Stoney Tangawizi – Africa’s Soda on Steroids!

By Mark Wiens 153 Comments

I don’t particularly like soda.

In fact, I avoid drinking soda most of the time. Any kind of soda to me usually just tastes like sweet bubbles of sugar, which I’m not really a fan of.

It’s not a deep hate that I have for soda, I’ll drink it if it’s the only option – but if there is something else available (like water), I usually choose it.

Stoney Tangawizi Ginger Soda
Stoney Tangawizi – East Africa

I’m much more inclined to drink a cup dark robust coffee, a comforting tea, or bottle of locally brewed beer.

All of this is true, until I land back in East Africa (mostly Kenya or Tanzania) and have my first beverage: always a Stoney Tangawizi!

I love it so much that I might even get my hands on a Stoney prior to making my way to the butcher for a couple kilos of nyama choma.

There’s a pungent mist that is exerted as soon as the bottle is popped, the trapped pressure escapes. I take my first sip, closing my eyes to ponder and thoroughly enjoy the up-the-nose burning sensation that delightfully accompanies the initial swig.

It’s a moment that I remember from long long ago, a soda so powerful it can make you cry.

Stoney Tangawizi
Bottle of the Best Soda in the World!

What is a Stoney Tangawizi?

You might be curious now, what kind of soda is this? Tangawizi is the Kiswahili word for “ginger.”

Imagine an intense Gingerale, a ginger sensation that seems like it was injected with fierce steroids, combining a solvent and reactant that fosters a potent chemical reaction. The recipe is beyond brilliant!

The soft beverage is produced in East Africa by Coca-Cola and bottled into brown bottles.

Dar Es Salaam Coca Cola Depot
Coca Cola Sales Container – Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

I’ve been drinking Stoney Tangawizi for 18 years now, and though I drink soda very rarely, I could drink Tangawizi everyday!

I’m open for other suggestions, but as of now, I’ve never had a soda on earth that is as good or as powerful as a Stoney.

Ever had a Stoney Tangawizi soda in East Africa?  How did you like it?  What’s your favorite soda?

153 comments. I'd love to hear from you!

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  • Ryan

    1 year ago

    My first visit to Zanzibar and found out Stoney Tangawizi. What a blessing in a bottle

  • gessica

    1 year ago

    do you still have in stock?

  • Dominique Novell

    2 years ago

    Do you know how I would ship this to Las Vegas?

    • Mathews Chibisa Silungwe

      2 years ago

      yes

  • Ahsan Sajid

    2 years ago

    I am enjoying a bottle of Stoney with some prawn curry as I stare into the water here in Lamu town! Life is good.

  • Paul

    3 years ago

    We fell in love with Stoney in Uganda. We have found it for sale at Trader Jim’s International Market in Cincinnati, OH.

    • Lily

      3 years ago

      Wow! I am looking for it to help me out during a time of morning sickness. I am from Boston mass. Will definitely contact the store and ask for it

  • John

    5 years ago

    Old Jamaica Ginger Beer is the the closest thing and it is available in the UK, Europe, and Us

  • JB

    6 years ago

    Just like you, I had dropped drinking sodas until . . . Tangawizi! Stoney’s in the bottle is the best (liked the plastic bottles less). Tried all kinds of ginger “beers” since I left East Africa, but nothing comes close. Since this is a Coca-Cola product, is there any way it can be purchased in the US?

  • Sylvía

    6 years ago

    I agree with every single word <3 I miss Uganda and the people there and then, Stoney <3

  • Ziama

    7 years ago

    I tasted Stoney first in London, long time ago but can’t remember where and I didn’t pay attention maybe because the temperature was not so convenient. Some years later I found it again it in Nairobi and I got sort of addicted for the several months I lived there. I am Catalan and there is nothing like this, here in the countryside) so now I make my own version at home with ginger, lemon, water and brown stevia. It tastes exactly the same than Stoney (but has not bubbles !) it’s cheap and 100% natural, and I can choose how strong I want it!

