What started out as a love letter to fans of an adored time-travel classic may end up being a sore spot for Pepsi.
The company appears to have quickly sold out of “Pepsi Perfect,” its homage to “Back to the Future,” leaving legions of fans disappointed.
Pepsi said it would release 6,500 bottles of Pepsi Perfect to fans in the U.S. on Wednesday. But some fans said they were unable to buy the soda, leading to outrage on social media.
The soda was featured in the 1989 film “Back to the Future Part 2,” a story that transported characters Marty McFly and Dr. Emmet Brown to Oct. 21, 2015.
The collectible “Pepsi Perfect” was selling for $20.15, and featured the same 16.9 ounce bottle that McFly orders at Hill Valley’s futuristic “Café 80’s.”
Pepsi said in a statement that a glitch caused a small amount of Pepsi Perfect to go on sale early.
“As sometimes happens when going Back to the Future, a glitch caused a small amount of Pepsi Perfect to go on sale earlier than we intended. We will deliver on our promise to fans, and the rest will go on sale as planned,” a spokesperson said.
Some reviewers on Amazon, which also sold the beverage, were unhappy with the situation.
“Not happy with the release,” wrote reviewer JacquelineS. “What’s the point in all the hype just to disappoint customers and fans?”
“Stayed up hoping I could snag one at MIDNIGHT…even after following them on twitter and trying every link….seems like these were sold out before anyone could actually buy them..very disappointing. Looks like I will continue to NOT drink pepsi,” wrote reviewer Tyler.
– Frank Pallotta contributed to this report