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The Grog Cold Ones US Rollout: Everything You Need To Know About The Hard Japanese Soda's 2025 Expansion

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The highly anticipated alcoholic beverage, Grog, from the Australian YouTube phenomenon "Cold Ones," is making significant strides in its gradual but ambitious rollout across the United States, with a major expansion phase confirmed for early 2025. This unique "Hard Japanese Soda" has already proven a massive success in its home market, selling out its initial launch, and is now challenging the dominance of traditional ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages in the American market with its distinct flavor profile and low-calorie, low-sugar formulation. As of December 2025, the drink is strategically expanding its retail footprint, moving beyond its initial launch states and introducing new flavors to meet surging consumer demand.

The buzz surrounding Grog is more than just a fleeting trend; it represents a successful pivot by content creators into the beverage industry, leveraging a massive and dedicated online audience. Developed by the comedic duo Max Stanley and Chad Roberts, Grog is an Aussie-Japanese fusion that combines the familiar effervescence of soda with a balanced blend of shochu and vodka, offering a bold and fruity alternative to many of the seltzer and malt-based drinks currently saturating the US market. The latest updates point to an exciting year ahead for US fans eager to get their hands on a can.

The Masterminds Behind Grog: Chad Roberts & Max Stanley

Grog is the brainchild of the two Australian comedians and YouTube personalities who host the popular "Cold Ones" podcast and YouTube channel. Their venture into the alcohol industry is a direct result of their brand's identity, which often revolves around humorous, often chaotic, drinking content and a genuine love for unique beverages. The creators have meticulously crafted Grog to reflect their personality: bold, non-conformist, and high-quality.

Chad Roberts (Anything4views)

  • Role: Co-Creator of Cold Ones and Grog.
  • Online Persona: Known primarily by his YouTube handle, "Anything4views."
  • Background: Hails from Brisbane, Australia.
  • Content Focus: Chad is known for his high-energy, often controversial, and boundary-pushing content, which has built a massive, loyal following.
  • Grog Influence: His desire for a better, more flavorful RTD that wasn't overly sweet or high in calories was a key driver in Grog's development.
  • Key Entity: Cold Ones Podcast.

Max Stanley (Maxmoefoe)

  • Role: Co-Creator of Cold Ones and Grog.
  • Online Persona: Known as "Maxmoefoe" across various platforms.
  • Background: Also from Australia, he has been a prominent figure in the YouTube community for over a decade.
  • Content Focus: Max's content is characterized by comedy, vlogging, and collaborations, often alongside Chad Roberts, leading to their successful partnership.
  • Grog Influence: He brought a focus on the unique Japanese soda inspiration, aiming for a drink that was genuinely refreshing and different from mainstream offerings.
  • Key Entity: MaxmoefoePokemon (a separate, successful YouTube channel).

The duo’s collective influence spans millions of followers across YouTube and social media, providing a powerful launchpad for the Grog brand. Their transparency and direct communication with their fanbase about the product's quality and vision have been central to its success.

Grog's US Expansion: Availability, Flavors, and 2025/2026 Rollout

The journey of Grog into the highly competitive United States beverage market has been strategic, focusing on a slow, controlled state-by-state rollout to ensure quality distribution and meet the overwhelming demand. Fans searching for "Grog near me" should pay close attention to the latest announcements, as the brand is rapidly expanding its availability.

The Phased US Launch Schedule

  • Initial US Flavors: The first wave of Grog to hit US shelves included the two flagship flavors: Peach and Grape. These were introduced in an eight-pack variety pack format.
  • Early 2025 Expansion: A major part of the US growth strategy involves expanding into an additional six states in the early months of 2025. This targeted approach is designed to build strong regional hubs before a national push. Specific states are announced periodically through the Cold Ones/Grog social channels.
  • New Flavors for Spring 2025: The brand has confirmed plans to introduce additional flavors to the US market by Spring 2025. This is likely to include the highly popular Pineapple Grog, which has already been a hit in Australia, and potentially a new exclusive collaboration flavor hinted at for late 2025.
  • Future Plans (Spring 2026): Looking further ahead, Grog is preparing for a significant move into convenience channels (c-stores) in Spring 2026, which will feature the introduction of new, larger 19.2oz cans. This indicates a long-term commitment to becoming a major player in the US RTD space.

The initial US launch was met with enthusiasm, with the product quickly selling out in many locations, a testament to the power of the Cold Ones brand and the quality of the drink itself.

Why Grog is Different: The Japanese Hard Soda Fusion

Grog’s success is not just about its celebrity backing; it’s rooted in a unique product that stands apart from the crowded hard seltzer and traditional cooler markets. The drink is specifically marketed as a "Hard Japanese Soda," an Australian twist inspired by the distinctive and often complex flavors of Japanese soft drinks.

Key Product Entities and Selling Points

  • Base Spirits: Unlike many US RTDs that rely solely on malt liquor or cane sugar alcohol, Grog uses a blend of New Zealand Vodka and Japanese Shochu. Shochu, a traditional Japanese distilled beverage, provides a cleaner, smoother base that contributes to the drink's distinct character.
  • ABV (Alcohol By Volume): The drink maintains a consistent 6% ABV, placing it above most hard seltzers but in line with premium hard sodas, offering a satisfying and balanced alcoholic kick.
  • Low Sugar, Low Calorie: A major draw for health-conscious consumers, Grog is formulated to be low in both sugar and calories, directly addressing the market demand for "better-for-you" alcoholic beverages.
  • Flavor Profile: Grog is described as "Bold, Fruity, & Sweet" in contrast to the often-subtle or bland flavors found in many alternative adult beverages. The initial Grape and Peach flavors are intense and authentic, designed to deliver a strong, enjoyable taste experience.
  • The Aussie Ingenuity: The creators emphasize that Grog is a product of "genuine Aussie ingenuity," reflecting a commitment to quality and a willingness to challenge international industry giants with a unique offering.

The combination of shochu, vodka, and soda creates a drink that is both familiar and exotic, tapping into the growing global interest in Asian-inspired flavors. This "Japanese Hard Soda" category is a niche that Grog has effectively claimed, giving it a strong topical authority in the RTD space. The brand's focus on bold flavor and lower guilt is perfectly positioned for the modern American consumer.

The Future of Cold Ones Grog in the US Market

The trajectory for Grog in the US is one of aggressive, yet calculated, expansion throughout 2025 and 2026. The brand is successfully transitioning from an Australian novelty to a serious contender in the US ready-to-drink market. The creators, Chad Roberts and Max Stanley, have shown a keen understanding of branding and product development, turning their Cold Ones podcast influence into a tangible, high-demand product.

As the brand continues to secure distribution deals and roll out to more states, the conversation will shift from "Where can I find Grog?" to which of the exciting new flavors will be released next. Keep an eye on local liquor stores and the official Grog and Cold Ones social media channels for the most current information on US stockists and the next phase of the 2025 rollout. The success of Grog demonstrates the evolving landscape of alcohol marketing, where authentic content creators can effectively challenge established beverage companies with a superior, audience-driven product.

The Grog Cold Ones US Rollout: Everything You Need to Know About the Hard Japanese Soda's 2025 Expansion
grog cold ones us
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