Cody Detwiler, better known by his explosive online persona WhistlinDiesel, is no stranger to stirring up opinions. Famous for his audacious stunts involving trucks, farming equipment, and high-end supercars, he’s built an empire on pushing limits and a devil-may-care attitude. In a somewhat surprising pivot just under a year ago, WhistlinDiesel has ventured into the crowded alcoholic beverage market with “Alcolo,” a product that, much like its creator, has quickly become a topic of heated discussion. But does Alcolo live up to the hype, or is it another instance of bold marketing overshadowing a lackluster product?
What Exactly is Alcolo?
Launched in 2024, Alcolo is marketed as an ambiguous “premium alcohol” beverage. It distinguishes itself by being non-carbonated and boasting an impressive 8% alcohol by volume (ABV). According to its official website, Alcolo is an “Ultra-Premium Cold-Brewed Fermented Cane Sugar” drink, with the taste enigmatically described as “The Best Drink Ever Made. Hint: Citrus with a Twist.” The beverage is produced by NOCA and typically sold in 8-packs of 12oz skinny cans. NOCA https://drinknoca.com/ is a bold brand known for its TikTok and sales distribution.
The branding aligns with WhistlinDiesel’s persona – bold, unapologetic, and aimed at an audience that appreciates a no-nonsense, potent product. The lack of carbonation is positioned as a unique selling point, potentially appealing to those who find carbonated drinks bloating or prefer a smoother drinking experience.
The Taste Test: A Divisive Reception
Despite WhistlinDiesel’s enthusiastic promotion and claims of a superior taste, consumer reception has been decidedly mixed, with a significant portion of online reviews and discussions leaning towards disappointment.
The most common critique revolves around the flavor profile, or perceived lack thereof. Many consumers have described Alcolo as tasting “bland,” “watered down,” or like “flavored water with vodka.” Comparisons to “flat zero sugar soda,” “watered down Twisted Tea,” or even “isopropyl alcohol” with a faint, unidentifiable sweetness have appeared frequently in online forums like Reddit and YouTube comments. While the official description hints at “citrus with a twist,” many drinkers report struggling to identify any distinct or enjoyable flavor.
The non-carbonated nature of Alcolo is a polarizing feature. Some appreciate it for making the drink “go down easy” and reducing bloating, a sentiment echoed by those who prefer still beverages. However, for others, the lack of fizz contributes to the perception of a “flat” or “lifeless” drink, especially when combined with the subtle flavoring.
Potential Positives: Potency and Smoothness for Some
Not all feedback is negative. The 8% ABV is consistently noted as a key characteristic. For consumers looking for a beverage that packs a punch without requiring multiple servings, Alcolo delivers on that front. The higher alcohol content means fewer cans are needed to achieve the desired effect, which some see as a plus.
Additionally, a smaller segment of drinkers does find the taste agreeable. The “smoothness” due to the absence of carbonation is also occasionally cited as a positive attribute by those who prefer it.
The WhistlinDiesel Factor and Market Reality
WhistlinDiesel’s immense popularity and a fiercely loyal fanbase undoubtedly drive initial sales and curiosity. His marketing, often featuring the drink prominently in his high-octane videos, creates significant exposure. However, this personality-driven promotion also sets high expectations. When the product doesn’t meet the “best drink ever” hype for many, the disappointment can be amplified.
There have also been observations from the online community that Alcolo is a rebranded product from NOCA, a company specializing in non-carbonated alcoholic beverages. This isn’t uncommon in the influencer-branded product space but has led some to question the uniqueness of the formulation, even though Cody swears up and down he helped perfect the taste.
Reports have also surfaced suggesting that WhistlinDiesel’s team has been sensitive to negative criticism, with some users claiming their negative comments were deleted from social media posts. This is not an uncommon practice for brand who have control over the ability to take down comments or reviews.
As someone who has close friends in the Alcohol business, it is a cut-throat industry. Although Cody flaunts getting the brand into stores around the states, anyone with a serious distributor or friends in the industry can make this happen. Passing regulatory hurdles is the worst and takes a ton of time. But once you do and you get into states, getting it on the shelves and in the hands of consumers is the hardest part.
I’ve invested in companies that had a fanbase but still struggled to get $0.99 shooters off the shelves. Even when I invested thousands into an influence-backed CPG brand stocked by Target with all the hype and merch, the next year it fell into bankruptcy. Consumer goods is hard enough, the alcohol market is even worse… The industry is not for the weak-hearted, and reality might come to hit Cody and his team sooner or later. But who am I to say, Cody is one person never to bet against, and the consumer will make the decision at the end of the day.
Price and Availability
Alcolo is typically sold in 8-packs of 12oz cans, with prices hovering around $19.99 before tax. This price point has been a point of contention for some consumers, who feel it’s steep for a drink that, in their opinion, doesn’t deliver on taste. Availability seems to be primarily in the United States, with a store locator available on the official Alcolo website.
Let’s be real, I can find a 12-pack of Twisted Tea on sale for $9.99 or a 30-pack of PBR on sale for $19.99. Especially for Cody’s young 20s audience on a budget, consumers would want $20 to at least get us 12 cans. However, the argument can be made that the price hovers near for popular seltzers like White Claw or Truly. And almost dead-similar to the pricing of a loved consumer product, like High Noon.
The Verdict: An Acquired Taste or a Missed Mark?
Alcolo by WhistlinDiesel appears to be a product that strongly divides opinion. If you’re seeking a potent, non-carbonated alcoholic beverage and are less concerned with a complex or robust flavor profile, Alcolo might appeal to you. Its 8% ABV and lack of carbonation are its most distinct and, for some, most appealing features.
However, for the average consumer expecting a flavorful, refreshing alcoholic drink that lives up to the aggressive marketing, Alcolo seems likely to disappoint. The overwhelming sentiment from online reviews points to a taste experience that is underwhelming for many, often described as bland or artificial, especially when weighed against its price and the hype generated by its famous creator.
Ultimately, Alcolo’s success will depend on whether it can find a niche market that values its specific characteristics (high ABV, no carbonation) over a widely acclaimed taste. For now, it remains a controversial product that serves as a potent reminder: even the most powerful influencer branding can’t always guarantee a universally loved product.
