Michael Waltrip Brewing Company

What Michael Waltrip Brewing Company does

Michael Waltrip Brewing Company is a privately held craft brewery and motorsports-themed lifestyle brand founded in 2020 (informally 2018) and incorporated in Nevada, with principal operations centered in Bristol, Virginia. The company produces an approachable beer portfolio led by two flagship SKUs — Talladega Light (4.2% ABV light lager) and Bristol Sunshine Tangerine Ale (4.5% ABV citrus ale) — supplemented by The Big One (8.0% ABV double lager), a roster of specialty releases (Hazy IPA, West Coast IPA, Brown Ale, Porter, Peach Lager, Honey Blonde), and collaborative co-branded beers such as the Famous Toastery Classic Cinnamon Roll Ale and SFC Blue Marlin Blonde Ale. Its product surface is rounded out by branded merchandise sold through a Shopify/Inksoft e-commerce storefront.

The business monetizes through three streams: packaged and draught beer wholesale to retail and on-premise accounts across six states (Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Maryland, Florida, West Virginia) via independent regional distributors; direct-to-consumer sales at two company-owned taprooms (Bristol, VA and Concord, NC); and a Signature Bar Program of four branded partnership venues (Cornelius NC, Clarksville TN, Nashville TN, Bristol TN) that function as experiential retail and event sites. The company operates with fewer than 10 employees, indicating a heavily outsourced and partner-driven operating model that relies on founder Michael Waltrip's NASCAR celebrity, motorsports sponsorships, and content properties under the parent Waltrip Brands platform for marketing reach rather than traditional media spend.

The customer base skews toward NASCAR and sports enthusiasts in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, with motorsports activations, driver sponsorships, and race-weekend programming serving as the primary demand-generation engine. Distribution is sourced through regional partners including Spriggs Distributing, United Carolina Beverages, and Caffey Distributing; the company has signaled continued capital needs through repeated SEC-exempt securities offerings, most recently a $5 million Form D filing in December 2025.

Name

Michael Waltrip Brewing Company

Legal name

Michael Waltrip Brewing Co.

Website

https://michaelwaltripbrewing.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Craft Beer

NAICS

Breweries (31212)

SIC

Malt Beverages (2082)

akta.pro primary industry

Beer Brewing & Brands (CRADAIAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Packaging & Production Breweries (Limited/No On-site Service) (THAFALAB), Taprooms & Brewpubs (CRANACAF)

Keywords

• Craft beer production
• Brewery taproom operations
• Beer distribution services
• Motorsports lifestyle branding
• Specialty ale brewing

Headquarters

HQ city

Phoenix

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Beer Sales - Retail: Sale of packaged beer (six packs) and draught beer through retail outlets including grocery stores, convenience stores, and package stores across six states
2. Beer Sales - On-Premise/Hospitality: Sale of draft and bottled beer through company-owned taprooms, signature bar partners, and restaurant/hospitality accounts
3. Merchandise Sales: Sale of branded merchandise including apparel through the company's e-commerce storefront (powered by Inksoft/Shopify)

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Michael Waltrip Brewing Company produces and sells a portfolio of craft beers led by flagship Talladega Light lager (4.2% ABV) and Bristol Sunshine Tangerine Ale (4.5% ABV), along with specialty and collaborative releases such as The Big One double lager, Famous Toastery Classic Cinnamon Roll Ale, and SFC Blue Marlin Blonde Ale. The company also operates hospitality venues including company-owned taprooms in Bristol VA and Concord NC, and four Michael Waltrip Signature Bar partner locations in North Carolina and Tennessee, serving consumers and on-premise accounts across six U.S. states.

