Rock Band Opts for Colas Over Cocktails Disturbed, the multi-platinum Chicago rock band, is launching Molten Smoky Colas, a line of hemp-derived THC beverages and functional mocktails developed in partnership with BevNomad, a national beverage accelerator. The brand was founded by Disturbed drummer Mike Wengler and produced at his commercial beverage facility in Wisconsin, with input from all band members. The lineup features a proprietary smoky cola recipe designed to emulate the experience of a classic whiskey cola—a departure from the fruit-forward seltzers that currently dominate the non-alcoholic category. The initial offerings include two zero-sugar, hemp-derived THC beverages: Smoky Cherry Cola and Smoky Vanilla Cola, each infused with a sessionable 5mg dose of hemp-derived Delta-9 THC. A 10mg version will launch in coming weeks. The brand also offers Molten Functional Mocktails without THC, featuring the same smoky cola recipe supplemented with L-Theanine and Lion's Mane.
Addressing an Underserved Market Adam Burnham, Senior Brand Manager at Atlantic Beverage, one of four distributors already signed to carry the line, noted the gap in the market: "For years, non-alcoholic options have largely centered around fruit-forward seltzers and lighter flavor profiles. There has been a noticeable gap for consumers who gravitate toward smoky cocktails, whiskey colas, and darker flavor profiles. Molten brings something genuinely new to the market, serving an audience that has been largely overlooked within the non-alcoholic space." Mike Wengler stated: "We wanted to create something that felt as bold and intense as our music; smoky, unexpected, and impossible to ignore. This wasn't about putting our name on a can. We wanted to build something real, something with attitude, something Disturbed Ones will love. Molten hits that mark."
Distribution and Promotion Molten will be available direct-to-consumer through DrinkMolten.com and select retail partners, beginning with Atlantic Beverage's distribution in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. The band will support the launch through promotional activities at Inkcarceration Festival in Mansfield, Ohio, and Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.
Why It Matters
The hemp-derived THC and functional beverage categories are experiencing rapid growth as consumers seek alternatives to alcohol. Disturbed's entry—backed by active band involvement rather than a passive licensing deal—signals mainstream crossover appeal for these emerging categories. The brand's focus on flavor sophistication, not just novelty, addresses a legitimate gap in retail shelves, particularly for consumers accustomed to darker, spirit-forward taste profiles.
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Written by FBM Publications Editors