This is it.  The votes have been tabulated - and all the reviewers have been heard.  Three was been over 250 caffeinated energy products sampled this year - from herbal energy patches to warm cans of energy soda found in seedy Mexican cafes.  From this extensive list, there have been a few products that have separated themselves from the pack - and stand as more than worthy additions to any fan.  These drinks, shots and foods stand apart from the hundreds of Red Bull Clones, Monster wannabees and go beyond normal expectations, leaving our tongues on fire and out eyelids glued to the back of our heads.

During December 29th, There will be separate reviews for different categories;Best Energy Drinks, Best Shots, Best energy Products - which will list the best from coffees, mixes and alcoholic caffeinated drinks.  Please feel free to voice your opinions, as well as all requests for consideration for the 2009 Energy in Review.

Best energy Shots for 2008
People want different things from energy shots, emerging as a major player in the fight for Ready-To-Drink cash at the register.  These little 2-4 ounce shots come from everywhere from Japan and Indonesia to Orange County.  Some consumers did not like the jitter for overcaffeination of the more extreme shots, and others could not stand the taste.  The categories are divided as follows:

Best buzz and Nutrition Shot - Stay Alert energy
If you can find these horrible looking shots, just slam this down past your gullet and wait for the ride.  This stuff tastes almost as bad as the packaging.  In this case - the effect is 100% worth it.  Nature's Oasis has been around a long time - over  13 years - and their commitment to quality ingredients show clearly in their use of ingredients.  They put around 150-200mg of caffeine into the shot, and then use yerba mate, green tea extract and guarana on top of the caffeine to supplant the boost and use the breakdown of these other natural sources of caffeine to keep your energy sustained.  They don't stop there, adding 72 trace minerals, Vitamin H, Vitamin D, Vitamin E and Vitamin A and vitamin C. They then added 6 herbal nutrients to round out the extreme health of this little 2oz shot.  sure, Hardcore Shots, Upshots and Spike have even stronger - more caffeinated shots but this one will keep you wired AND is good for you as well.  This drink truly is a powerful energy fueled multivitamin - as long as you can get it down.

 
Best energy shot packaging - Mana Energy potion
I have seen energy shots in little vials, put into little gel pouches and in little unbreakable test tubes (dildos), but this is without doubt the coolest energy potion container ever. If you ever got into Lord of the rings, Harry Potter or Narnia, you will completely flip over the creation of an energy drink shot in as little olde tyme potions bottle. The liquid inside even changes color depending on the oxidation of the liquid inside, from a bluish aquamarine to a deep green. My only issue with this is that they don't list the caffeine content - although there is the warning on the bottle that states that it should not be "Consumed by mortals under 16. "  and unlike Stay Alert, this energy drink also excells on the Buzz and taste front, being very easy to drink and give one heck of a rush at over 160mg of caffeine. 

Best tasting shot -Mini Thin Rush - original flavor
There are many flavors of Mini Thin Rush - ask for the original flavor ever time.  With over 200mg of caffeine - this is definitely some seriousl power too.  but the taste - it is downright Delicious! Coming out a nice pinkish color, with trepidation I poured this one in my mouth , ready to slug it to the back of my throat if it turned out to be as nasty as their coffee flavored noxiousness - but no need! I savored this flavor, as it was like drinking a nice strongly flavored Kool-aid. This truly surprised me by how easy it was to drink and how flavorful and delicious it tasted. I can't recommend this more highly - if you like powershots give this flavor a try - if you don't - just grab one of these and hang on for the ride!