I try not to argue with Scum1 more than I have to however, after reading the blog concering that RB cola is just that, a cola, and not an energy cola, I do not see bar sales being that grand entry into the cola wars that some percieve it to be.
Consumers understand brand marketing and for that matter when it is just hype. What will RB cola provide the end user that a coke or pepsi won't when mixing it with bourbon or rum?

I do not know the price point, but, if history is any indication then the pricing will be premium. It will be hard for the average bar hop to pay the extra money for essentialy the same product.
Furthermore, I highly doubt that a canned cola will beat the cost of a "gun" soda.

2 rocks glasses side by side. Both with well brand bourbon and cola in it. One cost $3 the other $3.50. Both give you exactly the same effect. Which one would you buy? With that being said you know the price will be higher if the bar keep has to open a can everytime someone orders. Just like many other industries out there effeciancy is where the money is made. A bar keep can pour probably 4:1 gun drinks over a canned drink.
Also, I highly doubt the guy, or girl for that matter, sitting in a bar ordering bourbon or rum to mix with their cola is really that interested if it is natural or not.

bag in a box?

I think people follow trends though more than they care about money. There are a LOT of people who want Red Bull and vodka and if the bar tries to give them a generic ED out of a gun, they refuse it. Simply because it's not the name, they want the real deal. Now if Red Bull can pull off some amazing marketing and make this THE cola to mix with, then they have a shot.

Originally Posted by leisuredrummer

I think people follow trends though more than they care about money. There are a LOT of people who want Red Bull and vodka and if the bar tries to give them a generic ED out of a gun, they refuse it. Simply because it's not the name, they want the real deal. Now if Red Bull can pull off some amazing marketing and make this THE cola to mix with, then they have a shot.

Thats all well and good with an energy drink.....but how can RB create such a buzz about their cola, which in essence is no different than a coke and pepsi, and get people to change their choice?
The brand image with RB and Vodka was carfully crafted due to it being seen as a new concoction and therefore only the original will do. Bourbon and Coke has been around long before your dad was even a twinkle in your grandfathers eye!

At least one bar I've been to made Jager Bombs (and presumably other ED-based concoctions) with SoBe Adrenaline Rush. Nobody seemed to mind.

Well I understand that RB and Vodka was sort of an original drink but Red Bull hasn't been a conventional "marketeer", if you will. It would have to be a miraculous marketing ploy to have people choose to mix with a high end cola rather than the generic gun or Coke from a can but I don't put much past Red Bull.

Does it have energy or is it just cola?

Originally Posted by b0mbtrac

Does it have energy or is it just cola?

http://www.bevnet.com/news/2008/03-2..._Bull_Cola.asp

Could history almost be repeating itself?
In a somewhat simular way RB and the RB Cola reminds
me of the Coke II mega disaster.

Brand destination status of a industry giant like RB is
hard to extend. RB is to the energy drink brand as Xerox
was to copiers back in the 70's and 80's.

Don't underestimate the stupidity of Red Bull drinkers. There are tons of other EDs that are better all around out there but your average energy drink consumer only knows a few. People are very loyal to Red Bull. If RB plasters bars with all their usual things like Bar mats, signs, fridges ect. People will jump on it. Really what does Red Bull do best? Advertise! They don't have to make the cheapest or best cola. I can already picture the trays at my local bar with a tall glass of iced RB and (alcohol) and the can setting next to the glass being delivered to the tables. It is a show when they trot out the red Bull now. No matter what happens. I still can't wait to watch how this all works out. It is going to be interesting for sure.