Cincinnati’s Fifty West Brewing is finding statewide momentum with Sunflower, a hemp-derived THC seltzer that reflects shifting consumer habits away from alcohol
What started as a taproom experiment in Cincinnati has quickly scaled into a statewide success. Fifty West Brewing Company’s Sunflower THC Seltzer is on pace to move more than 30,000 cases across Ohio in 2025, a milestone that highlights how hemp-derived beverages are carving out new space in the social drinks market.
Crafted locally and launched just over a year ago, Sunflower has grown from a curiosity pour into what distributor partners are now calling one of the fastest movers in their portfolios. It recently earned the distinction of being Jungle Jim’s #1-selling THC seltzer, and is now distributed across much of Ohio and Northern Kentucky through both self-distribution and wholesalers including Columbus Distributing, Muxie Distributing, and Stagnaro Distributing.
“Consumers today are looking for something different,” said Max Fram, VP of Strategy and Operations at Fifty West. “People are rethinking how they socialize, and we’re seeing more and more choosing alternatives to alcohol. Sunflower is our way of meeting that moment and the response has been beyond anything we could have imagined.”
Community events and taproom buzz drive momentum
From appearances at Cincinnati Pride, Nightlight 513, and Florence Y’alls games to upcoming activations like Brew Ash and River Roots Music Festival, Sunflower has built brand recognition in the same spaces where craft beer has traditionally thrived. The difference: Sunflower appeals to both drinkers and non-drinkers, positioning itself as a social beverage with THC instead of alcohol.
“You know the stigma around THC is dead when your older family members start asking you for sample cans,” said Alex Bond, Director of Marketing. “What used to be taboo is now being embraced as a more mindful and responsible option for many people.”
Light, approachable, and designed for modern drinkers
Sunflower checks boxes that many younger and health-conscious consumers are looking for: alcohol-free, gluten-free, just 40 calories per 12-ounce can, and available in three flavors—Cherry Limeade, Orange Cream Pop, and Blueberry Dream. Each can contains 5 mg of hemp-derived THC.
For some, it’s replacing a nightly glass of wine. For others, it’s becoming a low-stakes alternative for social nights out. Either way, Fifty West sees Sunflower as part of a cultural shift that’s already reshaping the beverage market.
What’s next for Sunflower
To keep pace with demand, Fifty West has expanded production staff and added delivery trucks in Greater Cincinnati while continuing to build statewide partnerships. The brewery says it will expand the line with new flavors and further distribution in 2026, with community-focused events remaining a central part of its rollout strategy.
