Will a 2-D character named Wit Oddoski convince you to try grass-flavored Vodka?

We already know that Gen Y craves variety in their alcoholic beverages and that companies are responding by creating all sorts of interesting flavored options.  Here’s a blog from last May about MillerCoors introduction of Coco Breve for Gen Y women.

http://pjlehrer.blogspot.com/2012/05/millercoors-takes-another-shot-at-gen-y.html#comment-form

But as someone who has been struggling with allergies for several weeks now I can’t help wonder if Pernod Richard missed their mark with this one.  In addition to the fresh cut grass flavor, the line includes apple pie, salty caramel popcorn, wasabi and electricity.  No, I don’t know what electricity tastes like.  But according to the company it tickles the taste buds.

The campaign for the new line called Oddka, which features a 2-D character named Wit Oddoski is scheduled to run on Facebook and Twitter and includes an iTune app that has something to do with growing a virtual mustache. (Schultz, 2012)

So what do you think?  Will you try it? 

Schultz, E. (2012, October 24)  Pernod’s New Vodka Brand Includes ‘Fresh Cut Grass’ Spirits Industry Pushing Flavor Boundaries All the Way to Front Lawn.  adage.com.  Retrieved October 25, 2012, from

http://adage.com/article/adages/pernod-s-vodka-brand-includes-fresh-cut-grass/237942/

MillerCoors takes another shot at Gen Y women, will this approach work?

In March MillerCoors announced that they were rebranding MGD64, their low cal beer for woman.  The renamed product – Miller 64, is now being marketed to both sexes using a lifestyle approach.

http://pjlehrer.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2012-04-05T09:52:00-04:00&max-results=7

Now comes word that in June they will try a different tactic, this time focusing on flavored products.  Specifically they are introducing Coco Breve, a coconut water-infused clear malt beverage that comes in flavors like Kiwi Lime and Mango Citrus.

There’s no doubt that coconut water is the latest beverage fad.  But perhaps more important is the fact that their research shows that Gen Y ladies seek variety in their beverages unlike previous generations who tended to be more loyal. (Schultz, 2012)

So what do you think?  Does Gen Y crave variety?  Will Coco Breve appeal to them?  Does it appeal to you?  Personally I prefer Guinness. 

Schultz, EJ. (2012, May 21)  MillerCoors Aims For Mercurial Millennials With New Fruity Brands.  adage.com. Retrieved May 23, 2012, from

http://adage.com/article/news/millercoors-aims-millennials-fruity-brands/234865/