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What is the Monster alcohol drink called?

3 min read

In January 2022, Monster Beverage Corporation acquired CANarchy, a brewery owner, paving its way into the alcohol market. As a result, the Monster alcohol drink is known primarily by two brand names: The Beast Unleashed and Nasty Beast.

Quick Summary

Monster's expansion into alcoholic beverages introduced two distinct product lines: The Beast Unleashed, a caffeine-free hard seltzer, and Nasty Beast, a line of hard iced teas, both containing 6% ABV.

Key Points

  • The Beast Unleashed: This is Monster's hard seltzer line, featuring 6% ABV and zero sugar or caffeine.

  • Nasty Beast Hard Tea: Monster also offers a line of hard iced teas under the Nasty Beast brand, with 6% ABV and minimal caffeine from real tea.

  • Caffeine-Free Alcohol: Unlike the energy drinks, The Beast Unleashed is explicitly free of caffeine and the energy blend.

  • Acquisition Strategy: The launch was made possible by Monster Beverage Corporation's 2022 acquisition of the craft brewery CANarchy.

  • Distinct Branding: Monster maintains a clear separation in branding and marketing between its caffeinated energy drinks and its alcoholic products to avoid confusion.

  • Flavor Inspiration: Many of The Beast Unleashed flavors, such as Mean Green and White Haze, are based on popular non-alcoholic Monster Energy flavors.

In This Article

The Beast Unleashed: Monster's Hard Seltzer

The most direct and widely recognized answer to the question "What is the Monster alcohol drink called?" is The Beast Unleashed. This is Monster's flagship alcoholic brand, a line of flavored malt beverages (FMBs) introduced in 2023. Unlike the energy drinks the company is famous for, these beverages are specifically brewed to be alcoholic and are entirely free of caffeine, sugar, and the energy blend. The Beast Unleashed offers a variety of flavors inspired by some of the most popular non-alcoholic Monster Energy drinks.

Flavor Profile of The Beast Unleashed

The flavor lineup for The Beast Unleashed is crafted to provide a familiar taste experience for loyal Monster fans, but in a new, adult-oriented format. Each flavor aims to capture the essence of a classic Monster drink while omitting the energetic kick.

  • Mean Green: A big, bold flavor reminiscent of the original black and green Monster Energy can.
  • White Haze: Offers a smooth, citrusy profile with a clean and crisp finish.
  • Peach Perfect: Provides a taste that is a perfect blend of juicy, ripe peach notes.
  • Scary Berries: A sparkling and less sweet berry mix with a distinct flavor.
  • Killer Sunrise: A citrus punch flavor designed for enjoyment at any time.
  • Gnarly Grape: Features a juicy, bold grape flavor profile.
  • Pink Poison: A sweet and tangy blend with a vibrant pink look.

Nasty Beast: The Hard Tea Alternative

Beyond The Beast Unleashed, Monster also entered the hard tea market with another alcoholic product line called Nasty Beast. Introduced later in 2023, Nasty Beast is positioned to compete with popular hard tea brands. These beverages are brewed with real tea, giving them a small amount of naturally occurring caffeine, though far less than a standard cup of coffee. Like The Beast Unleashed, Nasty Beast has a 6.0% ABV.

Nasty Beast Hard Tea Flavor Lineup

  • Original: A classic, straightforward brewed hard tea.
  • Tea + Lemonade: A popular flavor combination of sweet tea and citrusy lemonade.
  • Peach: A bold and juicy peach flavored hard tea.
  • Green Tea: A smooth and earthy green tea blend.

Understanding the Alcoholic Monster Offerings

Monster's strategic move into the alcoholic beverage space was a significant pivot for the company. After its 2022 acquisition of CANarchy, a craft brewery, Monster leveraged its strong brand recognition and existing flavor profiles to launch these new products. The differentiation between its energy drinks and alcoholic products is very deliberate and a crucial aspect of their marketing. Consumers should be aware that these are not simply Monster Energy drinks with alcohol added. The formulation is distinct, with one line being completely caffeine-free.

Comparison Table: Monster Alcoholic Products

Feature The Beast Unleashed Nasty Beast Hard Tea
Beverage Type Hard Seltzer (Flavored Malt Beverage) Hard Iced Tea
Alcohol by Volume (ABV) 6.0% (5% in Utah) 6.0% (5% in Utah)
Caffeine Content Zero Minimal (under 15mg/12 oz)
Sugar Content Zero Not explicitly zero, varies by flavor
Flavor Inspiration Classic Monster Energy Flavors Brewed Hard Tea Flavors
Launch Year 2023 2023

Monster's Business Strategy and Market Entry

Monster's entry into the adult beverage market was a carefully planned business strategy. By acquiring CANarchy, they immediately gained the brewing expertise and infrastructure needed to produce and distribute these products effectively. The company's goal was to leverage the strong brand loyalty of Monster while creating a distinct line of products for a completely new, adult audience. This diversification allows Monster to tap into the growing demand for hard seltzers and flavored malt beverages without confusing its core energy drink identity. The marketing is separate, often with different branding and channels, to ensure consumers understand the distinction between the caffeinated energy products and the alcoholic counterparts. This move demonstrates Monster's ambition to expand its market share and capture more segments of the beverage industry, cementing its place as a formidable force across multiple drink categories.

Conclusion: More Than Just an Energy Drink Company

While originally known for its high-caffeine energy drinks, Monster has successfully expanded its brand to include adult alcoholic beverages. The Monster alcohol drink called The Beast Unleashed is a hard seltzer with 6% ABV, no sugar, and no caffeine, available in flavors inspired by the energy drink line. Additionally, the company offers Nasty Beast hard iced tea, also at 6% ABV. This strategic diversification solidifies Monster's position in the broader beverage industry. For more details on Monster's brewing division and products, visit the official website of Monster Brewing LLC.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, The Beast Unleashed is a flavored malt beverage with 6% ABV and contains zero caffeine or other energy blend ingredients.

Yes, Nasty Beast is brewed with real tea, so it contains a small amount of natural caffeine (less than 15mg per 12 oz), significantly less than a standard energy drink.

Both The Beast Unleashed hard seltzer and Nasty Beast hard iced tea typically have an alcohol content of 6.0% ABV, except in certain states like Utah where it is 5% ABV.

No, Monster's alcoholic lines, The Beast Unleashed and Nasty Beast, do not contain the standard energy blend. While Nasty Beast has trace amounts of natural caffeine from tea, neither product is designed to be a caffeinated alcoholic beverage.

Yes, The Beast Unleashed hard seltzer is formulated to be sugar-free, with zero sugar and low calories.

Monster's alcoholic drinks are available in select markets and locations where alcoholic beverages are sold. Check the official brand website for a product locator.

No, Monster Beverage Corporation, the maker of Monster Energy drinks, entered the alcoholic beverage market in 2022 through the acquisition of the CANarchy brewery and launched its first alcoholic products in 2023.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.