How Lawson's Stays on Brand, and Rhinegeist's Plans Amid Hemp-Bev Prohibition

Lawson’s Finest Liquids and Rhinegeist Brewery experienced CEO transitions in 2023, with Adeline Druart and Adam Bankovich entering Year 3 of their tenures. Druart focuses on defining what makes a Lawson’s beer distinct, emphasizing clear IPA identity built around Citra hops and bold flavor profiles. She also covers community giving programs, business acceleration through moving distribution to Baker Distributing in Vermont, and the launch of Hop Wired, a hazy and juicy IPA. Bankovich addresses Rhinegeist’s progress with its first NA beer line, Ghost, and upcoming new offerings. He also explains the challenges of launching Fuzzy Bones, a sparkling THC drink, after Ohio’s ban on intoxicating hemp beverages, including expansion across states and the need for timely regulation as a federal ban approaches.

"Really for us, it's IPAs clear IPAs using Citra hops, and with a very bold flavor profile, she said. The more conversations we have like those defining who we are, the more I'd say clear we are moving forward what's on brand, what's off brand. Druart also discusses the impact of Lawson's community giving programs, accelerating business by moving distribution to Baker Distributing in its home state, the launch of Hop Wired hazy and juicy IPA and much more."

"He also explains why launching Fuzzy Bones, a sparkling THC drink, has been a challenging and educational crash course, following Ohio's ban on intoxicating hemp beverages. Fuzzy Bones launched in six states, with three additional states expected to follow. Rhinegeist is trying to stay nimble with it, as a federal ban looms in November."

"I wish that our government officials could learn enough from the past to act quickly because this industry developed so quickly, seemingly out of nowhere, he said. We just really need a chance to not fall into the trap of Prohibition and instead write proper regulation now and in real time as consumers want these products instead of prohibiting them for years and years and years."

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