Off-the-Wall Marketing With Garage Beer’s Andy Sauer; How Occasions Drive Julie Rhodes’ Kick Fizz

One of the hottest beer companies in the U.S., along with a budding THC-infused beverage entrepreneur, join the latest edition of the Brewbound Podcast in back-to-back interviews.

Garage Beer owner Andy Sauer shares upcoming plans for the fast-growing lager brand, including the introduction of Home Depot-style buckets and stubby bottles. 

Garage Beer is riding a growth wave, posting 193% year-over-year gains in 2025, to 220,000 barrels of beer. Garage ranked as the 12th-largest craft brewery last year, but the company has intentionally kept “craft” out of its messaging. 

Sauer discusses striking the balance in marketing with celebrity owners Jason and Travis Kelce and some of the more off-the-wall campaigns the brand has deployed through its writer’s room approach to marketing. 

But first, Julie Rhodes, co-founder of THC-infused beverage brand Kick Fizz, explains how she’s preparing for the federal government’s November ban of most THC drinks. 

Rhodes, who also runs consulting firm Not Your Hobby Marketing Solutions, digs into creating an occasion-focused brand, the misconceptions about infused beverages and the challenges small producers face at retail. 

Before the interviews, Justin, Jess and Zoe discuss the Brewers Association’s 2025 production data release. They discuss the top 10 brands that posted growth last year and jockeying among them.