Dad Strength Brewing Update | Shark Tank Season 17

Most craft beers contain 7% alcohol or more. Craig Carey and Ryan Kutscher said they often ended up with hangovers and high ABV nights, which wasn’t a good example for responsible dads. In turn, they created Dad Strength Brewing, a low-alcohol craft brewery that brews beers with just 2.9% alcohol. The beer gives a light buzz without the embarrassing crash. Will the sharks see potential in this new kind of brew? Let’s find out in our Dad Strength Brewing update and pitch recap.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick overview of what happened to Dad Strength Brewing after Shark Tank.

Craig and Ryan pitched their low-alcohol beer company on Shark Tank Season 17, seeking $250,000 for 5% equity. After their pitch, they struck a three-shark deal for $300,000 for 12% equity.

In terms of a Dad Strength Brewing update, their beers are currently avaliable in 4 states across the US!

Shark	Result
Rashaun Williams, Lori Greiner, and Robert Herjavec	Accepted offer of $300,000 for 12% equity
Kevin O’Leary	$250,000 for 33.3% equity
Kendra Scott	No offer

Shark Tank Dad Strength Brewing Pitch

• Entrepreneurs: Craig Carey and Ryan Kutscher
• Business: A line of low-alcohol beer
• Ask: $250,000 for 5% equity
• Result: $300,000 for 12% equity
• Sharks: Rashaun Williams, Lori Greiner, and Robert Herjavec

Craig and Ryan walked into the tank with beer in hand. They introduced themselves as the founders of Dad Strength Brewing and asked for $250,000 for 5% equity.

They explained that craft beer kept getting stronger, with many options at 7% or higher. The result was heavy hangovers, which they said made it tough for parents who wanted to enjoy beer responsibly.

To solve that, they launched Dad Strength Brewing, America’s first low-alcohol craft brewery. Their beer has 2.9% alcohol, which they call the sweet spot.

However, it gives a buzz without the hangover and comes in at only 94 calories. They presented three samples to the sharks: West Coast IPA, Juicy IPA, and Easy IPA.

Lori Greiner tasted first and said the beer was very good. Robert Herjavec agreed and asked about sales.

Ryan said they had sold $230,000 in 10 and a half months. Lori asked where, and Craig explained they launched in Washington, D.C.

However, this wasn’t just a small launch. Craig said they could self-distribute in D.C., so they loaded Ryan’s pickup truck and sold directly to independent shops. That approach built momentum and data.

It also led to placement in Whole Foods in November, Trader Joe’s in December, Giant in January, and Safeway in February.

Kevin O’Leary asked how the sell-through was going. Ryan replied that their chain rebuy rate was 100%. Kevin warned that beer is a brutal industry.

Craig countered that no one else was focused on low-ABV beer. He compared it to a dairy aisle with no 2% milk.

Meanwhile, the sharks asked about their backgrounds. Craig explained he built and sold a restaurant chain called Big Buns, Damn Good Burgers.

Ryan shared that he worked in advertising, built his own agency, and worked with global brands. Both wanted to use their experience to grow Dad Strength into a national name.

Robert pressed on valuation. Craig said sales were climbing fast, with 500 cases sold in one week. Ryan added that they were projecting $500,000 in revenue for the year.

Kevin made the first offer of $250,000 for 33.3% equity.

Meanwhile, Rashaun Williams countered with $250,000 for 10% equity at a $2.5 million valuation and asked for a partner. Robert joined him, offering $125,000 each for 10%.

Then Lori Greiner said she wanted to be part of the deal. Robert warned that three sharks meant the equity would need to increase.

Rashaun suggested $300,000 for 15% equity, split evenly. Robert liked the idea, and Lori agreed.

Craig countered with $300,000 for 12% equity, or 4% each. Robert pointed out that they started at 5%, so 12% was still fair. Rashaun and Lori agreed.

In the end, Dad Strength Brewing accepted the deal. The pitch closed with beers raised, Craig joking that he just wanted to share a drink with the sharks.

Keep reading our Dad Strength Brewing update to find out what happened next for their company.

Shark Tank Dad Strength Brewing Update

In terms of our Dad Strength Brewing update, shortly after airing, Craig posted a photo showing a FaceTime call with Rashaun, indicating the deal is heading in the right direction.

As of September 2025, Dad Strength Brewing is available in DC, Maryland, Virginia, and Michigan. The exposure from Shark Tank will definitely help them expand their retail presence in the coming months.

While you wait for them to expand, you can check out their current brews on the Dad Strength Brewing website.

We’re really rooting for Craig and Ryan to succeed, and we will report their progress in the coming months in our next Dad Strength Brewing update.

Before you go, be sure to check out our other updates from Season 17, Episode 1:

• Doublesoul Update
• Z-Coil Update
• Pelagion Update

You can also find more on our Shark Tank Season 17 companies page!