To test the appeal of new Bacardi Island Breeze, we had two twentysomethings try the coconut flavor. Neither tester cared for the packaging, and they

disagreed about the product’s "diet" flavor — one thought it had an aftertaste, the other did not. Both thought it was a strong departure from traditional Bacardi.

Bacardi plans to launch Island Breeze, a low-calorie spirit. With 48 calories per 1.5-ounce serving, the product is made with Premium Bacardi rum, infused with natural fruit flavors and sucralose. Island Breeze will be available in May in Key Lime, Coconut and Wild Berry flavors, and each variety has 18 percent alcohol by volume. It will be sold in fine wine and liquor stores. The suggested retail price is approximately $13.99 for a 750-ml. bottle.

This month’s contenders:
Beth, 26, writer
Dan, 25, financial advisor

“It looks cheap, like generic rum. Unless you picked it up, you wouldn’t know it’s Bacardi.” — Dan

“I like the bottle shape, but the graphics look generic. It doesn’t look like Bacardi.” —  Beth

“It tastes like it has an artificial sweetener, but it has a nice coconut taste. You wouldn’t need to mix it with anything.” — Beth

“It’s way too sweet and a little bit syrupy. But it has no bad aftertaste.” — Dan

“No. I’d rather just have a regular Bacardi with Coke and a lime.” — Beth