Australian YouTubers Cold Ones have launched Grog, an RTD alcoholic beverage inspired by hard Japanese soda.
Available in two flavours, Peach and Grape, the new RTD combines Shochu, Vodka, and soda. It has an ABV of 6 per cent, is low-calorie, and has no added sugar.
Chad Roberts and Max Stanley from Cold Ones shared that after years of testing and reviewing alcohol on their YouTube channel, they were never completely satisfied.
“The only drinks that ever came close were the ones we found in convenience stores on trips to Japan, but even those we felt could be improved when made locally,” said Stanley.
Despite their optimism, Robert shared they experienced rejection from big breweries who would not take them seriously.
“They were happy to put our names on their already established flavours, but we didn’t want that; we wanted a drink that felt true to us, so we did it on our terms,” he said.
Cold Ones pursued the launch independently under the 80Proof alcohol label to scale distribution, developing a hard Japanese soda recipe, flavour profile, and design.
Grog is available in mixed packs of eight for an RRP of $44.99 and single flavour 16 packs for RRP $83.99 from independent liquor stores in Victoria. The products will roll out to other states next month.
