Beware of special/seasonal/limited edition flavors

This weekend I was reminded of why most "limited edition" flavors are limited edition in the first place, and not just regular old flavors. I love Woodchuck Hard Cider, and I decided to bring a six pack to a party. (You have to bring SOMETHING.) At the store, my hand wavered between the regular flavor (which I know and love) and a limited edition flavor called "Spring."

This one is really my fault. If I had taken the time to actually read the label, I never would have bought the stuff. According to the label, it is a limited edition with maple syrup and brown sugar flavors.

It was… not good. One person dubbed it "Waffle Beer." Also I was left wondering in what world maple sugar and brown syrup equals "Spring." It seemed like more of a winter pancake breakfast kind of hard alcohol, if you can imagine that.

On the other hand, sometimes limited edition flavors are delicious. But when a limited edition flavor is actually good, most of the time it turns into a regular edition flavor. I think a lot of companies use "limited edition" as a trial balloon to gauge the market's interest before they launch a new product line.

One of my favorite limited edition flavors in recent memory was the Heinz limited edition balsamic vinegar ketchup. I am a total nut for Heinz ketchup in the first place. This stuff sounded so good, I actually pre-ordered a bottle through their Facebook page.

I was not disappointed. Balsamic vinegar ketchup is outstanding. I'm obviously not the only one who thinks so, because it has since become a regular edition.

Take a chance on a special flavor, or stick with the tried and true? It's a common dilemma facing unwary shoppers. Frankly my advice is, unless you're feeling experimental, to just skip them and wait. Let everyone else serve as your beta testers. Oh, and avoid the spring cider.

Image courtesy Flickr/osde8info