What Ghostfish does

Ghostfish Brewing Company operates a dedicated gluten-free craft brewery in Seattle, Washington, producing 100% of its products in a facility that does not allow gluten-containing ingredients on premises. The brewery uses naturally gluten-free grains—malted millet, buckwheat, brown rice, sorghum, and certified gluten-free oats—to produce a portfolio of eight flagship beers plus seasonal releases and a non-alcoholic hop seltzer sub-brand called Ghostfizz. Its primary customer base consists of consumers managing celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or wheat allergies, alongside craft beer drinkers seeking alternative grain profiles; the dedicated-facility positioning distinguishes Ghostfish from competitors who produce gluten-containing beer on shared equipment and rely on enzymatic removal.

Revenue is generated through a multi-channel go-to-market. Direct-to-consumer sales flow from a Seattle taproom and online shipping limited to Washington and DC. Wholesale distribution reaches 25 US states plus Alberta, Canada, and the UK through regional distributors such as BevMo! in California and George's Distributing in Montana. On-premise draft placements span three major Pacific Northwest sports venues: Lumen Field, T-Mobile Park, and Cheney Stadium. Ancillary revenue comes from merchandise (price range $3–$62), gift cards, and annual VIP memberships priced at $100–$200, which provide recurring-revenue mechanics uncommon in craft beer. Wholesale pricing is set at $55–$96 per 24-can case across the portfolio.

Strategically, Ghostfish has compounded geographic reach from 17 US states in 2021 to 25 in 2025, added an international market in the UK, and accumulated three Great American Beer Festival gold medals (Watchstander Stout in 2015 and 2021; It Came From the Haze in 2023). The company is privately held, employs 11–50 people, was founded circa 2015 by Brian Thiel and Randall Schroeder, and self-identifies as the largest dedicated gluten-free craft brewery in the United States by volume.

Name

Ghostfish

Legal name

Ghostfish Brewing Company

Website

https://ghostfishbrewing.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Ghostfish Brewing Company is a Seattle-based craft brewery producing award-winning dedicated gluten-free beer from naturally gluten-free grains, serving celiac and gluten-intolerant consumers, distributed across 25 US states, Alberta, and the UK.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Seattle

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Beer Sales - Taproom: On-premise draft and canned beer sales at company taproom in Seattle SODO district, including flagships, seasonals, and limited releases. Also serves food from dedicated gluten-free kitchen.
2. Beer Sales - E-commerce Shipping: Direct-to-consumer online beer sales shipped to Washington state and District of Columbia residents. Orders shipped within 48 hours Monday through Friday.
3. Beer Sales - Wholesale Distribution: Wholesale distribution through regional partners including George's Distributing (Montana) and California Beverage Company (BevMo!). Distribution to retail locations in 25 U.S. states and Alberta, Canada.
4. Keg-to-Go Service: Keg rental for events with 1/6, 1/4, and 1/2 barrel sizes available. $100 refundable keg deposit and $60 refundable tap deposit required. 60-day return policy.
5. Merchandise Sales: Branded merchandise including flannel shirts, hoodies, t-shirts, hats, glassware, growlers, socks, dog toys, and stickers sold through online store and taproom.
6. Gift Cards: Physical and digital gift cards available in denominations from $25-$300 (physical) and $5-$500 (digital). For taproom use only.
7. VIP Membership Program: Silver ($100) and Gold ($200) annual membership tiers offering growler fills, discounts on pours, branded glassware, and exclusive access to limited releases.
8. Ghostfizz Non-Alcoholic Hop Seltzer: Non-alcoholic hop-infused sparkling water in Blood Orange flavor. All-natural ingredients: water, hops, citric acid. No calories, carbs, sugar, caffeine, or gluten. Sold in 6-packs with free shipping to contiguous U.S.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Ghostfish Brewing Company produces award-winning, 100% dedicated gluten-free craft beer using naturally gluten-free ancient grains such as malted millet, buckwheat, brown rice, and sorghum instead of traditional barley and wheat. The company sells its beer through a company-owned Seattle taproom and restaurant with a dedicated gluten-free kitchen, direct-to-consumer e-commerce shipping to Washington state and District of Columbia residents, and wholesale distribution across 25 U.S. states and Alberta, Canada. Ghostfish also produces Ghostfizz, a non-alcoholic hop-infused sparkling water seltzer.

