American in the UK leaves Scots raging after trying Irn-Bru for first time

Daily Record

3 days ago

American Russell Valentin, who moved to the UK recently, has been trying out much-loved fizzy drinks from across the country. Including the much-beloved Irn-Bru!
An American living in the UK left Scots infuriated after he tried a selection of British fizzy drinks. Russell Valentin, who recently moved from Chicago to London, has left people raging with his preferences for certain beverages. His taste buds caused controversy in a viral post to social media where he tried Irn-Bru and Vimto.
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Russell Valentin, 31, has been trying British foods and drinks to see if it matches up with his preference for hometown flavours. In a post which has since been viewed by over 120,000 people, Russell says he hopes nobody is "offended" by his beverage preferences. His taste in tipples has left people reeling, though.
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His review of popular sodas including Vimto and Irn-Bru has left Scots distraught, with the "iconic" beverage not a flavour Russell had any fondness for.
He says: "Hopefully I won't offend anyone watching." Russell starts off strong by giving Vimto a measly four out of 10 rating, saying it tastes like bubblegum or a trip to the dentist.
The 31-year-old social media influencer then moved on to Tizer, which he suggested had a taste which reminded him of an "orangey creamy Coke". He gave the beverage a five out of 10.
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The final drink selected by Russell is an Irn-Bru, which his girlfriend described as a "very iconic" beverage. The 31-year-old was no fan of the drink, though it did receive the highest score of all.
He said: "It tastes like the first one. It's got hints of that bubblegum flavour again. I'm sorry – it's not a flavour I recognise.
"Come to think of it, it's not like bubblegum, it tastes like a weird berry or orange, maybe. I am drawing a blank." He went on to give Irn-Bru a measly six out of 10.
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He said: "I feel like all of these ratings are going to upset a lot of Brits. I'm so sorry in advance." Russell was correct – and many members of the public rushed to the comments to release their rage.
One furious user has suggested Russell is wrong to suggest Irn-Bru tastes anything close to bubblegum in its flavour.
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They wrote: "I never understand why people say Irn-Bru tastes like bubblegum…IT DOES NOT TASTE LIKE BUBBLEGUM."
Another enraged member of the public added: "As a Scot, I'm offended, Irn-Bru tastes nothing like Vimto."
The comparison between Irn-Bru and Vimto also infuriated a third commenter, who called Russell a "heathen" in a furious comment left on his social media post.
They wrote: "Irn-Bru tastes like Vimto? 6/10 Right, get off my fyp. Heathen." Another corrected Russell on where Irn-Bru is from, writing: "IRN-BRU IS SCOTTISH, NOT BRITISH."