I just recently tried tropical punch, and I found that I didn't like it as much as the lemon lime, which actually I think tastes amazing, like I left a sprite can sitting out too long. But yeah it sounds like there was a mixup somewhere or a wrong label got put on it or something. The tropical punch to me at least resembled a fruity punch... kinda.
Jack3d is on a totally different playing field than other pre w/o supps. The one I used to use was SP250, it was the only one that wouldn't make me feel like sh*t and worked well. Jack3d is a godsend. Occasionally, if I have to be up early, I throw in a scoop in a water bottle and drink it like someone would coffee, just for a pick-me-up.