Four Loko Gold 24OZ is a high-strength flavored malt beverage at approximately 14% ABV in a 23.5-ounce can, produced by Phusion Projects in Chicago, Illinois. Unlike most entries in the Four Loko lineup, Gold takes its name from a color rather than a specific fruit or flavor, originally released as a limited tribute to the brand's fanbase. Quick Facts: ABV: ~14% (varies by state) | Origin: Chicago, Illinois, USA | Style: Flavored Malt Beverage | Producer: Phusion Projects / Drink Four Brewing Company Production & Heritage Phusion Projects launched Four Loko in 2005 and quickly became one of the most recognized names in the single-serve malt beverage category. The Gold expression is built on a malt liquor base combined with carbonated water, sucrose, artificial flavoring, and caramel color. Notably, the original Four Loko formula contained caffeine, taurine, and guarana, but those stimulant ingredients were removed across all varieties in a 2010 reformulation following FDA scrutiny. Gold stands apart within the range as a non-fruit-named variety, leaning into an energy-drink-inspired flavor profile rather than a single identifiable fruit. Tasting Notes Aroma: Initial impressions bring sweet, candy-like notes with hints of citrus and tropical fruit. A faint caramel undertone sits beneath the brighter top notes. Taste: The entry is dominated by bold sweetness reminiscent of energy drinks, with a Red Bull-like character and touches of pineapple and tutti frutti. Mid-palate, the sweetness deepens with caramel and toffee tones before a slightly bitter, tart edge emerges toward the peak. Finish: A lingering sweet-tart aftertaste persists with a mild medicinal bitterness. The finish is medium in length and distinctly sugary, fading with residual fruity and citrus notes. How to Drink Four Loko Gold Four Loko Gold is designed as a ready-to-drink beverage, best served ice-cold directly from the can or poured over ice. Given its high sugar content and potent ABV, many drinkers consume it slowly over an extended period. While not a traditional cocktail ingredient, it can be used in punch-bowl formats: try it as a base for a Jungle Juice with fresh-cut fruit for a party setting, blended into a Frozen Slushie by pouring over crushed ice for a smoother texture, or mixed with lemon-lime soda as a Gold Shandy to temper the sweetness and lower the per-serving alcohol concentration. Best For Casual outdoor gatherings and barbecues where convenience matters Budget-conscious drinkers seeking high ABV per serving Fans of energy-drink-style sweet flavor profiles Trying alongside the broader Four Loko flavor lineup for comparison Frequently Asked Questions What does Four Loko Gold taste like? Four Loko Gold delivers an intensely sweet, energy-drink-like flavor with notes of pineapple, citrus, caramel, and tutti frutti, followed by a tart, slightly bitter finish. The overall profile is often compared to a combination of candy and Red Bull. How does Four Loko Gold compare to a Vodka Red Bull? Four Loko Gold mimics a similar sweet, energy-drink-inspired taste in a single ready-to-drink can, but it uses a malt liquor base rather than distilled spirits and no longer contains any caffeine or stimulants. A Vodka Red Bull typically has a cleaner, less sugary profile with actual caffeine content. Is Four Loko Gold good for beginners? Its high sweetness can mask the 14% ABV, which may catch inexperienced drinkers off guard—moderation is essential. Beginners should be aware that a single 23.5-ounce can contains significantly more alcohol than a standard beer. Where is Four Loko Gold made? Four Loko Gold is produced by Phusion Projects, also known as Drink Four Brewing Company, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Production and distribution is based in the United States, with the region of origin listed as Ohio. What foods pair well with Four Loko Gold? Spicy wings pair well, as the sweetness counterbalances heat. Salty snacks like pretzels or nachos complement the sugary profile. Grilled burgers work alongside the caramel undertones, and fruit platters echo the tropical, citrus-forward notes in the beverage. What sizes does Four Loko Gold come in? Four Loko Gold is primarily available in the standard 23.5-ounce single-serve can, which is the signature format across the Four Loko product line. Is Four Loko Gold worth the price? Four Loko Gold positions firmly in the value tier of the flavored malt beverage category, delivering one of the highest alcohol-per-dollar ratios available in a single-serve format. It is designed for budget-minded consumers prioritizing strength and convenience over subtlety. Why Four Loko Gold? Four Loko Gold occupies a unique niche within the lineup as the only variety named after a color rather than a flavor, giving it an air of mystery that has fueled steady consumer curiosity since its release. Its energy-drink-inspired taste profile fills a specific gap left by the brand's 2010 reformulation, when caffeine and stimulants were stripped from the recipe. At roughly 14% ABV in a single 23.5-ounce can, it delivers among the highest alcohol concentrations in the ready-to-drink malt beverage space. For drinkers already loyal to the Four Loko brand, Gold remains a distinctive expression worth trying at least once.
