The Cherry Mash candy is one that I have forever seen but never tried. It sits on the shelves at my local drugstore and I have occasionally spotted it in a random convenience store. But aside from the fact that it must have something to do with cherries, the red and white wrapper reveals no secrets of the candy, other than the fact that it was made by the Chase Candy Company in 1918. I have always been curious, but reluctant to try it. The wrapper also features a whimsical little cartoon police officer on the wrapper, fondly known as the “Chase Candy Cop???. Well officer, step to the side, ‘cause the Sheriff is here to review your sweet treat!  

After opening the wrapper, I am faced with a small, lumpy mound of what looks to be chocolate and peanuts. At least, I hope its chocolate and peanuts. Am I brave enough to taste the mystery mound? Well, seeing as how I’m the Sheriff of Candytown, you betcha! Mmmmm…it is chocolate and peanuts. But where is the “cherry??? part of the Cherry Mash? Oh there it is, lurking in the center. After breaking the candy mound in half, I came face to face with a dazzlingly bright-pink center that tastes like mashed up maraschino cherries and nougat mixed together. Upon further inspection, I realize that that is exactly what the center is made up of – chopped maraschinos, nougat and perhaps some coconut.  It’s really very sweet, it even smells sweet and it tastes sugary and old-fashioned. I imagine my Grandfather would have liked this candy. He had a sweet tooth that put mine to shame. I think that the Cherry Mash candy is an acquired taste and while it may not be my favorite, I can see why it has stood the test of time. Quality ingredients and a lot of them for your buck…just like in the good ol’ days.