    • Christopher J Sillers

      5 years ago

      Please share this recipe. I’d love to give it a try.

    • Hassanat

      2 years ago

      Try soda water instead of water

  • Rosemary

    7 years ago

    Where can I buy it I’m in Connecticut

  • MARSHA ELMORE

    7 years ago

    I AGREE STONEY IS THE BEST GINGER BEER THAT I’VE EVER HAD…..WHY DOESN’T COKE SELL IT IN THE U.S.? SEEMS LIKE IT WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING BUT MAKE THEIR CHOICES MORE POPULAR? CAN YOU ANSWER? M

    • Christopher J Sillers

      5 years ago

      My thoughts exactly!!! Maybe now that there are artisanal ginger beers available in grocery and liquor stores Coca cola will at least do a test market here in the states.

  • Mariah Meads

    7 years ago

    Love this!! Heading to Uganda for the 2nd time next week and I cannot wait to get some more Stoney! I have requests from some friends to bring some back. Anyone know if it’s allowed in checked bags?

  • Dr Rajiv Shori

    7 years ago

    there are no glass bottles of 2 litres of coca cola in Nairobi What is the alternative

  • Rob Alberts

    7 years ago

    Is this also sold in Europe?

    Kind regards,

  • Marcel

    7 years ago

    Stoney is the best one out and I am wanting to have the East Africa version here at home. I want to know how can I get some Stoney Ginger Beer here in Athens, Georgia

    • Mark Wiens

      7 years ago

      Hey Marcel, glad you love Stoney too!

    • Warren

      7 years ago

      Just got home from a month in Uganda. Snuck 3 Stoney’s in my checked bag and sitting here savoring one now! Would love to have an endless supply here but then that will probably take away the treat of having it when I go back! BUT, if you find a source here in GA I could be persuaded to change my mind! ????

  • Seth

    7 years ago

    Coming in very late from the initial posting! Was in Kenya in early September for the first time, will be going back in early November, and had Stoney for the first time. DEFINITELY a memorable favorite. I found this article while trying to find a place to buy it online. I also liked Krest Bitter Lemon and Schweppe’s Novida (pineapple flavor) both of which don’t seem to be available in the states.

    • Mark Wiens

      7 years ago

      Hey Seth, good to hear from you, glad you enjoyed Stoney when you were in Kenya. Bitter lemon is a classic too!

  • Ashley

    8 years ago

    Nothing I’ve found comes close to a Stoney! I fell in love with this robust soda while visiting Tanzania. I’m heartbroken I can’t find it in the US!

    • Mark Wiens

      8 years ago

      Hey Ashley, awesome to hear you love it too!

  • Psalmist

    8 years ago

    I had my first Stoney Tangawizi in Tanzania during a missionary trip in 2012 and since then I have been thinking of a way to get to convince the coca- cola company to start selling same in my country afterwards. Can you help my business idea to grow? pls you may not post it so nobody still the idea but try to reach me on my mail. [email protected]

  • Bonnie Yaeger

    8 years ago

    Is it available anywhere in the U.S.? I’ve had it in Tanzania and have exactly the same attitude as you do. Much better than any other soda.

  • Thoralf

    8 years ago

    I am sitting on the beach on Zanzibar and tasted a Stoney.
    Never again!!! Soda sugar sugar sugar…. and chemical ginger powder. I can not recommend.
    Better a fresh mango juice or other local drinks 🙂

  • Pastor Jim

    8 years ago

    Came out of the desert in Turkana, Kenya after 10 days to Lodwar dehydrated. I drank two bottles of water and five stoneys in the afternoon. The highlight of my missions to Africa is getting an ice cold Stoney.

    • Mark Wiens

      8 years ago

      Hey Pastor Jim, thank you for sharing your great story, I can just imagine that feeling of the ice cols Stoney!

  • Loek Daemen

    8 years ago

    Best soda in the world!