Product overview

Michael Waltrip Brewing Company is a premium domestic beer and lifestyle brand founded in 2020 by two-time Daytona 500 Champion Michael Waltrip, along with sports executive Bryan R. Sperber and investor J. Glynn Gross. The company operates as a multi-faceted portfolio comprising three core product lines: (1) Signature Beers including Talladega Light lager, Bristol Sunshine Tangerine Ale, and The Big One double lager; (2) Specialty/Seasonal Beers including collaborations like the Famous Toastery Classic Cinnamon Roll Ale and SFC Blue Marlin Blonde Ale, plus rotating offerings like High Banx Hazy IPA, Governors Golden Ale, Two Time Honey Blonde Ale, 15 Southern Peach Ale, Slide Job West Coast IPA, Wheelman Brown Ale, and Thunder Valley Porter; and (3) Hospitality Operations including company-owned taprooms in Bristol, VA and Concord, NC, plus four Michael Waltrip Signature Bars at partner venues in Clarksville TN (Joe's Garage), Cornelius NC (Eleven Lakes Brewing), Nashville TN (Hank Williams Jr. Boogie Bar), and Bristol TN (Pins & Friends). The company distributes its beers in six states and maintains extensive motorsports sponsorships and partnerships.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Talladega Light A 4.2% ABV light lager marketed as an easy-drinking beer for casual social occasions including cooking out, race weekends, tailgating, and after-work gatherings.
• Bristol Sunshine Tangerine Ale A 4.5% ABV light ale brewed with gentle spicy citrus hops and notes of navel and mandarin orange peel, marketed as a year-round tailgate and race-day beer.
• The Big One An 8.0% ABV bold double lager (imperial pilsner) packed with flavor but light in body, named after the famous NASCAR multi-car crash.
• Famous Toastery Classic Cinnamon Roll Ale A 5.5% ABV collaborative ale with cinnamon and sweet vanilla balanced by malt character, inspired by Famous Toastery's signature cinnamon roll menu item.
• SFC Blue Marlin Blonde Ale A crisp American Blonde Ale with low bitterness and high drinkability, created in partnership with Sport Fishing Championship for beach and fishing occasions.
• High Banx Hazy IPA

Quantifiable outcome

• Six states distribution footprint achieved within approximately five years of founding

