Casamigos founders George Clooney and Rande Gerber are onto their next venture. The duo sold their tequila company for $1 billion to Diageo in 2017 with their business partner Mike Medlman, and are focused on a new time of brew.
News has spread that George Clooney is launching a non-alcoholic beer with partner Rande Gerber and Meldman in March. The non-boozy brand seems to have a similar origin story to Casamigos, which was created when Clooney and Gerber were neighbors with matching Mexican retreats.
“If you asked us four years ago if we had a billion dollar company, I don’t think we would have said yes. This reflects Diageo’s belief in our company and our belief in Diageo. But we’re not going anywhere. We’ll still be very much a part of Casamigos. Starting with a shot tonight. Maybe two,” Clooney told CNBC at the time.
Their next venture seems to be just as promising. Over the past couple of years, there has been a rise in non-alcoholic beer and cocktails. It’s been reported that sales of non-alcoholic beer, as well as wine and spirits, surged 26% over the past year to top $800 million in the US, according to research.
It’s so popular that even the Super Bowl started carrying more non-alcoholic beer in preparation. With that being said, George Clooney and Rande Gerber seem to be on the right path for a good profit.
“Rande, George and Mike didn’t disappear into retirement — they leaned into the life they’ve always lived,” the description reads, per Page Six. “Between bike trips and late-night laughs, they have been quietly crafting something new: a non-alcoholic beer made for real friends, by real friends and the freedom to wake up ready for whatever comes next.”
While they didn’t talk about what inspired them to work on this project, the boom in non-alcoholic beer might be a reason. Though Clooney, who recently starred in a Broadway play, Good Night, and Good Luck, revealed that he abstained from alcohol during rehearsals and performances.
Clooney revealed to Esquire that “alcohol affects your voice and your sleep,” adding that he treated it like being an athlete. He stayed sober for around six months, preparing for the play and staging it. Perhaps that was his inspiration for wanting to give non-alcoholic beverages a chance.
Either way, sober or sober curious drinkers out there will be delighted to know that this release should be coming in March 2026, so keep your eyes out for their upcoming launch.