Oakwell Beer Spa blends the comfort of a cozy day spa with the fun of a craft taproom, offering private spa suites with infrared saunas, rain showers, and warm herbal “beer baths” infused with hops and barley for deep relaxation. Guests sip curated local beers, ciders, wines, and nonalcoholic options while they soak, then unwind further in zero‑gravity massage chairs or browse beer‑infused bath and body products from Oakwell’s own cosmetics line, all designed to make wellness feel social, playful, and approachable.

In this episode of the Drink Up Live podcast, hosts Samuel Anderson and Adam Smith discuss the complexities of building and scaling beverage brands. They explore the unrealistic expectations many brands have regarding rapid growth, the importance of operational efficiency, and the necessity of establishing strong relationships with brokers and distributors. The conversation also touches on innovative trends in the industry, such as alcoholic confectionery, and emphasizes the need for realistic sales metrics and strategies. Throughout the discussion, the hosts share personal anecdotes and insights from their experiences in the beverage industry, providing valuable advice for aspiring brand owners.

In this episode, Adam Smith and Sam Anderson welcome Dan Koukol, co-founder and CEO of Digit, a software company focused on streamlining supply chain management for manufacturers. Dan shares his extensive background in manufacturing, including his experience as a consultant and operator, which led him to create Digit. The conversation delves into the challenges small and mid-sized manufacturers face with traditional ERP systems and how Digit aims to provide an accessible, user-friendly solution that integrates various operational needs without the prohibitive costs associated with legacy systems. Dan emphasizes the importance of making data-driven decisions and how Digit's tools can help businesses optimize their operations and unlock their potential.

In this conversation, Dr. Ebru Karpuzoglu shares her journey from immunology research to creating a skincare line that emphasizes the importance of science in beauty products. She discusses the challenges of being a founder, the lessons learned from failures, and the significance of understanding the science behind skincare. Dr. Karpuzoglu emphasizes the need for acute inflammation in the body and encourages individuals to not compare themselves to others in their journeys.

Daily Industry Brief on what is happening in beverages.

In this conversation, Eric Ranks shares his inspiring journey from facing personal health challenges to founding 22 Salute, a social enterprise aimed at supporting veterans and first responders. He discusses the importance of mental health awareness, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the mission behind his products, which include unique spirits and coffee. Eric emphasizes the need for community support and resilience in the face of adversity, encouraging listeners to reach out for help and pursue their dreams.

In this episode, Adam Smith and Samuel Anderson engage with Joey Gamer from Gamer Packaging to discuss the critical role of packaging in the beverage industry. They explore the history of Gamer Packaging, the importance of packaging design, and the challenges new brands face in bringing their products to market. The conversation delves into market trends, consumer feedback, and the financial considerations necessary for launching a beverage brand. Joey shares success stories from the industry, insights on navigating the complexities of packaging, and the impact of tariffs on costs. The episode concludes with key takeaways on resilience, adaptability, and the importance of partnerships in achieving success in the beverage market.

“Welcome to the DrinkUp Podcast – Daily Industry Brief, where we break down what’s happening in the beverage business and what it actually means for brands, distributors, and operators.”

On January 2, 2026, the story isn’t alcohol versus non-alc—it’s who owns the whole drinking repertoire. Big light lagers are still lagging the beer category, bourbon production is getting trimmed, and mainstream media is calling this “a year with fewer hangovers.” At the same time, Dry January is now a real season, with brands like Athletic Brewing driving traffic to NA-friendly bars and restaurants, while brewers push low-ABV, flavored, and even THC options to stay relevant.

If you’re a brand or distributor, the play this year is simple: build a portfolio that keeps people in your ecosystem on every occasion—full-strength, low-ABV, or zero-proof—because share of occasions is the new share of market.