Named customers10 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Viking MotorsportsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 13 May 2026Partnership with Fast Stop Markets and Viking Motorsports for NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race weekend at Nashville Superspeedway. MWB serves as associate partner on No. 96 Chevrolet driven by Anthony Alfredo for Tennessee Lottery 250. Fast Stop collaborates with MWB to feature products across Tennessee locations during race week.
• Fast Stop MarketsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 13 May 2026Convenience store chain (owned by Highland Energy) partnership with Viking Motorsports and MWB for NASCAR Nashville race weekend. Fast Stop serves as associate partner on No. 99 Chevrolet driven by Parker Retzlaff. Fast Stop features MWB products across Tennessee locations during race week, connecting NASCAR fans with the brand.
• Todd CameronminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 13 April 2026Nashville-based country music artist joins as Brand Ambassador. Todd Cameron (1,500+ shows, opened for Florida Georgia Line, Chase Rice, Jake Owen, Riley Green) will represent MWB on stage and through collaborative content creation. MWB will promote Cameron's music endeavors. Cameron featured in upcoming Michael Waltrip Country Music Spotlight series.
• Costner Motorsports / Caleb CostnercoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 7 April 2026Associate sponsorship of No. 93 Costner Motorsports NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series entry for North Carolina Education Lottery 200 at Charlotte Motor Speedway (May 22). Caleb Costner (NC native, first Truck Series season) has MWB and Lickety Lew's BBQ sauce on his truck. Expanded to Nashville Superspeedway race sponsorship with multi-brand partnership including Nashville Kats and Neighbors Nashville.
• Scott Klingler RacingminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 17 March 2026Drag racing sponsorship program extension for 2026 season. Klingler competes in 12 races including IHRA and NHRA events driving 2019 302 CID 50th Anniversary COPO Camaro. Team competes in Factory Stock and Super Stock categories. Fan engagement events include Severna Park Taphouse appearance.
• Tommy D'Angelo RacingminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 2 March 2026Fifth consecutive year of sponsorship extension through 2026 racing season. D'Angelo competes in 850HP Super Big Block Modifieds after 2024 rookie season success. Sponsorship features social media campaigns and brand awareness efforts on northeast dirt tracks.
• Pins & FriendscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 18 February 2026Michael Waltrip Signature Bar at Pins & Friends (duckpin bowling entertainment venue) in Bristol TN. Features MWB flagship beers including Bristol Sunshine Tangerine Ale and Talladega Light, plus specialty/seasonal/limited releases. Hosted Tony Schumacher Night, World Footbrake Challenge kickoff party, and Bristol race week events. Soft opening during Daytona 500 weekend; official grand opening during NASCAR Food City 500 race week April 2026.
• Eleven Lakes Brewing CompanycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2026Fourth Michael Waltrip Signature Bar location at Eleven Lakes Brewing in Cornelius NC. Joint venture featuring racing memorabilia from Michael Waltrip's personal collection, limited edition beers, unique merchandise, and one-of-a-kind events. Guests can sample and purchase Talladega Light, Bristol Sunshine Tangerine Ale, The Big One, and rotating specialty beers.
• Hank Williams Jr. Boogie Bar on BroadwaycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2026Michael Waltrip Signature Bar location on third floor of Hank Williams Jr. Boogie Bar in Nashville TN. Features MWB flagship beers including Bristol Sunshine Tangerine Ale and Talladega Light.
• Lickety Lew's BOO YOW SauceminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Sponsor of Costner Motorsports with branding on Caleb Costner's NASCAR truck alongside MWB. Co-presented events at Eleven Lakes Signature Bar launch, serving fresh BBQ rib sandwiches for fans.
• Nashville KatscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Michael Waltrip (through Waltrip Brands and MWB) joins ownership group of Arena Football One franchise. Partnership creates opportunities for crossover promotions, live events, hospitality experiences, and fan-focused activations. MWB integrations throughout Kats events including race weekend activations and community appearances.
• Neighbors NashvilleminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2026Regional sports bar chain (five locations) owned by former NFL player Zach Piller and wife Victoria. Adds Bristol Sunshine Tangerine Blonde Ale to lineup, targeting passionate sports and NASCAR fans.
• United Carolina BeveragescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2026Distribution partner for North Carolina expansion to Greater Charlotte and Greensboro markets. Leading Molan Coors network distribution company distributes MWB's signature beers to retailers, restaurants, and bars. Charlotte and Greensboro are top five NASCAR TV markets.
• Caffey DistributingcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2026Distribution partner for North Carolina expansion to Greater Charlotte and Greensboro markets. Part of Molan Coors network distributing MWB beers to retail and on-premise accounts.
• Sport Fishing Championship (SFC)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Promotional partnership encompassing media, promotion, and collaborative beer launch. Partnership includes development of unique content featuring Michael Waltrip and SFC competitors, active social media programming, and co-branded SFC Blue Marlin Blonde Ale debuting at Atlantic Division Championship in August 2025. Waltrip Brands platform connects brands, athletes, fans, and consumers through authentic storytelling.
• Famous ToasterycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Partnership to launch first-of-its-kind breakfast-inspired beer (Classic Cinnamon Roll Ale) leveraging Famous Toastery's signature menu item. Rollout begins at select Famous Toastery locations and limited key retailers. Partnership extends into branded merchandise and limited-edition collaborations around 'brunch beer' concept, positioning both brands at intersection of food culture and craft beverage innovation.
• Waltrip BrandscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Parent multi-faceted brand platform company founded by two-time Daytona 500 Champion Michael Waltrip and sports business executive Bryan R. Sperber. Holdings in sports, consumer products, hospitality & franchising, and media & entertainment. Connects brands, athletes, fans, and consumers through authentic storytelling and strategic partnerships.
• Shelby's Trio / Joe's GaragecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Michael Waltrip Signature Bar at Joe's Garage (first floor of Shelby's Trio) in Clarksville TN. Features MWB flagship beers including Bristol Sunshine Tangerine Ale, Talladega Light, Governors Golden Ale, plus specialty/seasonal/limited releases. Hosts major race watch parties, themed events, exclusive merchandise, and full sports entertainment experience centered on racing culture.
• Duck River Raceway ParkminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Promotional partnership with 1/4 mile dirt track in Wheel TN. MWB provides social media promotion, content creation featuring Michael Waltrip, and in-market activation. Track introduces fans to Talladega Light and Bristol Sunshine Tangerine Ale at on-site concessions.
• Spriggs DistributingcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Charleston-based distributor for West Virginia expansion - introduces MWB beer line to state for first time. Distributes Talladega Light lager and Bristol Sunshine Tangerine Ale in six packs and draught to retailers, restaurants, and bars statewide.
• Waltrip Media GroupminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Produces original content series including Michael Waltrip Country Music Spotlight featuring brand ambassador Todd Cameron. Waltrip Brands subsidiary providing media and entertainment content capabilities.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• Bold Rock Hard Cider: Virginia/North Carolina-based regional craft beverage brand with taprooms and multi-state distribution. Comparable as a VA/NC-headquartered craft beverage company competing for similar shelf space and on-premise accounts, though in cider rather than beer.
• Highland Brewing Company: Asheville, North Carolina-based regional craft brewery with taproom and Southeast distribution. Comparable as a regional craft competitor in MWB's core Carolinas/Tennessee markets with similar scale and on-premise/retail distribution mix.
• Karbach Brewing Company: Houston-based regional craft brewery owned by Anheuser-Busch, distributing across Texas and select Southern markets. Comparable as a regional craft competitor of similar scale pursuing multi-state Southern distribution, though better capitalized.
• Cigar City Brewing: Tampa, Florida-based regional craft brewery with statewide Florida distribution and Southeast reach. Comparable as a craft competitor in MWB's Florida distribution geography with similar taproom-plus-distribution business model.

