All for Arnold...

A couple of days ago, my funk-Sohl-brotha told my Sohl-mate about a drink he'd found by AriZona, called Arnold Palmer. It's mix of lemonade and tea, and is made with either green tea or iced tea. The iced form comes in a black can; the green, in a green can (I know, you can barely contain your amazement, right?).

It's important to note that my Sohl-mate takes his brother's recommendations to heart. So when my Sohl-bro said he really enjoyed this drink, my Sohl-mate was intent on finding this. A co-worker at his moon-lit job seconded the product's recommendation, and the hunt began. After working his 2nd job, he stopped by a few convenience stores to check for the beverage. He came home empty handed.

The next day I volunteered to check the SUPERmarket down the street, and was still unable to find the product. On the back of another tea product I did, however, find the number for the company. I excitedly called the number and was greeted warmly - by the voice recording telling me that since the company is privately owned, and small, they work from 9am to 4pm and would be happy to help during normal business hours.

Dejected, I left the store and decided I'd I try a gas station - no luck. Next I tried Walgreen's, which had at least seven different flavors of AriZona teas; none of which were the one I was looking for. I tried another convenience store, a CVS, and Family Dollar, but to no avail.

In this age of the immediate information, I was sure the Internet would give me the results I'd prayed for. Finding the ingredient list, though, wasn't what I'd had in mind. Frustrated, but hopeful I emailed the company last night, requesting information on the locations I could find this unicorn-esque drink. The product is distributed through wholesalers, I read, and this meant that I'd need to call the distributors directly. Armed with the phone number, I felt a renewed sense of hope: maybe I'd complete this task yet.

The man at the distributor's office took my name and number, telling me he couldn't find anyone to answer my question. About twenty minutes later, a supervisor called me, thinking I was a store looking to carry the product. He said that the best places to look for the drink are small Mom 'n Pop stores, but that he didn't have any names or locations to suggest.

And so my quest for Arnold continues.

But, if I can't find a Mom 'n Pop who carries it, I did track down an Internet retailer or two who will ship me some, just in case. ;)