  • Wendy sharp

    8 years ago

    I visited Tanzania for 3 weeks in Jan 2016. I had a Tangawizi the first day, and everyday there after. Love love love

  • Nancy

    8 years ago

    I totally agree with you! I’ve only had Stoney in Kenya and I don’t understand why it is not sold around the world for all of us to enjoy!

  • Mike

    8 years ago

    During a trip to Vegas I stopped at the Coca Cola store on the vegas strip. They are serving it as a sample of the coca cola world of sodas there. You can buy it on its own from their fountain. Make sure you get the right potency because the last trip I made there it seemed watered down. Now why is it it is not distributed anywhere online in america? Id love to be able to buy cans of it off of Amazon.com

    • Mark Wiens

      8 years ago

      Hey Mike, thank you for sharing. Wish it was available worldwide.

  • Anna Gurath

    8 years ago

    I want to high five you right now. My husband has been a part-time missionary in East Africa, mainly Kenya & Uganda, and after I (finally) went this past summer along with, I hadn’t had the opportunity to witness the deliciousness of a cold Stoney! We normally only drink water here in Phoenix (or use our soda stream when we want some bubbles) and I actually found out that there are some small E.A. stores around here that sell it! I haven’t made my way out there yet to get some mainly because I could use less sugar in my life plus it’s just wrong not to have one in Africa, but I know where they’re readily available in America! Cheers, my friend. You are not alone in the Tangawizi love. Mungu akubariki!

  • Ray Martin

    8 years ago

    Stoney Tangawizi and Anjari Ice Cream Soda were two soda gems in East Africa. You’d probably call the Ice Cream Soda ‘sugar water’. You can normally find a tangawizi mix at spice markets in Tz (similar to the traditional concoction), which means one can make their own without too much sukari 😉

  • Indian-foodie

    8 years ago

    Love the taste of powerful gingerale. In India in a city called Kolhapur, there is a popular drink called Mirchiina from the exact same components and boy oh boy is it strong!!! Makes a riot in your nose like having a medium sized glob of wasabi all at once.

  • JR Parrish

    8 years ago

    Tasted for the first time at Methodist Guest House in Nairobi. Best! And, the only soda I look for.

    • Anna Gurath

      8 years ago

      No way, JR!! Is the Methodist guest house in South C by a mosque??? That’s where we normally stay before we head out to the Rift Valley!

  • Mike Lucey

    8 years ago

    Stoney Tangawizi is great stuff, refreshing without being so, so sweet. I wish we could get it in the States.

  • Lucas Benoit Lambert

    8 years ago

    Your comment: lived in Kenya 19 years, can’t stand coke, sprite or Fanta. But when it comes to Stoney… Oh you stole my heart Stoney.. <3

  • lg

    8 years ago

    Thank you for this! I couldn’t not describe this soda to some friends nearly as well as you did. I miss it so much. No one here knows what ginger soda can truly be.

  • Vivien Needha,

    8 years ago

    I’m from Cape Town SA and we call the the same Soda Giner Beer and it’s made a company called Stoney. I live in America now & I dream of Ginger Beer. Occasionally my colleagues who travel to Kenya will surprise me with one or two….always a pleasant surprise & I find myself in heaven!!

  • Sarah Birungi

    8 years ago

    I was born in Uganda and now live here in the States.I’m pregnant and struggling with morning sickness.Oh how i miss Stoney! Non of the other ginger ales i’ve tried come even close 🙁

    • Mark Wiens

      8 years ago

      Hey Sarah, good to hear from you, sorry to hear about your craving for Tangawizi, hope you can find some. And congratulations!

  • Keith H.

    9 years ago

    Just back from a 15 days trip in Uganda. I Saw our guide drink a Stoney on the 3th day, and i was curious what it would taste like. Since i first tastend it, i had one almost every day! It’s great! Back in the Netherlands now, i wonder if i can buy it somewhere….

