want an energy drink for, with power and style to spare.

Best tasting: OnGo Energy - Berry
There is no other possibility here. This little dessert came out last year, but unfortunately I could not give it a try until 2009. There is absolutely no competition here - as this is the most tasty shot in history. The perfect blend of sweet and creamy tastes more like a dessert that something good for you - and should be served with whipped cream or in a little dessert shot. No other shot I have ever had came even close. With an amino acid blend of n-acetyl-l-tyrosine, malic acid, l-pheylalanine, l-glutamine, beta carotene, and the enzyme blend of amylase, protease, lipase, cellulose, and lactase, it works very nicely as well.

Best Buzz/Nutrition: 8 Hour Energy Shot
Adding B vitamins and a little caffeine is child's play. While some shots gave more boost, Bhellium upped the ante by dumping everything you could want in an energy shot into 2 little ounces. While some might have had more caffeine, the 100mg in here is helped out by hoodia, yohimbine, gugglesterones, and yerba mate.
You want berry antioxidants? This has them all - Acai, Noni, Goji and Pomegranate. There is Naringin, an antioxidant as well. It also has amino acids, vitamins and trace minerals. While you might not get buzzed and jittery, you will get some solid vitamins, minerals, and a very nice sustained 4-5 hour alertness and focus that I found impossible to top.

Best Packaging: Ubershot energy
This was a very hard category, as here were a number of very clever designs this year, most by Harcos, the people behind bloody IV drip energy shots and health potions in cool Warcraft style bottles. I even found energy shots that look like adult sex toys, in both cool blue and spicy flavors. My absolute favorite came from across the sea in England.  Ubershot goes far beyond novelty packaging, creating something that is not only with a stunning design, but also perfect for just about every occasion.  This is a miniature aluminum Gaiam bottle, with a coating inside to keep the decently flavored shot from being metallic.  It is near impossible to throw away these bottles when you are finished with them - like throwing away good china.