Build Journal 002: The First Samples

Since the first Build Journal, NRVS has reached an important stage in product development. The first PRE and POST samples arrived and have officially been evaluated!

Until this point, most of the work has centered around research, formulation development, brand strategy, and product concepts. Receiving physical samples introduced a new layer to the process: the ability to evaluate how each formulation translates from the lab into an actual consumer experience.

Evaluating the First Samples:

Product evaluation involves considerably more than deciding whether something tastes good.

Both PRE and POST were assessed across the complete drinking experience, including appearance, aroma, mixability, flavor balance, texture, and overall drinkability. Detailed feedback was then discussed with the formulation team as part of the ongoing refinement process.

The current flavor profiles are:

PRE — Cherry Lime Yuzu

POST — Lemon Grapefruit Ginger

Despite the individual flavors represented in their names, neither formulation is dominated by a single note. Both are intentionally subtle, with the flavors working together as a blended profile rather than competing.

The physical appearance of the products was also striking.

PRE mixes into a deep maroon/purple, while POST has a soft peach/pink appearance. These colors are influenced by the formulations themselves rather than created with artificial colors simply for visual effect. That distinction ultimately influenced the next evolution of the packaging concept.

The Team Behind the Formulations:

Formulation requires expertise across ingredient research, dosing, interactions, flavor systems, stability, and eventually commercial feasibility. It also requires a working relationship where questions can be challenged, feedback can be evaluated, and decisions can be made based on the product rather than the fastest path to market.

Following our latest evaluation meeting, I shared with the formulation team how proud I am of the work they've done and the confidence I have in their guidance.

As a founder, there are parts of this process where selecting the right expertise matters just as much, if not more than making the right decision yourself.

I continue to feel extremely confident in the team helping develop NRVS.

Moving Toward the Next Phase:

PRE and POST remain in development, but the work surrounding them is beginning to expand.

Formulation refinement continues.

The Science platform is beginning its next stage, and early commercialization planning is underway as we start evaluating the path from development toward eventual production.

There is still substantial work between a promising prototype and a finished product ready for market, which is exactly why documenting this stage matters.

The Build Journal was created to show more than the finished result. It's intended to document the decisions, standards, and development process that ultimately determine what that finished result becomes.

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