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Thank you very much Keith, glad you got to try Stoney and enjoyed it. It’s pretty difficult to find outside of East Africa, but there’s been some good discussion here about it and where it’s available. Hope you can find some.

  • Bob

    9 years ago

    Bundaberg ginger beer tastes almost the same!!!!

  • lucy

    9 years ago

    I am a fun of krest bitter lemon also a product of coke cola company. I will try stoney tangawizi tomorrow. I live in Kenya but I think most Kenyans don’t like it much. I hope I don’t get addicted .

  • Samir Dutt

    9 years ago

    Hi Mark,

    I was so intrigued by your account of Stoney Tangawizi that I tracked down a source in Canada (none in the States, where I live) and had it shipped down to me in California. Those interested should visit http://www.outofafricatrading.com.

    It comes in 330 ml cans. The label says “Stoney” but not “Tangawizi”.

    I liked it but I must say that I strongly prefer an Australian brand called Bundaberg. It’s much stronger than the Stoney that comes in cans, and more balanced too, I think.

    Perhaps the Stoney that comes in bottles is better.

  • Elisha

    9 years ago

    Hi Mark,

    It’s just amazing how you describe the Kenyan cuisine, I mean, I’m Kenyan but the way you described our food made my tummy yearn for some of the action, this is so amazing and interesting. Stoney is my second favorite soda, I like Krest Bitter Lemon more, but for sure, it always has a memorable taste. And especially when one has nausea, it helps calming down ones tummy. The next time you visit Kenya, I would love to join you on an eating trip. Cheers Mark and regards to Ying.

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Hello Elisha, great to hear from you, thank you very much for your kind words. Oh yes bitter lemon is also a great one, I remember that strong lemony taste as well. Thank you, are you in Nairobi?

    • Elisha Wanyasaye

      9 years ago

      Yes Mark, I am in Nairobi, that is where I work and live.

    • Agnes

      9 years ago

      Hallo Mark,

      Another Stoney tangawizi craver. I am in Nairobi and wondering if this group of ST fans ever did get a supply to the US? Yearning to quench the thirsts and cravings

      Thnx
      Agnes

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Hey Agnes, glad you love it too. Hmm, not sure, anyone else know?

    • Samir Dutt

      9 years ago

      I haven’t found a source in the US but you can order Stoney ginger beer in 330 ml cans from http://www.outofafricatrading.com, a Canadian site. I had it shipped to California.

      skd

  • Eric Peloquin

    9 years ago

    I just visited Western Kenya, specifically the city of Kisumu, as well as Kakamega township, Kisii township, Kilgoris township and the Maasai Mara Reserve. I can echo the author’s sentiment that I rarely drink soda at all and find most of it an icky sweet, gas producing beverage. However, being in Kenya I was drinking water constantly (literally) to keep from becoming dehydrated. So, I would enjoy one or two sodas a day and I found that I really liked Stoney Tangawizi. I got sick for one day and the Stoney really helped to settle my sour stomach! I also loved the Krest Bitter Lemon soda, also bottled by Coca-Cola in Kenya.

  • joshua book

    9 years ago

    Discovered Stoney’s in Kenya several years ago. Returned to Kenya recently and found it to be as incredible as ever!! Amazingly, my last bottle of Stoney’s made it through security in Nairobi and I was able to enjoy it on the long flight home?!?! Very sorry to discover that it is not available in the USA!

    • Mark Wiens

      9 years ago

      Hey Joshu, cool to hear you love it too, nice job on bringing some back!

  • Catherine

    10 years ago

    STONEY….I honestly feel this is the only legit drink from Coca Cola. IT’S SO DARN amazing especially when cold. I live in Nairobi, and i’m lucky it’s in plenty!

    Used to drink Fanta, Coke, Sprite…..then i discovered stoney. I forgot the rest.

  • Fish

    10 years ago

    I love Stoney, whenever I’m in Uganda I only drink that. Usually I also don’t drink any soda, no coke or fanta. But Stoney rocks. I don’t know why coca cola doesn’t sell it world wide, it’s much better than anything else.

