Red Band – Dropfruit Duos Sour

I like to try things that scare me. These are the type of snack to wait behind a doorway and jump out at you or anything, but they do have good old salty licorice, which is definitely something that intimidates me a little. Black licorice on it’s own is not a huge sell for me in most cases, and if you add in salt to that, I don’t know man…

Drop is basically the Dutch term for licorice. It’s called dropfruit because the pieces combine licorice with wine gums. The snack is apparently very popular, and as someone who is fairly new to the black licorice scene, I can understand why. With a bit of fruity sweetness that is more familiar to the international crowd, it makes the proposition of black licorice easier to stomach. Salty licorice especially is an acquired taste, and the biggest mistake is to try and go straight for the hardcore salty stuff without easing your way into it. Sure it makes for fun reaction videos, but I prefer to ease into what may become a lifelong addiction. I know I’m not the only one, as this particular candy is immensely popular, and I’m excited to dip my toes into what I consider “beginners” licorice.

There’s quite a few things going on at once in the flavour department, depending on which end you decide to bite into first. Or maybe you’re a madlad and decide to chew it all at once. I’m not sure if there’s a “right” way to eat it, or a way that the candy is meant to be eaten but to me it’s very versatile. On the one end you have the black licorice. This is much softer and less rubbery than what I’m used to seeing here in the Frigid North from the domestic brands we have here. It’s got a much smokier, distinct flavour to it. I am reminded of brown sugar caramels, where the sugar is burnt and takes on a molasses quality to it. I should mention that this is also a slightly salty version of licorice, and might be a bit of a shock to first timers. The taste of ammonia is not too strong here, but it is noticeable.

On the other end of these duos is the wine gum flavour which is what most people will be more familiar with. There are three fruit flavours here – lemon, orange and strawberry. Each of the fruit flavours also tastes very similar to what you expect from a standard wine gum. Contrasting the fairly earthy and deep flavour of the licorice, you have the bright, sweet flavour of the wine gum to even things out. When you add on the sour powder that the candy is coated in, you get a unique flavour journey that goes from sour, to salty, to sweet all in one mouthful.

Texture also has a lot going on, and I’m actually very curious what the manufacturing process is for these candies. The fruity side of the duos have a very stiff, gummy like texture that is exactly what you’d expect from a wine gum. On the other end is the slightly salty licorice, which has a softer texture and kind of reminds me a bit of a slightly chewy, extra firm fudge. It’s got a nice chew to it but its nowhere near as firm as the wine gum, so it’s an interesting contrast.

I can’t say I was a big fan of salty licorice before this, but after trying these out I can absolutely see myself getting into just the licorice on it’s own after getting used to them with the aid of the wine gums. If you’re ever interested in trying salty licorice but are scared of committing to it, this is a nice segue. And worst case scenario that you don’t like it? At least you still have half a candy that is likely to appeal to everyone’s sensibilities.

I would definitely get this again, but will probably try and regulate how much of the stuff I eat, since consuming too much in a certain period can cause higher blood pressure.