Not exactly a 'spoonful of sugar'

BY LAUREL MYERS

People all across the country are showing just what bad taste they have, grimacing and contorting their faces as they choke down a single spoonful of Buckley's.

The well-known cough syrup brand is currently on a cross-country Bad Taste Tour, capturing people's faces on camera as they sample their medicine. The pictures are uploaded to a website, where people can vote for their favourite Buckley's Bad Taste face. The winner will be featured in a Buckley's commercial.

Sudbury's Dana Irvine joined in the momentary, self-inflicted assault on her tastebuds, for a chance to become the next Buckley's star.

In her snapshot, Irvine looks to be on the verge of tears. Despite the story her face is telling, she said the taste isn't completely unbearable.

"I didn't mean to make that bad a face," she said. "It's not that bad."

However, she admitted there's room for improvement in the Buckley's signature flavour, and that her kids complain when she gives them a dose.

"They hate it and they'll make faces," she said. "But they know it works."

Buckley's has run ads in the past with slogans such as "People swear by it. And at it," "Since 1919, we've been leaving Canadians with a bad taste in their mouths," and "Four of the most dreaded words in the English language: 'Get out the Buckley's!'" Their most well-known slogan continues to be "It tastes awful. And it works."

Irvine has made it to the top ten finalists in the photo competition - currently holding second place - and is appealing to the community to help her grab the top spot. The contest is open until June 27. People can cast their vote at www.badtastetour.ca until that time.

"It would be great to see Sudbury on the commercial - because they flash where you're from - to be a part of the national campaign for Buckley's," Irvine said.

The grand prize also includes a five-year supply of Buckley's. When asked what she'll do with it if she wins, she said with a laugh, that she has considered a sample party with all her friends.