ShotPak: Controversial and Convenient Booze
A bottle of whiskey may not be appropriate on a camping trip, but a shot or two? Perfectly acceptable! That's when ShotPak comes to the rescue—for all those times that you need a shot of something, whether it's a hit of whiskey or vodka and raspberry cocktail, and need it in a easy-to-carry form. The patented ShotPack pouch "has the lowest carbon dioxide footprint of any container used to package alcohol in the world" and each one contains 50 milliliters of liquid. The easy-tear opening means there's little standing in between you and your booze.
But the ShotPak may be too convenient, making it appealing to those under 21. The Los Angeles Times investigates opposition to the ShotPak: "The company's critics call it a blatant play to entice underage drinkers and to get alcohol into schools and other public venues where it wouldn't ordinarily be drunk." Who does this "party in a pouch" appeal to more: kids or adults?
Add a comment:
Previewing your comment:
HTML Hints
Some HTML is OK: <a href="URL">link</a>, <strong>strong</strong>, <em>em</em>
Comment Guidelines
Post whatever you want, just keep it seriously about eats, seriously. We reserve the right to delete off-topic or inflammatory comments. Learn more at our Comment Policy page.
If you see something not so nice, please, report an inappropriate comment.
24 Comments:
In all honesty, I don't think it should be the packager's responsibility to keep underage drinkers uninterested. Parents really should be watching their kids, making sure they don't buy such products in the first place. Once they're 18 and out of the house, if they get caught, they will be fined or jailed, and that is a risk they know they're taking. Underage drinkers are not being tempted with booze on a fishing hook. They know what they're doing, and that it is legally frowned upon. It's their own fault if they do something improper in the end, although parents should be very involved in their upbringing and hopefully keep them from things like this.
Jikuu at 1:25PM on 08/16/08
OMG, I saw this and thought -- "Perfect for the float trip!" Just like they suggest.
onalark at 1:56PM on 08/16/08
I think "party in a pouch" would appeal most to marsupials?
"Pass the vodka, Joey!"
srhcb at 2:14PM on 08/16/08
This is just a bad idea. Yay for convenience and they definitely get kudos for innovation, but this has 'inappropriate use' written all over it.
SavvySatyr at 2:50PM on 08/16/08
I don't really see the big deal about it appealing to kids. They already sell tiny bottles of alcohol at every liquor store! But seriously, this looks awesome. I want to start a collection!
devika at 2:54PM on 08/16/08
"A bottle of whiskey may not be appropriate on a camping trip, but a shot or two?"
I'll have to let my friends know. ;)
Jeffala at 3:07PM on 08/16/08
"A bottle of whiskey may not be appropriate on a camping trip"
Absolutely correct. I much prefer a bottle of pinot noir grappa.
simon at 3:35PM on 08/16/08
Does anyone know where to find these at?
ameliep at 4:15PM on 08/16/08
@ameliep
Currently Available in These States:
AL, AZ, CA, FL, GA, IN, KS, KY, MA, MI, NM, NV, OH, TN, TX
Stores: http://www.shotpakinc.com/storelocator.html
FastFoodCritic at 4:33PM on 08/16/08
I saw those at my down-the-block liquor/cheese/wine/beer shop! I did not even take a close look, but I will have to for kicks now.
I don't tend to look twice at bright colors or anything that says "Purple Shooter" but I know some stocking these will have to go in this year. Ha.
sadiepix at 5:16PM on 08/16/08
What a waste of packaging for such a small quantity of product - right into the landfill, or tossed onto the street. What's so hard about making up a bunch of shoots, bulk, with good ingredients, and serving those from a reusabel bottle, jug, etc... It's only a small time expense and would allow you to have a better tasting drink (you could use fresh juice, instead of some flavored/colored heat processed crap in a plastic/foil pack).
Just a thought...
GingerSnap at 6:47PM on 08/16/08
...Because we all know that kids don't start drinking until their 21st birthdays....it's called personal responsibility....jeez, only in America is an 18 year old mature enough to kill for the government, but too young to drink...
iwannacook at 7:18PM on 08/16/08
the closest retailer to me is 398 miles away. Guess I better pack some coffee... and munchies for the...ROAD TRIP!!
and a bottle of whiskey is totally appropriate on a camping trip... everyone knows that you can't send your buddy out on a snipe hunt empty handed! DUH!
Southern_bella at 10:47PM on 08/16/08
These are pretty interesting, but a bottle of whisk(e)y is much more appropriate.
Who cares if they are enticing to underage drinkers. It's not the fun packaging that enticed me to drink when I was a teenager, it was that getting drunk is fun. No one cares what package it comes in be it a can of natty ice or a bottle of Evan Williams at that age.
pemabuk at 2:01PM on 08/17/08
It's marketed toward the mid-20s crowd. I guess they are insinuating that age group is gullible. It's stupid to advertise this as earth friendly. There's a novel invention called a (hip) flask that's smaller than a large bottle and it's personal! *gasp*
If people that age are that pathetic that they can't go anywhere without alcohol or don't know how to have fun without alcohol, they really should just end their life. It doesn't get any better. Sheesh. *roll eyes*
Cassaendra at 5:04PM on 08/17/08
Thanks, FCF :)
ameliep at 5:49PM on 08/17/08
I love that the person who can't stand alcohol in any shape or form wrote an article about portable booze. Hi Robyn!
ag3208 at 9:26PM on 08/17/08
"A bottle of whiskey may not be appropriate on a camping trip ... "
Says who?
Adam Kuban at 3:28AM on 08/18/08
@ag3208: I'm glad someone recognized this. ;) I should never write about booze since I'll never full understand why people drink it.
Robyn Lee at 10:28AM on 08/18/08
These aren't really that much different than airplane bottles which are widely available.
bobbob at 10:37AM on 08/18/08
These would be GREAT stuffed into the bigass pinata
link:
http://www.seriouseats.com/2008/05/for-an-awesome-party-get-a-big-ass-pinata.html
bisbee at 12:21PM on 08/18/08
@bisbee - I tried to talk my brother into getting a bigass pinata for his kid's birthday party (dual party as they are 2 and 5) but he balked and went for boring Spongebob.
Party pooper.
Southern_bella at 12:49PM on 08/18/08
You could put cheap vodka in any package including but not limited to a Hanna Montana commemorative sippy cup or an old boot, and underage drinkers would still be interested.
jorach at 2:53PM on 08/18/08
Oh please, this will entice kids to sneak alcohol into schools? Any teenage girl knows the easiest way to do this is pour out a plastic bottle of hair spray, run it through the dishwasher (top shelf) and then pour in vodka or other non-smelly alcohol. It will go right by teachers or those pesky security guards at concerts (don't believe me? Check your daughters purse!). Buy a soda at school or the rock venue and pour in your "hairspray".
hkydiva at 6:16PM on 08/19/08