A Deep Dive into The Beast Unleashed Flavor Profiles
When Monster Energy decided to step into the world of alcoholic beverages, they had to tackle a unique challenge: replicating their signature, beloved flavors without the energy blend and sugar. The result was The Beast Unleashed, a flavored malt beverage line with a 6% ABV and zero caffeine. This strategy offers Monster fans a way to enjoy familiar tastes in a new, adult-focused format. The flavors are brewed to be smoother and less sweet than their energy drink inspirations, with the malt alcohol providing a subtle, distinct difference.
Mean Green: The OG Taste Remixed
The Mean Green flavor is a direct homage to the original, iconic green Monster Energy can. Consumers report that the flavor is strikingly similar to its non-alcoholic inspiration, but with a few key differences. The scent is familiar, with the same vibrant citrus-forward notes that fans expect. Upon tasting, the signature sweet-and-salty exotic citrus profile is present, but it is accompanied by a subtle, noticeable bite from the 6% alcohol. This makes it less sugary and more of a crisp, refreshing experience overall, though some reviewers find it a bit too sweet still. For those who enjoy the classic flavor but desire a less sugary, boozy alternative, Mean Green is the closest match.
White Haze: A Citrus Twist
Inspired by the popular Monster Energy Zero Ultra, the White Haze flavor is designed to capture that citrusy goodness with a clean, smooth finish. Its taste profile features a mix of citrus notes, with hints of orange and other light fruits providing a zesty and refreshing experience. Since it's a malt beverage, the taste is cleaner and less intense than a standard soda or energy drink. The "hazy" name likely refers to this softer, smoother finish compared to the bolder, sharper taste of the caffeinated version. Fans of the sugar-free Ultra line will find this familiar, though the alcohol adds a different dimension of warmth and complexity.
Peach Perfect: The Peachy Keen Connection
Peach Perfect takes its flavor cues from the Monster Energy Ultra Peachy Keen. This means a delightful, juicy peach flavor is at the forefront. Reviewers have praised this particular flavor for its authentic, not-too-sweet peach taste, with some calling it one of the best peach-flavored drinks they've had. The alcoholic base complements the fruit flavor well, creating a crisp and refreshing drink that is perfect for summer sipping. Unlike the Ultra version, which can sometimes have a synthetic sweetness, Peach Perfect focuses on a cleaner, more realistic fruit profile thanks to the zero-sugar formula.
Scary Berries: A Mysterious Berry Mix
Drawing inspiration from various berry-flavored Monster Energy drinks, Scary Berries is a blend of sparkling citrus and berries with a less-sweet profile. This flavor is more of a mystery mix, allowing drinkers to pick up on a variety of berry notes. It's meant to be crisp and refreshing, offering a departure from the heavier, syrupy-sweet berry sodas on the market. While its flavor may be harder to pin down precisely, its combination of tart citrus and mixed berries makes for an enjoyable and intriguing drink. Some reviews, however, mention a divisive taste, comparing it to a melted push pop or even strawberry toothpaste.
Comparison: Beast Unleashed vs. Monster Energy
| Feature | The Beast Unleashed (Alcohol) | Monster Energy (Classic) |
|---|---|---|
| Beverage Type | Flavored Malt Beverage (FMB) | Carbonated Energy Drink |
| Alcohol Content | 6.0% ABV (5% in Utah) | 0% ABV (Non-alcoholic) |
| Caffeine Content | Zero | Significant (e.g., 160mg/16oz can) |
| Sugar Content | Zero added sugar | High sugar content |
| Sweetness Level | Noticeably less sweet and more crisp | Bold and very sweet |
| Aftertaste | Smooth finish, subtle alcohol taste | Sweet, sometimes syrupy aftertaste |
| Target Consumer | Adults 21+ seeking an alcoholic alternative | Broad audience seeking an energy boost |
| Main Goal | Enjoyment of flavor and social drinking | Energy and performance enhancement |
Potential Future Flavors and Market Context
Monster has already hinted at a robust alcoholic innovation pipeline, suggesting more flavors for The Beast Unleashed may be on the way. The company also launched a line of hard iced teas under the 'Nasty Beast' brand, further diversifying its alcoholic offerings. This move into the booming hard seltzer and flavored malt beverage market is a strategic one, aiming to compete with other non-alcoholic brands that have similarly made the jump into alcohol. The company's goal is to make Beast beverages "distinguishable from the many hard seltzer brands that have become so ubiquitous" by leveraging its existing, powerful brand name and flavor legacy.
For fans of the brand, this expansion offers a new way to enjoy the Monster experience, shifting the focus from a performance-enhancing energy boost to a more relaxed, social drinking occasion. The decision to remove all caffeine from the alcoholic line is also a critical safety measure, avoiding the potential health risks associated with mixing alcohol and high levels of stimulants. It's a calculated and successful move that has been met with positive reviews from those who enjoy the flavor profiles and appreciate the zero-sugar, zero-caffeine approach.
Conclusion: A Familiar Yet Different Experience
So, what does Monster Energy alcohol taste like? The consensus is that it tastes very much like Monster, but different enough to stand on its own as a hard beverage. The Beast Unleashed offers a faithful, albeit less sweet and caffeine-free, representation of its energy drink inspirations, with a smooth malt alcohol finish. If you enjoy the flavor of the original Monster or its Ultra varieties, you will likely find the corresponding Beast Unleashed flavor to be a familiar and enjoyable adult alternative. The addition of the 6% ABV and removal of sugar and stimulants fundamentally changes the drinking experience from an energizing jolt to a more relaxed, alcoholic refreshment, but the iconic taste is definitely still there.
Visit the official Beast Unleashed website for product details
