What Did Mountain Dew’s Discontinued Pitch Black Flavor Really Taste Like?

Mountain Dew Pitch Black, initially introduced as a Halloween-themed soda in 2004, gained a dedicated following for its grape-infused flavor. Though it was discontinued, fans fondly remember its subtle grape notes and dark citrus punch, leaving lasting impressions in soda nostalgia.

Mountain Dew’s Pitch Black, Marketed as a Dark Citrus Punch, Left Fans Debating Its Grape Flavor

For fans of the soda inspired by back-road moonshine, there’s never a bad time to "Do the Dew." With a wide variety of Mountain Dew flavors — at the time of ranking, there were 14 available — each flavor has its dedicated followers and detractors. The original Mountain Dew is known for its citrus flavor, leaning heavily on lemon, and for some, that’s all they need. But for those who wished for a darker twist on the Dew, there once was Mountain Dew Pitch Black.

Originally released as a Halloween promotion in 2004, Pitch Black hung around until 2011 before returning in 2023. PepsiCo, Mountain Dew’s parent company, marketed Pitch Black as a dark citrus punch, but to most, it was a grape-flavored soda. While the "dark" branding was meant to be part of its appeal, many noticed the soda was, in fact, purple, further reinforcing the grape-forward flavor.

Public response to Pitch Black was largely positive, though there were consistent critiques that the grape flavor was too subtle.

Polar Bear Cooks praised the "toned down" grape notes in Pitch Black as being "the right amount," while a commenter on EGullet celebrated the flavor by saying "grape lollipop is a good attribute." However, one user criticized the drink on EN World, stating, "It’s just not grape enough. Tastes nothing like a grape soda. It’s just…there." Meanwhile, over on Reddit’s Mountain Dew forum — yes, there’s a subreddit for everything — one user’s lukewarm assessment was, "I taste grape, but it’s not super obvious... I don’t know if [identifying grape] would be my first instinct."

Mountain Dew's Pitch Black II Added a Sour Twist, but Its Sequel Quickly Fizzled Out

Pitch Black must have had enough success for Pepsi to release a sequel flavor, Pitch Black II, for Halloween in 2005. Like its predecessor, it was grape-flavored but with an added sour twist. As one succinct commenter on the Starmen forums said, "Since when do soft drinks need sequels?" The public seemed to agree, as Pitch Black II didn’t survive beyond 2005.

Though fans debated how much "grape" was enough, the question is now moot. Mountain Dew Pitch Black has become another discontinued soda, relegated to the annals of nostalgia with little chance of making a return.