High Rise is Charleston’s homegrown sip

Charleston knows a good sip when it finds one – and it has one right here in its hometown.

Founded in 2022, High Rise seltzers have been making waves across the city, earning a spot in more than 225 local bars, restaurants, and stores. With back-to-back Best of Charleston wins for Best Wellness Product and a growing list of accolades, it’s clear Charleston has embraced a better way to sip.

“High Rise isn’t just a drink,” said founder and CEO Matt Skinner of Charleston. “It’s a lifestyle. People want to feel good, stay present and enjoy the moment without the trade-offs.”

Skinner, who founded the Charleston Hemp Collective with wife Libiss in 2019, got into cannabis-friendly drinks in 2022 with the High Rise brand.

“We’re here for people who want to unwind without the regret, toast to good times without the crash and sip on something that actually supports how they want to feel,” he said. “It’s real ingredients, real balance and a better way to trink – no compromises, just good times.”

Among High Rise’s most popular flavors are Pineapple, Blueberry,and Blood Orange, each of which is made with real fruit and has a refreshing finish. As more people explore THC beverages, the company recently launched its new microdose line, answering the call for a lighter 3mg option. It is available exclusively online.

So what is High Rise like to drink?

“High Rise, made with real fruit, is seriously refreshing,” said High Rise Sales Manager Morgan Drake. It soothes and relaxes in healthful ways not associated with beer or other alcoholic drinks. It’s part of a wellness revolution in the beverage industry.

“THC seltzers are growing fast because they offer a clean, non-alcoholic way to unwind, whether you’re out with friends or just kicking back,” Drake said. “The cannabis provides a smooth, easygoing feel without the next-day regrets.

“There’s also a little wellness boost on the back end. If you’re looking for a better-for-you option or just something different, THC seltzers bring the best of both worlds – social, refreshing and easy to enjoy.”

The heart of High Rise is community

From day one, High Rise has been more than just a drink. It’s been a way to bring people together.

“Born in Charleston, we’ve always been about more than just selling a drink,” said Stephanie Zupek, vice president of brand at High Rise. “We’re here to enhance lives, introduce better options, and support the people who make this city what it is.”

That commitment to community is reflected in High Rise’s presence across Charleston. The brand is a fixture at Second Sunday on King Street, where locals and visitors gather to sip, shop, and connect.

In April, High Rise will be front and center at the Cooper River Bridge Run, with a dedicated vehicle following the lead female runner, capturing the energy of the race, and, of course, celebrating finishers with a refreshing sip at their mobile bar in Marion Square. (Wouldn’t you rather have a fruit-flavored drink with a little kick than an orange or dull banana?)

Beyond the streets, High Rise has made its mark on Charleston’s dining and nightlife scene. It’s stocked in more than 225 local bars, restaurants, and stores. The brand has also been a proud sponsor of events like the Best of Charleston celebration, where it’s taken home titles for Best Wellness Product (2023, 2024) and Best Non-Alcoholic Beverage (2024) — and it’s again in the running for multiple awards this year.

And while Charleston is home to the brand, High Rise has been making waves far beyond the Lowcountry. It has partnered with Sony Nashville, bringing its refreshing seltzers to some of the biggest country music events, including the CMA Awards and the Key West Songwriters Festival. It’s also tapped into the wellness world, fueling movement and recovery at the Runningman Festival in Georgia, where fitness and balance go hand in hand. Whether it’s sharing a sip with runners, music lovers or wellness enthusiasts, High Rise is proving that a better way to drink is catching on—one can at a time.

High Rise is gaining traction

What started as a Charleston favorite is now showing up on shelves — and in coolers and refrigerators — across the country. High Rise is stocked in bars, restaurants and retailers throughout the South, plus in states like Arizona, Illinois, Connecticut and Texas. And with nationwide shipping, it’s easier than ever for new fans to discover what the buzz (and balance) is all about.

And it’s not just where High Rise is going, it’s who’s sipping. While younger drinkers were early adopters, drawn to its clean ingredients and feel-good vibes, more and more customers across generations are finding their own reasons to crack open a can. Some reach for it as an alcohol alternative, others as a post-workout treat or a way to unwind at the end of the day.

“The appeal is expanding,” said Zupek. “Whether it’s about wellness, curiosity, or just wanting a better-tasting option, High Rise is finding its way into more hands and more moments.

And the best part? We’re just getting started. With fresh innovations on the horizon — including something for those looking for a little more — there’s plenty more to sip, savor, and get excited about.”

Want to see what the sip is all about? Through the end of March, get $5 back instantly when you order a High Rise or High Rise mocktail at participating bars and restaurants. Or, if you’re stocking your fridge, get $7 back on online purchases. Just upload your receipt to Saveonhighrise.com to claim.