Latest news with #ClimbingKites
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Climbing Kites Charts a New Course for THC Beverages With Award Wins and USHA Certification
Climbing Kites From functional flavors to regulatory leadership, the Iowa-based cannabis beverage company is setting new standards in the rapidly growing industry DES MOINES, Iowa, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Climbing Kites , a premium cannabis-infused beverage company, proudly announces it took home six awards at the L.A. High Spirits Awards . The accolades—including one Platinum, two Silver, and three Bronze—span Climbing Kites' entire product portfolio, affirming the brand's position as a rising force in the cannabis beverage industry. Receiving top nods at the awards was the company's Transfusion THC-Infused Kitetail beverage, a concord grape juice and handcrafted ginger beer blend enhanced with organic caffeine derived from green tea. The beverage was awarded the highest honor: the Platinum Award. Transfusion is currently available in two dosages (4mg THC + 4mg CBD + 40mg caffeine and 10mg THC + 10mg CBD + 100mg caffeine) and is designed to elevate daytime outings or provide a fun alternative for social occasions. The company's other award-winning flavors include: Silver: Orange Mango and Pineapple Passionfruit Bronze: Mixed Berry, Peach Prickly Pear, and Iced Tea Lemonade 'Winning six awards, including a Platinum, at the L.A. High Spirits Awards is incredibly meaningful for our team,' said Scott Selix, co-founder of Climbing Kites. 'We've worked hard to create something that's not only enjoyable but also thoughtful in its formulation and purpose. To have that recognized on a national stage is deeply validating, and it tells us we're on the right path, both in flavor and values.' Operating in a largely unregulated space, Climbing Kites has emerged as a leader in consumer safety and accountability, becoming the only THC beverage brand to earn the USHA Adult Use Certification , a rigorous standard for quality, compliance, and transparency. 'We're committed to setting the standard in a largely unregulated space,' Selix said. 'We want people to trust what they're drinking, and that means going beyond what's required. The certification reinforces our commitment to doing things the right way in an industry that still lacks consistent oversight.' The cannabis-infused beverage market is currently experiencing remarkable growth , driven by increasing consumer demand for alternative wellness and recreational options. The surge is also fueled by the legalization of cannabis in various regions and a growing consumer preference for non-alcoholic options. Every Climbing Kites beverage is infused with 100% naturally occurring Delta-9 THC and CBD derived from federally compliant hemp. Crafted with naturally flavored ingredients, each drink is formulated to deliver a euphoric, uplifting experience and an alternative to alcohol that fits seamlessly into moments of connection, relaxation, or celebration.
Yahoo
09-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Des Moines' Lua Brewing is in the running for best brewpub
DES MOINES, Iowa — Des Moines' Lua Brewing is receiving some national recognition, and Iowans can now vote the local taproom into the top 10 brewpubs in the country. Lua Brewing is in the running for USA TODAY 10 Best's Readers' Choice Awards for best brewpubs. A total of 20 establishments from across the country were nominated. According to USA TODAY, a panel of 15 experts submit nominees for the award. The list is then narrowed by 10Best editors before the public can then vote for the top 10. The general manager for Lua Brewing, Pete Holmgren, said the staff was excited when they first heard the news. The taproom is located in the Sherman Hill neighborhood, and aside from their food and drinks, they're also known for their dog-friendly patio space. Their best-selling item is their smash burger, which is also called their smush burger. They also have several drinks on tap, from continentals to IPAs and sours. However, Lua Brewing is also known for taking risks. They created the first THC-infused sparking water in Iowa, called Climbing Kites. Lua opened in late 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, so Holmgren said that getting to this point wasn't easy, but they've always felt the love from the community. 'We had great support coming out the gate. We had great support when we were shut down selling to-go beer and food, and we just wouldn't be around if it wasn't for the customers. They've really kept this place going. It makes me happy, I tear up a little bit thinking about it. We're happy we have such awesome support from everybody and it's cool that they get to be a part of the voting and they get to take some ownership and get us there,' he said. The nomination means a lot to the close-knit staff. Holmgren says their team is made up of around 40 staffers and many of them are around the same age. 'We all get each other, and I think we all work well together,' he said. They have QR codes with the link to vote on every table inside the taproom and they post the link on their social media every day. Voting ends at 11 a.m. Central Time on February 24, and the top 10 will officially be announced on March 5th. As of Sunday morning, Lua Brewing was ranked first, according to the website. Voting can be done once a day using this link. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
