Join hosts Lars Miller and David Gonzalez on Free Spirits as they sit down with Gordon Whelpley, founder of Float House—a Connecticut-based beverage company pushing the boundaries of adult beverages. Gordon, an award-winning brewer with deep roots in the craft beer world, shares his journey from beer to THC beverages and cannabis drinks, blending beer culture and beverage innovation in a refreshing new way.

In this episode, we unpack how Float House navigates the beverage industry’s complex regulatory landscape to create functional beverages that cater to beer lovers who crave the refreshing taste of craft beer—without the alcohol. We explore the science behind their brewing process, how they infuse THC while staying within the rules, and why their unique brand identity resonates with customers across the beverage business.

Gordon also dives into product development, market trends, and the role of terpenes and cannabinoids in functional beverages. Plus, we talk about his perspective on the future of THC beverages and how Float House plans to expand beyond Connecticut. If you’re curious about where the beverage industry is headed and want a peek behind the curtain of an innovative cannabis drinks brand, this one’s for you.

Tune in, subscribe to Free Spirits, and join the conversation shaping the future of adult beverages and beverage business!

Takeaways

• Gordon Whelpley had an epiphany at the Craft Brewers Conference in 2019 that led him to create Float House.
• Float House produces THC-infused beverages that mimic the taste of beer without the alcohol.
• The production process involves navigating complex regulations to ensure compliance with TTB definitions.
• Gordon emphasizes the importance of flavor and consumer experience in creating THC beverages.
• The initial product offerings include THC IPA and THC Lite, designed for social drinking occasions.
• Market feedback has influenced the cannabinoid ratios in Float House products, particularly THC and CBD levels.
• Gordon discusses the challenges of regulatory clarity and its impact on business operations.
• The beverage industry is seeing a shift towards functional ingredients like minor cannabinoids and nootropics.
• Float House aims to create a brand identity that appeals to a wide demographic, particularly those seeking non-alcoholic options.
• Future product development includes a variety of styles, including double IPAs and fruit-infused beverages.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Float House and Gordon Whelpley
• 02:47 The Aha Moment: Transitioning from Beer to THC Beverages
• 05:53 Navigating Regulations: The Challenges of THC Beverage Production
• 08:56 Crafting Flavor: The Art of Non-Alcoholic THC Beverages
• 12:01 The Science of Cannabinoids: Balancing THC and CBD
• 14:54 The Future of THC Beverages: Market Trends and Innovations
• 17:49 Regulatory Headaches: The Impact on Business Operations
• 20:56 Big Beer vs. THC Beverages: Industry Perspectives
• 23:55 Brand Identity and Target Audience for Float House
• 26:48 Future Product Roadmap: Expanding the Float House Line
• 29:54 Distribution Plans: Bringing Float House to New Markets