Ofgang: The Brewer Who Quit Alcohol Created Connecticut's First Non-Alc THC Brew

A New Era in Craft Beverages

For over 15 years, Gordon Whelpley had a dream of opening his own brewery. To prepare for this goal, he immersed himself in the brewing world by working at various breweries across Connecticut and beyond. His experience included stints at Magic Hat Brewing Company in Vermont, Stony Creek Brewery in Branford, and Twelve Percent Beer Project in North Haven. These experiences helped him refine his brewing skills and even led him to study the science of brewing at UC San Diego. He became a respected figure in the Connecticut brewing scene and later worked as an adjunct instructor of brewing science at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield.

However, when it came time to turn his dream into reality, Whelpley noticed that the industry was changing. Many breweries were struggling to stay afloat, as consumer preferences shifted. People were drinking less beer and turning to other options like cocktails, spiked seltzers, non-alcoholic (NA) brews, and THC-infused beverages. In Connecticut, these new products are now legal and can be sold at package stores with proper permits.

Whelpley recognized these trends firsthand. About two years ago, he decided to stop drinking alcohol due to its impact on his sleep. This change led him to discover the growing market for non-alcoholic beers, which he found to be both refreshing and enjoyable. Inspired by this shift, he began exploring the possibility of combining NA brews with THC, creating a unique beverage that still had the hop-forward flavors of traditional beer.

His journey eventually led him to consult on THC beverages, working with brands like CANN, which offers THC-infused tonics. With the support of friends and co-founders, Whelpley launched Float House this spring from a 6,000-square-foot production facility in Windsor. The team includes Joe Duplinsky, Jon Lafrenaye, and Jared Emerling, each bringing their own expertise in finance, science, and marketing. Together, they share a passion for brewing and a vision for evolving the craft beverage landscape.

“For us, it's an evolution of the dream of opening your own brewery,” says Emerling. “But it's for a modern consumer with modern and evolving needs. And so what Float House is doing is evolving the beverage we love.”

Float House is the first THC brew to be offered in Connecticut and one of only a few national brands in this space. Due to legal restrictions, the product cannot be called a “beer,” but it closely resembles a non-alcoholic beer in taste and experience. THC beverages have gained significant traction in the industry, offering a faster onset of effects compared to edibles—usually within 10 minutes—and shorter duration. Dosage varies widely, but in Connecticut, the maximum allowed is three milligrams, aligning with Float House’s philosophy of providing an accessible entry point for consumers.

“Our long-term thought is that as the consumer gains awareness that this is even a possibility, this entry level, low dose is much more approachable,” Whelpley explains. “If you've got a brownie story or edible story in your past that's kept you away from dabbling, this is an easy, floaty entrance into a really wonderful category.”

Emerling adds that individual reactions to THC can vary, so the team encourages users to start low and go slow. Each person’s experience may differ, and those who want more THC can consume additional servings in a shorter amount of time.

Float House launched with two flavors: the Float House THC IPA and the Float House THC Lite, a crisp-lager style brew. Both offer strong non-alcoholic characteristics with smooth, easy-to-drink flavors and minimal tea-like aftertaste. While I didn’t detect a noticeable THC flavor, I did notice a subtle bitterness that could be attributed to hops rather than the infusion process itself. The experience was relaxing, and I’m looking forward to trying more offerings from Float House.

The team is also planning to expand their range, including fruit smoothies inspired by the recent smoothie beer trend. They hope to explore other types of THC infusions in the future.

Currently, THC beverages cannot be sold for on-premise consumption in Connecticut, meaning they can’t be ordered at bars or restaurants. However, the team is optimistic about potential changes in the future. If laws allow, they may introduce a taproom experience. For now, they’re excited about the innovative combination of brewing and THC.

“This is super fun, because we get to explore and play with all these different brew styles that we love, just with a fun twist on it,” Whelpley says.