Australian alcohol YouTubers Cold Ones have launched a new premix drink described as a “Japanese and Australian fusion RTD”. The grog, inspired by Japanese soft drinks, combines Japanese liquor shochu, vodka and soda in grape or peach flavors.
Chad Roberts and Max Stanley, the duo behind the Cold Ones podcast and YouTube channel, set out to challenge international industry giants with a unique and flavorful alternative to popular seltzer.
At six percent ABV, with a low-calorie and no added sugar formula, the RTD is distilled and canned in Victoria using a blend of Australian and Japanese ingredients.
“We spent years testing and reviewing alcohol in our Cold Ones channel, but we found that we were never completely satisfied,” said Stanley. “The only drinks that ever came close were those we found in convenience stores on trips to Japan, but even those we felt could be improved if made locally.”
“In the beginning, we approached a number of major breweries, and the general consensus was that they didn’t take us seriously and didn’t think we had the selling power,” added Roberts.
“They were happy to put our name on their already established flavors, but we didn’t want that, we wanted a drink that felt true to us. So we did it on our own terms.”
After their rejection, Stanley and Roberts developed the flavor profile and design of their own Japanese hard soda recipe, using the established 80 Proof alcohol label to scale distribution.
In its first month, Grog sold over 250,000 units, with the launch party selling out 1,000 tickets in 27 minutes.
Available in a mixed pack of eight for $44.99 and single-flavored 16 packs for $83.99, Grog is already on the shelves of independent retailers in Victoria and will roll out nationally in November.
