Pepsi introduces Bobby Flay branded cologne that smells like soda and grill smoke

I’m not even sure where to start with this one, but let’s try beginning with Bobby Flay and Pepsi have been on a summer-long promo tour that includes new flavors of soda, grilling demos, and more. And now they’ve taking the extra step of introducing SMOKED, a now “COLAogne” that is cologne scented like both Pepsi and smoke from the grill. You know, what you smell like anyway most of the time?

“All summer long, Pepsi is celebrating that grilling is #BetterWithPepsi, and that every night can – and should – be a grill night,” said Jenny Danzi, Senior Director brand Pepsi via a press release provided to Guilty Eats. “Now, we’ve invented ‘SMOKED: A Grilling-Inspired COLAogne’ with Chef Bobby Flay. The world’s first-ever COLAogne is designed to reinforce just how well grilling and Pepsi go together. You don’t even need to fire up the grill to experience the joy of Pepsi and grilling – you can bask in the unapologetically delicious scent everywhere you go."

Like I said, that’s a lot of different things at the same time. And while I personally can imagine what the smell of Pepsi and the smell of smoke are like; and I can even summon the sensory perception to capture both, because I’m just that talented… I guess my main question is: why? Why would you want to smell like that?

Granted, they’re both delicious smells, I love soda, and I love the grill. But I can’t imagine walking into a friend’s house and them being like “oh, do you smell like cola and smoke? Thanks for coming over.” Could be wrong! I don’t know!

All negativity aside, I think the goal here is “release a ridiculous product to drum up interest in Pepsi’s Grills Night Out promotion” and if so: mission accomplished.

And if you do want to smell like the combo of caramelized sugar and charcoal, great news, the limited time COLAogne is available in 50 ml bottles starting today, and running through Father’s Day – aka, Sunday, June 16, 2024 – for free. To win the contest, all you have to do is share a photo of your “Grill Dad”, tag @Pepsi with the pic and the hashtag #GrillDadSweepstakes, and you’ll have a chance to win. The contest is open to anyone 18 or older in the US and D.C., and 19 or older in Alabama or Nebraska.

In case you don’t win, Pepsi is also working with Walmart to set up sampling events in three locations on Saturday, June 15:

·       2770 W Evans Avenue, Denver, CO 80219

·       8400 Coral Way, Miami, FL 33155

·       2200 Wheatsheaf Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19137

While you’re there, why not pick up the new Pepsi Lime or Pepsi Peach flavors? They may not smell like smoke, but they taste like delicious Pepsi, so there you go.