Musk? Musk? What exactly is musk? And why is it a Lifesavers flavor? When I think about the word “musk” things like old houses, grandmas, skunks and deodorant come to mind. Not something edible, and certainly not something tasty. So what does such a candy exist? Is it some sort of cruel joke?
Obviously, I have many questions in regard to these odd Lifesavers from Australia. That was reason enough for me to buy them. I had to taste what “musk” was for myself. Surely, there must be something redeeming about it, otherwise, why bother producing it? Granted, candies like circus peanuts, spice drops, NECCO wafers and spearmint leaves still exist yet no one really seems to eat them. Musk Lifesavers seem to fall outside that mysterious circle, since not only did Wrigley’s manufacture them, but some company imported them as well. I’m now curious to see what the demand for musk is here in the United States.
Opening the roll and taking out my first ring, I notice right away that these are compressed dextrose and not hard candy like traditional Lifesavers are. Interesting. They are pale pink in color, speckles with darker pink spots which is oddly pretty to look at. They smell floral, but that’s all I can get before needing to taste one.
Oh, and how do they taste? The flavor is like how the hand soap from country bed & breakfasts smell. I detect lavender, rose and a sweetness that’s similar to bubblegum. It’s odd at first, but by the time I got to my third one, I started to find them somewhat addicting.
To make sure I wasn’t going crazy, I shared a few with friends who were willing enough to try them. Those who did were pleasantly surprised, and admitted to finding them strange, yet tasty.
The best way to describe it is they must be like black licorice: sort of an acquired taste that you either love of you hate.
Rating: Will Eat Again