It’s time for another round of Thirsty Thursday, where we try a mystery drink from a piece of branded drinkware and give you our honest reactions along the way.
This week, Claire Bowman, Briar Swigert, and Kirby Hasseman gathered around the table for another taste test—and this one ended up being a pretty big win across the board.
Let’s break it down.
The Drink: Juicy ASAP IPA
The mystery drink for this episode was the Juicy ASAP IPA from Saucy Brew Works.
If you’re an IPA fan, you know the category can sometimes lean a little too bitter. That wasn’t the case here. The Juicy ASAP IPA delivered exactly what the name promises—a smooth, juicy IPA that was easy to drink and full of flavor.
The verdict from the crew? All thumbs up.
Everyone agreed it had a nice balance—plenty of flavor without the harsh bite that sometimes comes with IPAs. It’s the kind of beer you could easily see enjoying at a backyard hangout, a summer cookout, or while watching the game.
In short: smooth, juicy, and very drinkable.
The Drinkware: The Hayden 25 oz Dome Plastic Tumbler
While the drink got solid reviews, the drinkware stole the show.
This week’s featured piece was The Hayden 25 oz Dome Plastic Tumbler from our pals at Bel Promo.
From the moment it hit the table, the crew loved it.
Here’s why:
Generous 25 oz size – perfect for cold drinks, smoothies, or your favorite IPA
Fun dome lid design that makes it stand out from typical tumblers
Durable plastic construction that’s great for events, giveaways, and everyday use
Great branding space to showcase a logo or message
The Hayden is one of those promo pieces that feels fun, practical, and memorable all at once. It’s easy to imagine this showing up at company events, festivals, or as part of a branded merch kit.
And in true Thirsty Thursday fashion—the crew gave it unanimous love.
Final Verdict
This episode ended up being a rare double win.
Juicy ASAP IPA: Smooth, flavorful, and very drinkable. The Hayden Tumbler: A standout piece of drinkware that everyone loved.
When great drinkware meets a great drink, that’s a Thirsty Thursday success.
Be sure to watch the full episode below to see the reactions, the laughs, and the official verdict from the crew. And if you’re looking for fun, functional drinkware for your next campaign or event, the Hayden is definitely worth checking out.
And as always, we are here to help! If you need help with branded merch, merch strategy, or creative ideas to grow your brand or your team, let’s talk. We’d love to help you. Get your TARGET Hiring Playbook here for free!
It’s time for another round of Thirsty Thursday—and this one came with a special introduction.
This episode, we welcomed our newest team member, Claire Bowman, to the table. Of course, Kirby immediately dubbed her “Ever Claire.” Because if you’re joining this crew, you have to have a sense of humor!
What better way to welcome someone to the culture of Marketing Joy than with a mystery drink and a new piece of branded drinkware? Watch now!
The Drink: Svedka Strawberry Lemon Flavored Vodka
This week’s mystery pour was Svedka Strawberry Lemon Flavored Vodka.
First impression? Strong.
Very strong.
But here’s the twist—while it packed a punch, the reviews were actually positive across the board.
Not something we’d typically drink straight.
Definitely something we could see becoming a staple in a mixed drink.
Sweet, fruity, and built for summer cocktails.
In other words: On its own? Intense. In a mixer? Dangerous in the best way.
And honestly, it made for a fun, lively episode—especially with Claire stepping into the Thirsty Thursday hot seat for the first time.
The Drinkware: “The Boss” – 26 oz RPET Water Bottle (Koozie Group)
This isn’t just another water bottle. The embossed imprint elevates it. It feels intentional. Clean. Professional. The kind of piece people keep on their desk, in their gym bag, or in their car.
And that’s the whole point of great branded merch—longevity.
Svedka Strawberry Lemon Vodka: Bold. Strong. Surprisingly solid—especially as a mixer.
The Boss 26 oz RPET Bottle: Clean design. Sustainable build. Premium imprint. A real winner.
And most importantly—welcome to the team, Claire. Or should we say… Ever Claire.
Another Thirsty Thursday in the books. Marketing should be fun—and this one definitely was. Cheers.
And as always, we are here to help! If you need help with branded merch, merch strategy, or creative ideas to grow your brand or your team, let’s talk. We’d love to help you. Get your TARGET Hiring Playbook here for free!
It is time for a brand-new episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, and this one kicks off 2026. Let’s learn a few lessons from Quick Serve Restaurants…and much more! Watch now!
In this episode, Kirby Hasseman and Jade Crider share business lessons inspired by quick-serve restaurants and what marketers can learn from their consistency, systems, and customer experience. They also break down the top five categories of branded merchandise that people actually keep, offering insight into what creates long-term brand value.
Kirby and Jade then talk through their goals for 2026 and what they are focused on improving in the year ahead. Hopefully, this gets your wheels turning!
The Product of the Week is the Moon Jams Bundle, a fun and engaging kit that brings energy and creativity to branded merch programs. The episode wraps up with a spotlight on Marlite and their commitment to giving back during the holiday season. A strong start to the new year with practical takeaways for marketers and business owners alike.
If you have not already subscribed to Better Merch…Better Marketing, today is a great day to do it! You can find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Just search “Delivering Marketing Joy” and you will have access to all of our podcasts in one place!
And as always, we are here to help! If you need help with branded merch, merch strategy, or creative ideas to grow your brand or your team, let’s talk. We’d love to help you. Get your TARGET Hiring Playbook here for free!
