The result? A very disappointing midnight ride on the (stationary) bike. Though 342 calories burned on my 40-minute jaunt, it's well off my recent personal record of 378. In fact, my legs burned a little more than usual, probably the byproduct of working out three or four nights in a row.

Yet, this is partly why I ingest coffee/tea/energy drinks. I want that extra boost. I want a new PR. I want rocket action in performance, not my personal plumbing. Anyway, I'm a little bummed, but it was still a good workout and better yet, unlike my first foray into iced coffee as a boost (Roots Aroma Black Hot Blend), Takumi didn't have me percolating down low. Not at all. And I don't have a clue why.

It's not easy to find information about this beverage. I really need help, really need to keep digging around on the internet. With just about everything on the can label in Japanese, I'm stumped.

Why two pieces of art on one can? I don't know and don't mind. They're both quite eye-catching. But that has nothing to do with the product, does it?

I love the part that describes the ingredients: COFFEE. That's it. No non-dairy creamer, no sugar, just coffee. That's precisely how I want it.

In caps: OTSUKA DRINK CAN TAKUMI BLACK. Like the Roots drink from two days ago, there's no way for me to know where exactly the coffee beans originated from.

How did this taste? Bitter. Not horribly bitter unless you're not a regular coffee drinker, and I'm not one. Did it have some kick? Yep. I felt a little within moments of the first few gulps. But I didn't feel the shakes or get jumpy. It's just 6.4 fl. oz., so...

Proof's in the pudding, and like Roots black coffee, there was a limit to the effect. I wouldn't say it was not worthwhile, but I won't be tanking Takumi's black coffee again. It didn't give me the energy I get from Oolong Shot or Red Bull (sugar free). It's more something I'd drink if I was a little tired or sleepy before work, before doing errands (walking).

Recap
Pros: Decent kick, not wired after working out, no discomfort in digestion. sugar free.
Cons: Not as much of a boost as I want.

Previous Article: Mom's special touch
Next Article: Kahuku starts at No. 3