In this Thanksgiving Week episode of the Tapped In Sales Podcast, Bud, Mike, Ross, and George break down the biggest stories shaking the beverage industry — from the fall of a craft pioneer to a potential billion-dollar RTD acquisition and the uncertain future of THC beverages.

Along the way, the crew debates Thanksgiving food, tells Rainey Street war stories, and serves up a mix of humor, perspective, and practical takeaways for beer distributors heading into 2026.

In This Episode

🔥 Rogue Ales shuts down — what killed a 37-year pioneer and why mid-tier craft keeps getting squeezed.

📦 BeatBox + AB rumors — why a ~$700M RTD deal makes perfect sense for the network.

🍺 NA beer momentum — Athletic, Ultra Zero, Best Day, and the rise of the “sober-ish” drinker.

🌿 THC beverage update — 2026 ban talk, lobbying misses, and the fastest-growing new consumer.

🚗 DUI crackdown — Oklahoma’s strict new rule and what it means for on-premise.

💪 Protein alcohol (yes, really) — the newest “fitness meets RTD” crossover trend.

🦃 Thanksgiving chaos — Rainey Street fights, frozen BeatBox hacks, and Ross’ hangover saga.

Chapters

00:00 Thanksgiving Plans and Traditions

05:46 The State of the Craft Beer Industry

11:36 The Rise of RTDs and Market Dynamics

22:27 The Hangover Chronicles

25:53 The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beers

29:43 Navigating the NA Beer Market

32:55 THC Beverages and Market Dynamics

39:48 The Future of Alcohol and THC Regulation

44:49 Drunk Driving Laws and Their Implications

49:54 Protein-Infused Alcohol: A New Trend?

🎙️ Connect With Us

Have a question or story for the pod? Email info@vxptech.com

Follow VXP at vxptech.comListen, share, and subscribe — and have a very happy Thanksgiving.

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About Tapped In Sales:  

Tapped In Sales is a podcast dedicated to beer distributors and beverage industry professionals who are looking to elevate their sales strategies and drive profitability. Hosted by industry experts Bud Dunn and Mike Hall, we dive deep into real-world stories, actionable insights, and the latest trends to help sales teams and managers unlock their full potential. Each episode blends data, strategy, and motivation, making complex topics easy to understand and implement.

This podcast is powered by VXP Tech – the leading Sales Strategy Management system designed for beer distributors. VXP simplifies the complexities of goal setting, variable compensation, and sales team performance, helping you master your market and grow profits, case by case.

Stay tuned for expert advice, fresh perspectives, and tools to sharpen your sales approach!

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