For those looking for a smoother, more refined alternative to alcohol, THC-infused beverages offer a refreshing way to unwind without headaches, dehydration, or sluggish mornings. With carefully measured doses and thoughtfully crafted flavors, these drinks provide a modern, social, and approachable experience for both new and seasoned cannabis consumers alike.
That’s where Modist Brewing Co. comes in. Based in Minnesota, the brewery has earned a strong reputation for its innovative approach to craft beverages. Known for pushing boundaries, the brewery is now applying its expertise to THC-infused drinks. By using high-quality ingredients and carefully fine-tuning their formulations, they ensure a smooth, consistent, and enjoyable experience for consumers.
Guiding this exciting venture is Andy Herzog, Modist’s Head of THC Development. With years of experience in both cannabis and brewing, Andy has played a key role in developing the company’s lineup of THC-infused beverages. Whether it’s pushing the boundaries with bold new flavors or ensuring consistency in every sip, his expertise is shaping the future of Modist’s cannabis offerings.
Let’s delve into the interview details below!
Andy, could you share a bit about your background and role as Head of THC Development at Modist Brewing Co., and what initially drew you to the cannabis beverage industry?
I joined Modist in the spring of 2018 as an off-premises beer sales rep for the Twin Cities metro area after nearly a decade in liquor retail—ranging from beer buying to warehousing and distribution for a small wine importer. When Minnesota legalized low-dose hemp-derived THC in the summer of 2022, an old friend I’d known since junior high introduced me to water-soluble delta-9 THC, and we immediately saw the potential. Within a year, we recognized the need for a dedicated point person to navigate evolving regulations, supply chain complexities, and market competition. Given my existing industry relationships and growing expertise, stepping into that role felt like a natural evolution.
How has Modist Brewing Co. evolved since entering the cannabis beverage market, and what sets your products apart in 2025?
Drinking trends have shifted dramatically since COVID, and we’ve adapted in real time. THC beverages and ready-to-drink cocktails now make up a significant portion of our business. As we expand beyond beer, we remain committed to our core mission: pushing boundaries and avoiding redundancy in the market. At Modist, we don’t just make what’s already out there—we rethink what these beverages can be, sourcing high-quality ingredients and developing innovative recipes through a meticulous but creative R&D process.
Can you tell us about your most popular THC-infused beverages and the inspiration behind their development?
Our 10mg Melt lineup is the cornerstone of our THC portfolio, headlined by our flagship seltzers—Blood Orange Raspberry Vanilla and Ginger Lemon Lime. Instead of using concentrates or essences, we use real fruit purées, creating a light yet full-bodied drinking experience. Alongside these, we roll out limited-edition variants that push flavor boundaries, offering richer, juicier profiles while staying balanced. For those looking for something more indulgent, Melt Pop takes THC beverages into soda territory, launching last year with Sangria Ginger Ale and Citrus Punch. More flavors are on the way, continuing our mission to redefine what THC beverages can be.
What challenges did you face in transitioning from traditional brewing to cannabis-infused beverages, and how did you overcome them?
Minnesota’s hemp laws are relatively production-friendly, but that doesn’t mean the transition was seamless. We had to refine our circulation and canning processes, vet multiple third-party labs, and troubleshoot supply chain issues—all while working closely with neighboring breweries to identify potential ingredient interactions that could compromise our THC emulsions. The collaborative nature of the Twin Cities brewing community has been a huge asset in navigating these challenges and ensuring we produce the highest-quality product possible.
How do you balance creating products for both experienced cannabis users and those new to THC consumption?
When we first entered the market in 2022, we launched TINT, a 3mg “single-dose” THC beverage, to test the waters while staying well within legal parameters. Demand was high, and as regulations evolved, so did consumer tolerance. We increased TINT to 5mg and introduced Melt at 10mg soon after, packaging it in 16oz cans to make splitting with a friend easy. As the market has continued to mature, we’ve adjusted again—moving our higher-dose offerings to 12oz cans for a more sessionable experience tailored to seasoned consumers.
With the increasing focus on sustainability in the cannabis industry, how is Modist Brewing Co. addressing environmental concerns in its production processes?
Sustainability has always been a priority at Modist. Our facility operates one of the most water-efficient brewing systems in Minnesota, and we carefully vet our emulsion suppliers to ensure their biomass inputs come from clean, responsible extraction methods. With Minnesota’s recreational cannabis market set to go live soon, we’re also looking forward to sourcing more active THC from local businesses—reducing our carbon footprint even further while supporting in-state producers.
As the cannabis beverage market becomes more competitive, what strategies is Modist employing to maintain its position as an industry leader?
We refuse to play the “race to the bottom” game. Instead of cutting corners to compete on price alone, we focus on maintaining quality and ensuring our employees are properly supported. While we keep a close eye on market trends, we avoid reactionary decision-making, sticking to our ethos of innovation and differentiation. That means continuing to experiment with unique ingredients, proprietary processes, and entirely new beverage categories—pushing beyond the typical THC seltzer and soda landscape.
Looking ahead, what trends do you foresee shaping the cannabis beverage industry, and how is Modist preparing for these changes?
The cannabis beverage industry is expanding rapidly, but production capabilities remain limited. While virtually anyone can sell THC, few can manufacture it at scale. That’s where Modist is positioned to excel—by fine-tuning our offerings for specific markets, expanding production capabilities, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible both within our brewing system and the non-alcoholic beverage space. As the industry continues to evolve, we’re confident in our ability to lead the way, shaping the future of THC beverages for years to come.