Product overview

Ghostfish Brewing Company is a dedicated gluten-free craft brewery based in Seattle, Washington, producing a portfolio of beer products and non-alcoholic beverages. The core offering consists of eight flagship year-round beers (Grapefruit IPA, Kick Step IPA, Vanishing Point Pale Ale, Meteor Shower Pale Lager, Shrouded Summit Belgian White Ale, Watchstander Stout, Peak Buster Double IPA, and It Came from the Haze Hazy IPA) sold in 12oz and 16oz cans, plus seasonal and limited releases. The company also produces Ghostfizz, a non-alcoholic hop-flavored seltzer. Ghostfish operates a taproom and restaurant in Seattle's SODO district with a 100% gluten-free kitchen, and offers ancillary services including keg reservations, direct shipping to Washington and D.C., gift cards, and VIP membership programs. Merchandise includes apparel, glassware, and accessories sold through the online store.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Ghostfizz: Non-alcoholic, hop-infused sparkling water (hop seltzer) from Ghostfish Brewing Company. Made with water, hops, and citric acid. Available in Blood Orange flavor. No alcohol, calories, carbs, sugar, sweeteners, caffeine, or gluten.

Products and services

• Grapefruit IPA Year-round flagship American IPA brewed with Cascade and Horizon hops and dry-hopped with Altus hops codenamed 'Experimental Grapefruit'; features prominent citrus and grapefruit flavors at ABV 5.5%, IBU 85. Sold as case of 24 12oz cans for $55.96.
• Kick Step IPA Year-round flagship classic Northwest-style IPA collaboration with The Mountaineers; golden color with complex hop aromas of citrus, mango, and pine. ABV 5.5%, IBU 60. Sold as case of 24 12oz cans for $59.94.
• Vanishing Point Pale Ale Year-round flagship American Pale Ale with caramel and biscuit malt flavors balanced with classic American hop aromas of stone fruit and citrus. ABV 5.3%, IBU 45.
• Meteor Shower Pale Lager Year-round flagship easy-drinking, crisp pale lager with Pilsner-like finish featuring melon and sweet rice aromas alongside Perle hops. ABV 4.5%, IBU 18.
• Shrouded Summit Belgian White Ale Year-round flagship Belgian-style witbier brewed without wheat or barley, using malted millet, buckwheat, and rice; features juniper, citrus, banana, clove, and sweet orange aromatics. ABV 4.5%, IBU 20.
• Watchstander Stout Year-round flagship gluten-free stout made with roasted millet, buckwheat, brown rice, and certified gluten-free oats; features coffee, toasted marshmallow, and chocolate flavors. ABV 6.5%, IBU 30. 2X GABF Gold Medal winner (2015, 2021).
• Peak Buster Double IPA Year-round flagship Double IPA loaded with Summit, Azacca, Centennial, and Eureka hops on a foundation of malted rice, millet, and buckwheat; features passionfruit, mango, and pine hop flavors. ABV 8%, IBU 95.
• It Came from the Haze Hazy IPA Year-round flagship Hazy IPA with strong pineapple and papaya notes, full-bodied with slight resinous, dank, grassy notes; uses Palisade Cryo, El Dorado, and Idaho 7 hops. 2023 GABF Gold Medal winner. ABV 6%, IBU 47.
• Gosefish Hibiscus-Cranberry Gose Annual summer seasonal Gose-style beer accented with cranberry and hibiscus; pours deep rose with moderate acidity. Made with millet, buckwheat, rice, and Perle hops. ABV 4.5%, IBU 8.
• Ghostfizz Hop Seltzer Non-alcoholic, hop-infused sparkling water seltzer with all-natural ingredients (water, hops, citric acid). Contains no alcohol, calories, carbs, sugar, sweeteners, caffeine, or gluten. Currently available in Blood Orange flavor; ships as (2) 6-packs with free shipping to contiguous U.S.
• Taproom and Restaurant Family-friendly taproom and restaurant in Seattle's SODO district featuring a 100% gluten-free dedicated kitchen with full food menu, weekend brunch, happy hour, and rotating draft selection including flagships, seasonals, and guest ciders/seltzers. Indoor and covered outdoor seating available.
• Kegs-to-Go Service

Quantifiable outcome

• Watchstander Stout won 2 Gold Medals at the Great American Beer Festival (2015, 2021)
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 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

