I have been working on several different pieces of content that revolve around this new booming business, that I lovingly call ‘Weed Water’. THC seltzers are seeing a boom that is impossible to ignore now, even if you’re not a fan of THC, at all. Before we get too far down the rabbit hole, thought that it might be best to get you caught up with what’s happening locally in the ‘Weed Water’ space – especially hot off the heals of this year’s US Open Hard Seltzer competition, which might as well be rebranded based off of how many THC seltzers were entered this year.

Urban Artifact’s Costalo

Urban Artifact was quick out of the gate to release their THC setlzer, which takes a strong lean towards soda flavors. The brand started hitting shelves somewhere around April of last year, and it was a quick hit here in Cincinnati. They were also one of the first places locally to offer it on tap in their taproom in July of the same year.

If you question how great Coastalo is, you should note the FIVE different medals they brought home from the US Open for it. Their Grape, Orange, Iced Tea, Mountain Doom, and Red Cream Soda varieties all bringing home accolades.

They’re great. They’re sweet, soda inspired, and delicious!

Fifty West’s Sunflower

Sunflower was released in November of 2024 – and took a very different, fresh and natural fruit-flavored approach to THC seltzer. I quickly fell in love with their “not-so-sweet… but still sweet” flavor that centers right around. As of writing this they offer three different flavors. “Blueberry Dream”, “Cherry Limeade”, and “Orange Cream Pop”.

They’re all amazing… but the Orange Cream Pop is my favorite of the trio.

HighGrain’s Estazzi

Founded by a few of the folks behind HighGrain Brewing Company, Estazzi is going big ever since they first released their seltzers in the summer of 2025. They quickly expanded the brand into Kentucky as well and are the pushing hard to get into plenty of retail outlets.

They set themselves apart with a mineral water, and citrus fruit personality. I’m LOVING these. They’re fantastic. They are bright, and crisp, and to me lean even further away from the overly sweet personality that was pioneered by the folks over at Coastalo.

With three flavors to choose from, Lemon, Grapefruit and Orange

Third Eye? Mystic Groove?

Speaking back to this year’s US Open Seltzer Championships… there was one medal that certainly caught my attention. It was for a drink called Bohemian Berry… and it got a Gold Medal. The company that made it? Third Eye Mystic Groove.

I know a Third Eye! As far as I knew, my Third Eye doesn’t have a product called Mystic Groove… so I started digging. This company resides at 850 S Erie Blvd, in Hamilton, Ohio. Well… I know that building. Third Eye. I did a little digging and while they aren’t currently producing their own – come on. I’m pretty smart, and I put two and two together… it looks like Third Eye is working towards their own brand of THC seltzers… and I’m here for it! I’m definitely watching this one closely, and as soon as they are actually able to produce them and get them out to the market, you know I’ll be giving them a taste!

The Takeaway

While I’m still a beer guy at my core, I’m also a drinker. I love all sorts of drinks, THC included, and I’m thrilled to see more of our local places creating their own. The bigger drink market seems to agree with me, too. In fact, according to Grand View Research, the global THC seltzer market was valued at 344.7 million dollars in 2023 and is projected to hit 2.65 BILLION dollars by 2030. I’ve seen other predictions that are just as, if not even more wild.

Hang on to your butts… we’re just getting started!