Direct peers

• SweetWater Brewing Company: Atlanta-based craft brewery with regional Southeast distribution and lifestyle-brand positioning (outdoor/culture-led marketing). Similar capital-light regional distribution model and similar scale of multi-state craft footprint competing in overlapping markets.
• Starr Hill Brewery: Virginia-originated regional craft brewery with distribution across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. Comparable in scale and footprint, with shared competition for tap handles and shelf space in Virginia and the Carolinas.
• Devils Backbone Brewing Company: Virginia-based regional craft brewery (Roseland, VA) operating a production brewery and multiple taprooms. Directly comparable as a VA-headquartered craft brewer with similar regional distribution model and on-premise/retail mix competing in MWB's core Virginia/Tennessee geography.

Broad incumbents

• Athletic Brewing Company: Connecticut-based leading craft brewery with national distribution and a lifestyle-brand positioning (active/outdoor consumer). Comparable as a lifestyle-positioned craft brewery competing for similar occasions and consumer mindset, though at significantly greater scale and distribution.
• New Belgium Brewing Company: Fort Collins, Colorado-based craft brewery (owned by Kirin/Lion) with national distribution and lifestyle-brand positioning. Comparable as a craft incumbent with established multi-state distribution and experiential marketing, competing for the same broad craft consumer.
• Lagunitas Brewing Company: Petaluma, California-based craft brewery owned by Heineken with national distribution. Comparable as a craft incumbent with broad geographic reach and lifestyle marketing, competing for national craft beer occasions and shelf space.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/WaltripBrewing
• Facebookfacebook.com/MWBCo
• Instagraminstagram.com/waltripbrewing

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds4 records

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Michael Waltrip Brewing Company