  • Stoney Addict

    10 years ago

    I’m very surprised to find this whole fan base of my favourite soda. I’m a Kenyan and stoney tangawizi is the only soda I can stand. The stuff is simply amazing. Coca-cola should try market this outside East Africa…just saying.

    Now that it comes in plastic bottles (up to 2 litres), anyone who wants to sample or bring back memories…try these online stores:

    http://www.chandaranasupermarkets.co.ke/cart/aisles/beverages/soda.html?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage-ask.tpl&product_id=6546&category_id=162

    http://epepea.com/store/

    http://www.supermarket.co.ke

    Make sure you discuss delivery before buying. Some may not ship outside Kenya.

    • Debbie

      9 years ago

      I, too, am amazed at the plethora of Stoney fans worldwide. Being in Canada, I am about to run out and try the President’s Choice Ginger Beer again, although I don’t remember liking it last time I tried it.
      When I go to Uganda on mission trips, I take bins full of supplies which are then empty. I have begun bringing back Stoney in the plastic bottles. I hoard it and pull it out for special occasions. There is NOTHING quite as good. Mmmm…. I think I must go pull one out.
      So here is my idea. With all these fans, around the world, why don’t we get together and pressure Coca Cola to produce Stoney in other places?? There is obviously a market for it. Whadda ya think, guys???

  • audiodoc

    10 years ago

    I first had this ‘beer’ in Kenya in 2012 and fell in love with it. I am not a soda drinker, but the amazing effervescent ginger taste had me hooked

  • C.F.

    10 years ago

    I just tried it for the first time today. I love it! A very similar drink in the states is Buffalo Rock Ginger Ale. In fact, Buffalo Rock is a little stronger!

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hey, glad you love it too. Thanks for sharing!

  • Jun

    10 years ago

    The first time I drank stoney through a straw… i coughed/sneezed as if I inhaled the soda up my nostrils! My friend told me to drink it slowly. Now, I can drink it without gagging and always have it with lunch!
    I am still in Kenya and will not get tired of drinking this stuff!
    If only they produce it in cans and I would surely bring it during safaris!

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Hey Jun, glad you love Stoney too. I’m not sure about Kenya, but I was just in Tanzania and they now have it in a plastic bottle.

    • Silva

      8 years ago

      Born and Raised in Kenya, I have drunk Stoney since I was a kid. Still drinking it and loving it. And yes, they are in plastic bottles.

    • Silva

      8 years ago

      Born and Raised in Kenya, I have drunk Stoney since I was a kid. Still drinking it and loving it. And yes, they are in plastic bottles nowadays. Tried Googling it and met with ths wonderful article.

    • Mark Wiens

      8 years ago

      Thank you very much Silva, glad you love Stoney!

  • Hampri

    11 years ago

    Awesome, Mark. Imagine my excitement to find Tangawizi in the sampling area on a tour of the Coca Cola HQ in Atlanta, GA !!! My kids thought I was nuts ! Was reliving my childhood there.

  • Jen

    11 years ago

    Oh for a Stoney right now! I lived in Rwanda for a couple of years and for some reason you can’t get stoney there, so whenever I’d cross into Uganda or Kenya the first thing I would do was sit down with a Stoney, warm or cold who cares, and sneeze ecstatically as the first sips went right up my nose. It’s inspired! I miss it sooo much! Wonder if it would taste as good anywhere else….

  • Meg

    11 years ago

    I feel the same way about Stoney. I can live without other soda, but I might be able to drink Stoney everyday.

  • VL Jones

    11 years ago

    I just returned from my third trip to Nairobi, but this time I stayed with a friend who introduced me to Stoney! I drink ginger beer in the States, but there is no comparison. I love Stoney!! I drank them everday and was sad when I discovered that I’ll have to wait for my next trip to endulge myself again…..

    • Mark Wiens

      11 years ago

      Hey VL, great to hear from you, glad you love Stoney too!

