Crush Lumonde

I always expect more from Japanese candy. I set the bar pretty high when it comes to reviewing it and I only occasionally get disappointed. Maybe I don’t get let down because I have such limited access to the stuff and the snacks that make it Stateside are somehow better (or not) than those that aren’t exported (my money’s on not).

When Japanese candy disappoints, though, it’s just such a bring down. And counting among the reasons for the disappointment is the cash spent (Japanese candy can be much more expensive than their American counterparts).

Crush Packaging

Bourbon, a Japanese cookie and candy manufacturer,  hasn’t really done much for me with its snack offerings. None of their products reflect their country of origin (unique, simple, elegant, colorful), besides being less sweet. If I’m eating Japanese candy, I expect to be impressed with originality and/or high quality. Bourbon doesn’t seem to have either in more than minute amounts.

Packaging

Bourbon hasn’t wowed or wooed me thus far with its packaging. It’s neither terribly eye-catching nor blindingly bad, merely average. The box for Crush is fairly sedate and mature with its goldenrod background and gold lettering. However, big points for putting graphic pictures of the product proudly on the box. Score: B+

Appearance

The twin sticks in each individually-wrapped serving reminds me rather strongly of an American candy whose name sounds awfully like “twin sticks”. Crush looks like lumpy twigs. Not impressive, but not stomach-churning either. Score: B

Texture

Crush’s texture is halfway between crispy and soft. Crisp bits are mixed into the chocolate, giving it it’s unique cri-soft texture. Score: A

Flavor

There’s the flavor of almonds, honey, and toffee in Crush, but mostly toffee. If there’s chocolate in the candy (it says there is on the box), I don’t taste it. The caramelized sugar flavor is strong, and the hint of almonds is surprising. What’s also surprising is how sweet this Japanese candy is. It’s almost too sweet, and tastes like a candy an American company might make. It’s not bad, it’s still slightly unique, but I was expecting a less sugary candy than this. Score: A-

Verdict

Crush, while good, isn’t up to the standard I’ve personally set for Japanese candy. The flavor is good, but not truly original, nor is it lightly sweetened like other candies. I might buy this again, but only if I had to get a toffee fix and a Skor was no where to be found. But really, if I’m laying down cash for Japanese candy, I’m putting my hard-earned on something colorful or quality first before I trade it in for merely meh.