It’s time to reveal the finalists for the Brewbound Live Pitch Slam, our business pitch competition for beer and beverage-alcohol brands. They will compete during Brewbound Live 2025, taking place on December 10 + 11 in L.A.
The lines between beverage-alcohol and adult beverages continue to blur — and this year’s Brewbound Live Pitch Slam finalists are at the forefront of that evolution. These brands represent the future of innovation across beer, functional drinks, THC-infused products, sake, and beyond. Their stories and strategies showcase how creativity and cross-category thinking are reshaping what it means to be a beverage brand today.
A panel of expert judges will offer participants and attendees valuable insights into what makes for a successful modern adult beverage brand. This year’s finalists include:
- Bondi Beer: Born from Aussie beach-culture spirit, Bondi Beer delivers a full-strength lager brewed with Australian Galaxy hops and no shortcuts, emphasizing “untamed adventure” in every sip.
- Darling Drinks: A premium non-alcoholic beer brand (0.5% ABV) crafted with natural ingredients, no added sugar and fewer calories, aimed at sober-conscious drinkers who refuse to compromise on taste.
- FABRIC: A functional beverage company offering non-alc and THC-infused sparkling hop waters, crafted with Australian Galaxy hops and native botanicals, built for the moment rather than to knock you out.
- Ikasu Brewing: Blending Japanese-inspired flavors with L.A. craft energy, this brewery creates distinctive beers like rice lagers, matcha sours, and black sesame porters that highlight balance, creativity, and cultural fusion.
- Kick Fizz: Launched in 2023, Kick Fizz brings a sessionable hemp-derived Delta-9 THC and CBD infused sparkling drink alternative to heavy beers and sugary cocktails, with flavor front-and-center.
- Little Friends Brewing: Formerly Little Brewing Co., this brand is emerging in the craft beer space and was recently recognized as a finalist in a major industry pitch event, signalling its momentum and entrepreneurial drive.
- Roseade USA: A “rosé lemonade spritzer” made with premium rosé wine and freshly squeezed lemonade, gluten-free and low sugar, designed to capture beach-vibes and summer refreshment in a can.
- Sake High!: Premium sake brewed in Japan with a spirit of adventure and sharing in mind, the brand also recently expanded into sake-based hard teas to broaden how sake is enjoyed.
In addition to industry recognition, the brand that receives the winning title also receives a Brewbound advertising package valued at $10,000 as well as featured coverage on Brewbound.com
The Pitch Slam champion will join a lineup of past winners including Hurray’s Girl Beer, Sunboy, Funkytown Brewery, Lunar Hard Seltzer, Crowns & Hops, Willie’s Superbrew, Novo Brazil, Border X Brewing, and Wynwood Brewing Company.
Brewbound Live: More Than a Competition
The Pitch Slam is just one part of Brewbound Live 2025, a two-day event packed with opportunities to learn, connect, and be inspired. Beyond the competition, attendees gain access to:
- High-impact discussions with industry leaders tackling the future of distribution, investment, innovation, and brand building.
- Exclusive networking sessions designed to connect founders, investors, retailers, and strategics driving growth in beverage-alcohol.
- Tasting experiences and live showcases that bring together cutting-edge brands across beer, non-alc, and adult beverage categories.
Whether you’re looking to meet the next generation of founders or learn how to position your brand for success in a shifting landscape, Brewbound Live is where the conversation happens.
Be in the room to witness the next wave of beverage-alcohol innovation, sample the products, and meet the people redefining what’s next.
👉 Register now for Brewbound Live 2025 >>
If you haven’t yet registered, now is the time. Brewbound Live is next month!