  • Arthur

    11 years ago

    Love Tangawizi… But does it contain actual ginger?? From the ingredients listed on the cap, it doesn’t look like it!! Devastated… But unlikely to stop drinking it… And intrigued at how they pull off that amazing zing!!

    In Australia, Bundaberg Ginger Beer is the much-loved local version, with real ginger sludge at the bottom, so “invert before opening!”

    • Mark Wiens

      11 years ago

      Hey Arthur, I’m not sure either, but yah, if it doesn’t contain real ginger, they’ve done a magnificent job of concocting an incredible flavor. Thanks for the Australian suggestion, would love to try it!

    • Stoney Addict

      10 years ago

      There’s an ingredient; Natural Flavouring, that might be made from actual ginger. Anyway let’s assume that’s it and continue enjoying this irresistible soda!

  • Emma Gillard

    11 years ago

    I was recently in Uganda for a month and absolutely fell in love with stoney. I am trying to order some for my friend’s birthday since she loved it too but can only find the south african canned version which is apparently not as nice. Does anyone know where I might be able to order some? I live in England but am happy to pay postage to have it sent over.

    • Mark Wiens

      11 years ago

      Hey Emma, great to hear you like it too. I’m not in E. Africa right now, but hopefully someone else who reads this will be able to help you!

    • Hollis

      11 years ago

      Dear fellow addict…..;-) I found a product here in the US that comes close. It’s a mixer from a UK company called Fever Tree and it’s their Ginger Beer. The bottles are small and they’re pricey, but it’s the closest I’ve come to ST. I, too, became completely enamored with ST in Tanzania in 1995 and even brought an empty bottle home with me (with the cap still on so I can pop it off and sniff!). I bought the FT at Bevmo.

    • Mark Wiens

      11 years ago

      Hey Hollis, thanks a lot for sharing, sounds like a decent solution! Haha, love sniffing ST!

  • Naomi

    11 years ago

    You might want to know, they’ve started selling Stoneys in plastic PET bottles…. you can now take it away! Yum!

  • Maine Root

    12 years ago

    You may be interested in Maine Root’s Ginger Brew. You can find it all over Maine, but also in stores in Whole Foods across the country. I have no idea if it is similar to Stoney Tangawizi, but it is good if you like an intense ginger flavor.

    http://maineroot.com/sodas/ginger-brew/

    • Mark Wiens

      12 years ago

      Thanks for sharing, would like to try this sometime!

  • Massawe

    12 years ago

    Just got off skype with a cousin in Tanzania and I was cracking them up because I tried to get them to send me a whole crate of Stoney via DHL. The craving was so strong I had to google ‘Stoney Tangawizi’ just so I can day dream about it. Maybe if they send me the crate I can send you one 🙂

    • Mark Wiens

      12 years ago

      Haha, thanks for the comment Massawe, hope your cousin can send you a crate!

  • Lauren

    12 years ago

    Ahhhh I miss it so badly! I was in Uganda last year and it was all I got at the restaurants. Serious cravings.

  • apfelmann

    12 years ago

    Where can i get stoney in europe ? I was drinking stoney in Kenia and i miss it 😀

  • nairobi native

    12 years ago

    hahaha stoney ni soda ya kipekee nakuambia! The best soda ever. I remember the first time I drank one, boy, it brought tears to my eyes and made me cough a bit lol. Today I don’t suffer the same reaction, the human body is so adaptable, eh?

    I live in Nairobi and these things are all over the place. I’m willing to ship them to any part of the world, get in touch with me – [email protected]

    • Mark Wiens

      12 years ago

      Haha, thanks for sharing! I also remember my first taste, such an amazing and powerful feeling, but now they go down so naturally!

    • Jessica

      12 years ago

      Nairobi native, I’m in the U.S. and I can’t find Stoney anywhere. 🙁 I’d buy these off of you in a heartbeat! Shoot me an e-mail and let’s talk prices! [email protected]

    • nairobi native

      12 years ago

      Hi Jess, sent you an email.

