Product Review: Caramel Waffle Crisp Blizzard Treat

There can be no serious discussion of the all-time greatest ice cream treats without Dairy Queen coming up again and again. Over the years, DQ has become an important name amongst all the respected dessert enthusiasts. So when George McFly’s Left Hook needed a review article for DQ’s “Blizzard of the Month”, I was quick to volunteer.

My test Blizzard came in the Medium package: DQ also offers a Small, and a Large. All three models come equipped standard with a spoon, lid (optional), and plastic bag for portability (also optional). I declined the available upgrade to additional toppings for $.50 each. As tested, the Dairy Queen Caramel Waffle Crisp Blizzard Treat (DQCWCBT) came in at $3.29, priced competitively with the McDonald’s McFlurry.

The executives at Dairy Queen seem to have high expectations for the DQCWCBT, perhaps hoping that it will become one of their biggest successes during 2007, and they are using plenty of resources to market it. In addition to awarding it “Blizzard of the Month” status, Dairy Queen has launched an aggressive TV, radio and internet advertising campaign featuring 'Waffle Cone' and 'Soft Serve' portrayed as a young couple passionately in love. “Waffles and Soft Serve. They were made for each other” is the tagline. Turns out that Waffles and SoftServe even have a MySpace page. Please take my advice and don't follow the link. I find the whole concept behind this marketing campaign repulsive, and that's all I have to say about it.

Enough background: onto the test. I thought that the Blizzard itself was excellent, at times showing brilliant flashes of the legendary M&M Blizzard. It has a 'faux gentility,' in that it seems to be precocious and almost ready to eat at first. But further aeration in a wide tulip glass reveals a core of minerality and a perfect balance of chocolate and caramel. It is very elegant, complexly flavored, with absolutely no rough edges and a wonderful texture. A great match with caviar, seafood, and delicate fish entrées. DQ has always perfected an almost even blend of candy and soft serve, but this time they have outdone themselves.

Ok, that is actually a modified wine review from another website, but I think it still describes the Blizzard pretty well. Dairy Queen has produced a fine new Blizzard that should be successful in the premium midsize dessert market alongside the Orangesickle Shake by Jack in the Box, as well as the Cookie Fudge Fantasy from Eat ’n Park.

SUMMARY

Positives: Large servings; free spoon - standard; great in a tulip glass with delicate fish.

Drawbacks: Very long name (Dairy Queen Caramel Waffle Crisp Blizzard Treat); commercials make Blizzard difficult to enjoy; precocious

Overall rating: **