Beyond the Brewery: Reinventing What We Drink

In the heart of Maine, Alan Lapoint isn’t just building a brand—he’s leading a movement toward choice, quality, and celebration. With over three decades in manufacturing and a passion for creative problem-solving, Alan has expanded Hop the Wave from a bold concept into a trusted name in THC and CBD beverages. To Alan, this is far more than a business—it’s an invitation to enjoy life differently, while remaining rooted in quality and innovation.

Starting with a Legacy: Building Strainrite and Beyond

Alan’s journey didn’t begin with THC beverages. His foundation was laid in a different industry, one that required intense attention to detail: manufacturing. As the President and CEO of The Strainrite Companies, Alan developed his expertise in liquid filtration—a sector that taught him the value of precision, quality, and consistency. “In manufacturing, every detail matters,” Alan says. “You don’t get a second chance with quality. That same philosophy guides everything we do at Hop the Wave.”

Alongside Strainrite, Alan ventured into other businesses, each one an opportunity to create something impactful. He founded New England Non-Wovens, a high-performance textile manufacturer, and acquired 1820 Brewing Company, one of the earliest craft breweries in the U.S. For Alan, each business is a chance to bring quality and creativity to the forefront. “I’ve always been driven by the challenge of building something that lasts,” he explains.

From Craft Beer to Functional Beverages

With 1820 Brewing Company, Alan embraced the creative side of brewing. His acquisition of the brewery was more than a business move; it was an entry into the world of craft beer, where he could experiment and innovate. “Craft brewing offered us a way to connect with people, to create experiences,” he shares. As he observed consumer trends shifting, Alan saw a growing demand for non-alcoholic options. This inspired him to expand 1820 Brewing’s offerings to include non-alcoholic beers, catering to those who wanted the taste and experience of beer without the alcohol.

But the evolution didn’t stop there. As the cannabis beverage industry emerged, Alan recognized another opportunity to meet the needs of an evolving consumer base. “The cannabis beverage space was just starting to take off, and I saw potential,” he says. “We’re in a time where people want choices. They want to enjoy their evening with something that suits them, whether that’s a craft beer, a THC-infused seltzer, or a mocktail.”

Crafting a New Kind of Celebration

With Hop the Wave, Alan’s mission is clear: to create a beverage experience that allows people to celebrate life on their own terms. “It’s all about choice,” he says. “We want people to have the freedom to enjoy life as they see fit, whether that means a hemp-infused tea, a non-alcoholic beer, or a traditional IPA.” Hop the Wave products range from D9-infused iced teas to refreshing mocktails, all designed to fit the diverse lifestyles of today’s consumers.

Unlike some brands that focus solely on THC, Hop the Wave embraces variety. The lineup includes hemp-derived D9 and CBD products as well as non-alcoholic options, catering to everyone from the “sober curious” to those who simply want a low-dose beverage experience. “We’re not here to push one type of product; we’re here to offer people the choice to celebrate however they want,” Alan explains.

Setting a Gold Standard for Quality and Safety

Alan’s background in manufacturing and his commitment to quality control shape everything at Hop the Wave. “Food safety isn’t negotiable,” he emphasizes. At Strainrite, Alan and his team developed expertise in pharmaceutical-grade processing, giving him the tools to implement rigorous safety standards in his beverage production. Hop the Wave relies on tunnel pasteurization—a method that preserves freshness without adding preservatives. “It’s more costly, but it’s the right way to do it,” Alan says. “For us, it’s not just about getting products on the shelf. It’s about ensuring they’re safe, stable, and taste great.”

Every batch produced by Hop the Wave goes through extensive testing, including microbial studies and stability assessments. This isn’t a one-time process; Alan’s team conducts these tests with every new batch, ensuring consistency and quality across all products. “In the long run, quality is what people remember,” Alan states. “If our products don’t meet the highest standards, they don’t go out.”

The Flexibility to Adapt and Innovate

What sets Hop the Wave apart isn’t just the product lineup—it’s Alan’s dedication to flexibility. In an industry where trends change fast, Hop the Wave is built to adapt. Unlike traditional beverage companies that optimize for one type of production, Alan has designed his facility to be versatile. “We can pivot quickly,” he says. “Whether it’s a THC-infused tea, a raspberry mocktail, or something completely new, we’re equipped to respond to what the market wants.”

Alan’s foresight extends to the equipment his company invests in. For example, the team has a specialized carton machine that can handle different packaging formats, allowing them to explore a range of product types and packaging styles. “We’re prepared for whatever comes next,” Alan explains. “This flexibility isn’t just a business strategy; it’s our commitment to being there for our customers no matter how their tastes evolve.”

Transparency and Education in a New Market

For many consumers, hemp-derived D9 products are still a new concept. Alan understands the importance of educating consumers on what they’re buying. “Transparency is crucial,” he says. “People deserve to know exactly what’s in their drink.” To address this, every can of Hop the Wave includes a QR code, allowing customers to access detailed lab results for each batch.

But the education doesn’t stop there. Alan and his team also focus on educating customers about responsible consumption. “When someone tries one of our THC-infused beverages, we recommend they wait about 20 minutes to feel the effects,” Alan shares. “Some people need just one can; others might enjoy two or three.” For Hop the Wave, responsible drinking isn’t just a suggestion—it’s part of their brand ethos.

Challenges and Rewards in Scaling a Beverage Brand

Alan acknowledges that building a brand like Hop the Wave is entirely different from his work in industrial manufacturing. In manufacturing, consistency and reliability are key, but in consumer products, trends and preferences shift constantly. “Consumer tastes are unpredictable, and that’s what makes this industry so exciting,” Alan says. “But it also means we have to be ready to pivot at a moment’s notice.”

To prepare for the unexpected, Alan’s team focuses on scalability without sacrificing flexibility. They’ve invested in versatile equipment that can handle different product formats, from standard cans to unique packaging options. “We’re here for the long haul, so we’re building a system that can evolve with the market,” he explains. This adaptability is at the heart of Hop the Wave’s strategy, allowing the brand to keep up with trends and reach a wider audience.

Alan’s Picks Beyond Hop the Wave

When Alan isn’t enjoying a Hop the Wave product, he loves exploring the growing mocktail scene. “There’s something really exciting about mocktails,” he says. “Some of them taste so close to a cocktail, it’s hard to believe there’s no alcohol.” Alan’s favorites include brands like Long Coast and Elevado, both of which offer creative flavors and textures that capture the essence of a cocktail without the alcohol. “It’s a great reminder that people are always looking for new ways to enjoy themselves,” he adds.

Looking to the Future

With Hop the Wave, Alan is redefining what it means to celebrate. His vision is rooted in choice, quality, and flexibility, making Hop the Wave a brand that people can rely on, whether they’re looking for a hemp-infused drink or a refreshing mocktail. “We’re here to give people options,” he says. “In today’s world, that’s more important than ever.”

As Alan looks to the future, he’s excited about the possibilities for growth. “People’s preferences are constantly changing, and we’re here to evolve with them,” he says. From the production line to the can in your hand, Hop the Wave represents a new wave of celebration, driven by Alan’s commitment to quality, transparency, and choice.