#White Claw’s high alcohol proof sparks war with Four Loko

The claws are coming out in the battle for reign as the superior summertime suds.

Bad blood is brewing between adult beverage brands Four Loko and White Claw after the hard seltzer’s recent move to boost alcohol proof has the premium malt liquor company bubbling over with shade. 

“There is one imposter among us,” Four Loko’s official account tweeted. 

The thinly veiled barb came accompanied by an image of White Claw’s latest flavorful innovation, Surge — a 16-ounce refreshment with 8% alcohol by volume. 

White Claw’s original line of boozy seltzers comes in 12-ounce containers that offer only a 5% buzz. 

“We know some consumers are looking for a higher alcohol option from White Claw,” said John Shea, the company’s chief marketing officer. “And that’s what White Claw Hard Seltzer Surge delivers.”

Wrapped in a navy blue can — starkly opposing the pearly white outer shell of its less-loaded predecessor — Surge comes in two new flavors: cranberry and blood orange. 

The appeal of higher spirits and more exotic tastes has fans of White Claw’s drunken cans going crazy. 

Excited drink enthusiasts tweeted things like: “White Claw summer but it’s White Claw Surge because the 8% ABV is NEEDED,” and “The white claw surge drinks might end up being the drink of the year.”

Four Loko, however, isn’t amused. 

Accusing White Claw of being “Obsessed” — referring to Mariah Carey’s certified-platinum 2009 hit about an overzealous wannabe — Four Loko digitally dragged Surge for allegedly trying to copy its winning fizzy formula.

“Four Loko walked so White Claw could run,” the brand tweeted, insinuating that its longstanding production of malted libations and hard seltzers paved the way for competitors to join the market.