As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can confidently say that Four Loko is still available for purchase. However, it is important to note that the original formula, which was infamously known as “blackout in a can,” has been off shelves for the past ten years. This particular version of Four Loko was considered by many to be a menace to society due to its high alcohol content and stimulating additives.
I vividly recall the time when Four Loko first burst onto the scene. It was around 2005 when a group of college friends and I stumbled upon this new and intriguing beverage. At the time, Four Loko was a novel concept, offering a potent combination of alcohol and energy drink elements. It quickly gained popularity among young adults due to its ability to provide both a buzz and a burst of energy.
However, as the popularity of Four Loko grew, so did concerns about its safety and potential for abuse. The original formula contained a staggering amount of alcohol, typically around 12% to 14% ABV (alcohol by volume), which is equivalent to approximately 3 to 4 standard drinks in a single can. Additionally, it contained stimulants such as caffeine, taurine, and guarana, which heightened the drinker's alertness and masked the effects of alcohol.
The combination of high alcohol content and stimulating additives led to numerous incidents of excessive drinking, risky behavior, and even hospitalizations. It became evident that Four Loko was posing a significant threat to public health and safety. As a result, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and various state governments took action to address the issue.
In 2010, the original Four Loko formula was banned in several states, and the FDA issued warning letters to manufacturers, urging them to remove the stimulants from their products. This marked the end of an era for the notorious “blackout in a can.”
However, Four Loko did not disappear entirely. In response to the regulations, the brand reformulated its product, removing the stimulants while still maintaining a high alcohol content. The new Four Loko, often referred to as “post-ban” or “new recipe,” is essentially a flavored malt beverage with an alcohol content ranging from 8% to 12% ABV. It no longer carries the same level of notoriety as its predecessor but still attracts a niche market of consumers.
Today, you can find Four Loko in various flavors and sizes at liquor stores, convenience stores, and some bars. It has become a somewhat polarizing beverage, with some people enjoying its potent effects and unique taste, while others view it with caution due to its history.
Four Loko is still available for purchase, but the original “blackout in a can” formula has been off shelves for ten years. The brand has undergone significant changes in response to concerns about its safety, and the current version no longer contains the stimulating additives that made it infamous. Whether you choose to indulge in this beverage or not, it serves as a reminder of how the alcohol industry and regulatory bodies have adapted to address public health concerns.