Feature3 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• George's DistributingcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 22 March 2021Montana distribution partner bringing Ghostfish flagship beers (Grapefruit IPA, Vanishing Point Pale Ale, Shrouded Summit Belgian White, Kick Step IPA, Meteor Shower Pale Lager, Peak Buster Double IPA, Watchstander Stout) and seasonal releases to retailers throughout Montana.
• California Beverage Company (BevMo!)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 17 March 2021California distribution partner for Ghostfish beers through BevMo! retail locations. Three flagship beers available: Grapefruit IPA, Peak Buster Double IPA, and Watchstander Stout.
• Grouse Malting Co.coreOthersSupplier of malted gluten-free grains based in Wellington, CO. Produces gluten-free malts in dedicated gluten-free facilities.
• Colorado Malting Co.coreOthersSupplier of malted gluten-free grains based in Alamosa, CO. Produces gluten-free malts in dedicated gluten-free facilities.
• Miller MaltingcoreOthersSupplier of malted gluten-free grains based in Cascade, Iowa. Produces gluten-free malts in dedicated gluten-free facilities.
• Eckert Malting Co.coreOthersSupplier of malted gluten-free grains based in Chico, CA. Produces gluten-free malts in dedicated gluten-free facilities.
• Skagit Valley MaltingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership with Washington State University's The Breadlab and Ghostfish to modify malting machines for 100% gluten-free buckwheat processing. Supplier of specialty buckwheat malt with strict batch testing from third parties.
• FermentiscoreOthersYeast supplier. Yeasts are certified gluten-free with no gluten ingredients used in their facility.
• Washington State University The BreadlabminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic research partner in strategic partnership with Skagit Valley Malting and Ghostfish for developing gluten-free buckwheat malting capabilities.
• Red Cedar FarmminorOthersSupplier of hardy kiwi berries from Poulsbo, WA for use in seasonal wild ale releases like Inosculation Wild Ale.
• The MountaineersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative partner for Kick Step IPA beer development, built on spirit of wonder and sense of adventure.
• Lumen FieldminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSeattle stadium venue partnership for on-premise Ghostfish beer sales at Beer Grab & Go stands.
• T-Mobile ParkminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSeattle baseball stadium venue partnership for on-premise Ghostfish beer sales at suites, Press Club, Diamond Club, and select sections.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Glutenberg: Canadian dedicated gluten-free craft brewery offering IPAs, stouts, and other styles brewed without barley or wheat. Closest direct peer to Ghostfish in mission, grain selection, and product positioning.
• New Planet Beer: US dedicated gluten-free craft brewery producing a portfolio of ales and lagers brewed with alternative grains. Comparable in niche focus, craft positioning, and use of sorghum and other non-traditional grains.
• Ground Breaker Brewing: Portland-based dedicated gluten-free craft brewery using chestnut, millet, and other ancient grains. Direct peer in dedicated-facility GF production for craft consumers with celiac or gluten sensitivity.
• Holidaily Brewing Company: Colorado-based dedicated gluten-free craft brewery producing IPAs, stouts, and saisons from millet, buckwheat, and rice. Highly comparable in production philosophy and target consumer.

Broad incumbents

• Omission Brewing (Craft Brew Alliance): Craft Brew Alliance's gluten-removed craft beer line distributed nationally via AB InBev's network. Competitor in the gluten-free beer category but backed by substantially larger brewing, marketing, and distribution capabilities.
• Redbridge (Anheuser-Busch InBev): AB InBev's dedicated gluten-free sorghum-based beer brand. Competes for the same celiac and gluten-sensitive consumer, with vastly superior national distribution and shelf access.
• Boston Beer Company (Samuel Adams): Large US craft brewer with national distribution and a broad styles portfolio. Comparable as a mainstream craft competitor seeking the same on-premise and retail placements.
• Stone Brewing: Large California-based craft brewery with national distribution, large brewpubs, and a strong IPAs portfolio. Comparable as a larger craft competitor contesting regional taproom and stadium partnerships.

Regional players

• Fremont Brewing: Seattle-based craft brewery operating a taproom and broad distribution across the Pacific Northwest. Comparable in geography, scale, and Seattle taproom model, though not gluten-free specialized.
• Deschutes Brewery: Oregon-based craft brewery with Pacific Northwest distribution, public house, and broad year-round and seasonal portfolio. Comparable as a PNW craft competitor for taproom traffic and regional shelf space.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/GhostfishBrewingCompany
• Instagraminstagram.com/ghostfishbrewco
• Xx.com/GhostfishBrewCO

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

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 Ghostfish