  • Brian Bilderback

    12 years ago

    Interesting. I was directed here by a friend who loves and misses Stoney, because she said you described it better than she could.

    I too have a favorite pop that I believe that it, too, is superior to other carbonated beverages. Fortunately, my favorite is American-made and easily acquired. It’s called Vernors, and it originated in Michigan. Like Stoney, it is a ginger-based soft drink. It’s not as pungent as your description, but it does have abit of a zing, and it does assault the nose – in its case due in great part to its small, champagne-like bubbles. It’s incredibly complex for a soda — the makers boast they still age it in oak barrels before bottling. The zing of the ginger is offset by the mellow notes of its second most dominant flavor component, vanilla. It’s probably nothing like Stoney, but I dare say it’s on a par when it comes to the devotion of its drinkers.

    As for drinks here in the states that just plain go for as much gingeriness as possible, I’d recommend trying Cock and Bull or Reed’s.

    • Mark Wiens

      12 years ago

      Hey Brian, thanks a lot for sharing this. I’ve never heard of Vernors, but your description makes me want to try one as soon as I get back to the States next time – I’ll keep an eye out for it! Thanks also for the other suggestions!

    • Brian Bilderback

      12 years ago

      Mark,

      It’s my pleasure. If you find yourself in the upper midwest, particularly Michigan, I recommend you get it in bottles – it really does make a difference. Sadly, here on the west coast, I have to settle for cans, but it’s still better than other pops.

    • Mark Wiens

      12 years ago

      Sounds good Brian, I’ve got to try it!

  • Andy D

    12 years ago

    I discovered Stoney in 2004 while serving on a short-term Christian team in Uganda. I have since returned to East Africa five times and have always successfully refreshed my memory of Stoney. Some people might consider your description of Stoney “over the top.” I would title that group — “Those who have never had a Stoney!” It really is unique and I join you in your quest to get the word out.

    Still looking for a source in the US, but have not been successful….yet.

    • Mark Wiens

      12 years ago

      Cool to hear this Andy, thanks for sharing! I think the only way to really understand a stoney is to drink one, before that all descriptions sound over the top! I hope they start selling it in the US soon!

  • chifeef

    12 years ago

    This soda is AMAZING!! It has been over ten years since I’ve tasted it’s pungent goodness and I still crave it. In fact, I was searching for a way to get it here in the U.S. when I landed on here. Glad to know I not the only one jonesing for this stuff!

    • Mark Wiens

      12 years ago

      Haha, awesome!!! It’s by far the best soda for sure. I was just traveling in Sri Lanka and I had a “Lion Ginger Beer” – it was comparable to a Stoney – not sure if you can find that in the States, let me know!

  • Free

    12 years ago

    I first tasted Stoney Ginger beer in Zanibar (Tanzania)…. omg I LOVE this ginger beer… on the search for it!

    • Mark Wiens

      12 years ago

      Thanks Free, I really think it’s the best soda in the world!

  • Neil

    13 years ago

    Thanks for the great post — we just got back from a mission trip in Kenya and my wife was “jonesing” for a Stoney the whole time. We call it the Gateway Soda. Now if we could just find it here in Texas . . .

    • Mark Wiens

      13 years ago

      Great Neil – hope you had an awesome mission trip. My parents actually live in Tanzania now and work with a mission organization. I hope you guys can find Stoney in Texas – there’s a sizable Kenyan population there, so you just might be able to find it!

  • Corinne @ Gourmantic

    13 years ago

    I’m not into fizzy drinks but I’m intrigued by this one. “Bottle for beverage use only” – reminds me of the Coke bottle in the Gods Must Be Crazy! 🙂

    • Mark Wiens

      13 years ago

      Yah – I remember the bottle in that movie, might be the same kind! It would be great if you had a chance to try Stoney, I also don’t like fizzy soda too much, but love this!

