Owl's Brew

About Owl's Brew

Owl's Brew is a female-founded beverage company established in 2013 by tea experts Jennie Ripps and Maria Littlefield. Ripps, a tea sommelier, began blending teas for her father after he was diagnosed with cancer, a journey that ignited her passion for tea's flavors and health benefits. This led to the creation of Brew Lab, a tea company that crafted custom blends for New York City restaurants. The duo then started experimenting with tea-based cocktails, leading to the launch of Owl's Brew to offer a healthier alternative to sugary alcoholic drinks.

The company's core business is producing ready-to-drink (RTD) alcoholic beverages, including spiked sparkling teas and tea-based cocktails. Owl's Brew's products are defined by their use of fresh-brewed organic tea, botanicals, and real fruit juices, with a commitment to avoiding artificial flavors, sugar substitutes, and other additives. The product lines, which have included "Boozy Tea," tea-based cocktail mixers, and vodka and tequila-based cocktails, are crafted to be gluten-free and vegan. The business operates on a direct-to-consumer model through its website and also distributes its products through major retailers across the United States, such as Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and Publix.

Significant milestones for the company include securing a $4 million Series A funding round in 2017 and a subsequent $9 million Series A round in 2021 to expand distribution and marketing. The company has reported substantial growth, particularly after launching its hard tea seltzer line in 2020. Beyond its commercial activities, Owl's Brew is committed to social initiatives. The founders established the Wise Women Collective, a community platform that supports women's charities and initiatives, promotes female voices through programs like the "Boozy Book Club," and fosters community conversation.