Today we’d like to introduce you to Adam Kost.
Hi Adam, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I am a 20-year beverage industry veteran whose resume spans global alcohol companies and local start-up businesses.
My life-long love for service led him to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from Johnson and Wales University in Providence, RI. He later earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin.
I have always had a passion for the beverage industry and have worked as a Beverage Director for Marriott, followed by a seven-year stint at Heineken USA. I supported Dos Equis’ “Most Interesting Man in the World” campaign and product innovation there.
I continued my career building beverage brands with Pernod Ricard working on products like Jameson Irish Whiskey, Kahlua, Malibu Rum, and The Glenlivet, and later took roles within AB Inbev’s ZX-Ventures and led marketing efforts at Milestone Brands. I later served as the Head of Marketing for Waterloo Sparkling Water,
Following the sale of Waterloo, I started Kost Beverage Solutions to consult for developing CPG brands in 2021 and joined SKU as a startup advisor. Shortly thereafter, he took another giant leap, and Country Luau Spirits were born. I am eager to bring this new line of sparkling ready-to-drink cocktails to bars, venues, and coolers everywhere.
We all face challenges, but would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It is never a smooth road. Every day you wake up with a new challenge ahead of you. I am very fortunate to have surrounded myself with engaged partners and advisors who can quickly help me problem solve roadblocks.
The biggest challenge is choosing your partners correctly. The wrong partner or vendor can consume a lot of time and energy, thus making your overall business less profitable and productive.
As you know, we’re big fans of Country Luau Spirits. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
Country Luau is a purpose-driven line of ready-to-drink cocktail seltzers with premium spirits. Two percent of the brand’s sales are donated to nonprofit organizations that support musicians.
Inspired by the vibrant storytelling of country music and the inclusive, laid-back vibe of the luau, Country Luau’s warm and welcoming ethos is designed for those who take their cocktails seriously but not themselves. Each 12 oz can is highly sessionable (5% alc/volume) and contains only two grams of sugar and 100 calories. Flavors include tropical twists on classic profiles, such as:
– Strawberry Daq Shack — white rum, natural strawberry and lime flavors, sparkling water
– Yuzu Ranch Water — Blanco tequila, natural yuzu and lime flavors, sparkling water
– Mango Mosa — vodka, natural mango, orange and champagne flavors, sparkling water-
Pineapple Jalapen – Y’all — vodka, natural pineapple, and jalapeño flavors, sparkling water
Born in Nashville, Tennessee, Country Luau knows music is the heartbeat of any community. That’s why its Mixed for Music program invites artists to apply for grants annually.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.countryluau.com
- Instagram: @countryluauspirits
- Facebook: @countryluauspirits
Image Credits
Jane Yun