  • Raquel

    13 years ago

    Great post about Stoney Tangawizi! I love that stuff! It’s way better than most colas!

  • Bluegreen Kirk

    13 years ago

    I don’t think I could muster to drink that soda! Its amazing how many different types of sodas there out there that I have never heard of. Soda to me is just something I try to stay clear of at all cost. I would try this though simply because you’ve made me curious. Nice post love those bottles.

    • Mark Wiens

      13 years ago

      Thanks, I always steer clear of soda as well, except this one!

  • Christy @ Technosyncratic

    13 years ago

    I’m also not a big fan of soda, but mostly due to the carbonation. Sounds like this soda has oodles of carbonation, so I’m not sure I’d be as big of a fan! But with your glowing recommendation I just might have to try it someday. 🙂

    • Mark Wiens

      13 years ago

      It is quite carbonated, but most of the bite comes from the pungent ginger! It would be awesome if you got a chance to sample it!

  • bonnie

    13 years ago

    lol, so descriptive over a bottle of bubbly, must be one of those cravings

  • Wanderingtrader

    13 years ago

    Pleeeease tell me they have this in Nairobi?

    • Mark Wiens

      13 years ago

      To be honest, 10 years ago it used to be easier to find – anywhere you could get Coke. Now it’s at fewer restaurants, but you can always get it at the big supermarkets, and more local style butchery eateries. I think you’ll love it!

    • Kamol

      9 years ago

      Yes it’s in Nairobi Kenya.

  • 2summers

    13 years ago

    Stoney Ginger Beer is very popular in South Africa too. I admit I don’t drink it very often though — I find it a bit too strong. Grapetiser (http://www.appletiser.co.za/aw/view/aw/en/page2470) is my African carbonated beverage of choice.

    • Mark Wiens

      13 years ago

      Cool, glad to hear it’s also popular in SA. I’ve heard and seen Grapetiser, but I’ve never tried it – I’ll sample it next time I get a chance – thanks for sharing!

  • Jan Ross

    13 years ago

    I am seriously addicted to Diet Cherry Dr. Pepper lately. It’s all I drink and I just can’t get enough.

    • Mark Wiens

      13 years ago

      Wow, it’s been about 2.5 years since I was in North America – I don’t think I’ve even ever seen such a soda combination!

    • Bob Siemens

      11 years ago

      In Canada I have just discovered the closest thing to Stoney Tangawizi. It’s made by Presidents Choice (the house brand of SuperStore). It’s plain and simply called Jamaican Style Ginger Beer. Great stuff!!!

    • Mark Wiens

      11 years ago

      Glad you found a substitute Bob!

    • Daisy

      11 years ago

      Wow! I LOVE Stoney Tagawizi!!! I discovered it during a mission trip to Uganda last summer. It’s fun to see I am not the only one with such a love for it. It’s more than just a soda, there is something about the flavors that make it really special. I haven’t seen it anywhere here in Colorado. Just be careful all you Mzungus going to E. Africa…here’s my little story. I’m not the biggest person ever and discovered this amazing soda in this equatorial nation. I should have been drinking more WATER… I wound up with the beginning of dehydration–cold sweat, cramps, dizziness… Luckily it was easily remedied by imbibing a lot of water and being disciplined about how much water I was drinking. Alas, no more Stoney Tagawizi for the rest of the trip. We were spending a lot of time out in the sun and dancing with the tribal women–another memorable part of my trip. Anyway, just wanted to share, how cool there is a whole website about loving Stoney Tangawizi!! lol

    • Mark Wiens

      11 years ago

      Hey Daisy, cool to hear you loved Stoney so much! Glad you felt better after drinking lots of water. I guess even good things are best in moderation!

    • Dr. Edge

      10 years ago

      Bravo!!!! I am an immense fan of Stoney! I first had a Stoney in Kenya, Africa, and I have not liked another drink as much since! You are so right, one has to taste it to know the experience in full !!!!

    • Mark Wiens

      10 years ago

      Great to hear you love it too!