In the final episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Kirby and Jade reflect on the year that was and look ahead to 2026. They share a few areas they want to focus on in the coming year, revisit the Dad Was Right/Dad Was Wrong segment including Jade’s realization that cold calling was not as bad as expected, and wrap up with their biggest takeaways from 2025. A thoughtful and candid conversation to close out the year.
If you have not already subscribed to Better Merch…Better Marketing, today is a great day to do it! You can find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Just search “Delivering Marketing Joy” and you will have access to all of our podcasts in one place!
And as always, we are here to help! If you need help with branded merch, merch strategy, or creative ideas to grow your brand or your team, let’s talk. We’d love to help you. Get your TARGET Hiring Playbook here for free!
It is time for another episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, and this week Kirby Hasseman and Jade Crider cover several topics that blend retail insights, smart marketing tactics, long-term planning, and a standout merch piece you should know about. From Black Friday failures and wins to the importance of QR codes and seasonal strategy, this episode offers takeaways for any organization trying to build stronger marketing momentum heading into the new year.
A Tale of Two Black Friday Promotions
Kirby and Jade opened the episode with a look at two Black Friday promotions that produced two very different customer reactions. One came from TARGET and the other from Lowe’s. Both brands had the right idea with offering giveaways, but the execution yielded very different results.
TARGET promoted an experience. They advertised special gifts, exclusive opportunities, and a large branded bag intended to enhance the shopping experience. The problem came when customers discovered that the bag was filled with underwhelming items. There was a disconnect between the expectation created by the promotion and the reality of what was delivered.
Then came Lowe’s. Their promotion featured a branded utility bucket filled with products that had real value. Useful tools, recognizable items, and a tangible sense that customers were receiving something worthwhile. To take it a step further, Lowe’s added a sweepstakes opportunity, including the chance to win a gift card worth up to $2,000 toward an appliance purchase. The entire campaign created excitement, value, and loyalty.
The lesson from both examples is clear. If you are going to run a promotion, do it well. Make sure the value you promise matches the value you deliver. Customers are willing to engage and participate, but they can quickly tell the difference between a thoughtful campaign and a hollow one. Lowe’s nailed the execution. TARGET fell short.
QR Codes and the Missed Opportunity in Merch
Next, Jade and Kirby talked about the use of QR codes in branded merchandise and marketing. QR codes have become more common across industries, but they both agreed that most organizations still do not use them enough.
The simplest marketing rule is this. For every call to action you include in your digital or traditional marketing, you should use that same percentage of calls to action in your merch. If you invite someone to sign up, learn more, watch a video, or claim an offer through your ads or social, you should give them that same pathway on your physical products.
Branded merchandise already lives in front of your audience. It is handled, seen, worn, or kept nearby. That makes it a prime opportunity to connect the physical world with your digital presence. A well-placed QR code can lead to an exclusive offer, a landing page, a product demo, or a discount. The goal is to treat every branded item as a touchpoint that leads to the next step. Most businesses are still leaving this opportunity untapped.
Seasonal Influence and Planning for 2026
The conversation then shifted to seasonal influence in branded merchandise. Jade talked about the importance of thinking ahead and planning for the upcoming year. Her message was simple. Now is the time to start planning for 2026, not when January arrives.
Businesses often limit seasonal thinking to apparel, but Jade encouraged listeners to look beyond that. Your region, your customers, and your industry should all shape the promotions you plan and the merchandise you choose. If you understand the rhythms of your customers, you can map out smarter, more intentional campaigns throughout the year.
This type of planning helps you avoid last minute decisions that may not align with your goals. It also ensures that your merch program supports your marketing strategy instead of reacting to it. Whether it is event season, recruitment season, outdoor season, gifting season, or onboarding season, thoughtful planning today creates better results tomorrow.
Product of the Week: The Sonosphere
This week’s featured product is the Sonosphere, a standout offering from HPG Brands. It is part wireless speaker and part award, with a one piece minimum and impressive value. It is one of those rare pieces where form and function are equally strong.
The Sonosphere is ideal for employee recognition, executive gifting, year end awards, or branded displays. It has the look of a premium desk award while providing the usefulness of a wireless speaker. That combination makes it memorable and appreciated. You can see it (and many of our other Year End Gifts) here in our shop!
This is the type of merch that elevates a brand and makes a statement, both visually and practically.
Shout Out: Peoples Bank and the Peoples Bank Foundation
The shout out this week goes to Peoples Bank and the Peoples Bank Foundation. They announced that they will be donating more than $150,000 during the holiday season. In addition, they highlighted the volunteerism of their team members, who consistently serve their communities throughout the year.
It is a powerful example of a company that supports the regions they serve in meaningful ways. Their commitment to giving, community programs, and hands on involvement shows what leadership looks like in the financial industry. You can learn more here.
If you have not already subscribed to Better Merch…Better Marketing, today is a great day to do it! You can find us on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Just search “Delivering Marketing Joy” and you will have access to all of our podcasts in one place!
And as always, we are here to help! If you need help with branded merch, merch strategy, or creative ideas to grow your brand or your team, let’s talk. We’d love to help you. Get your TARGET Hiring Playbook here for free!
Welcome back to Thirsty Thursday, the weekly tradition where Jade Crider, Briar Swigert, and Kirby Hasseman bravely sip unknown liquids out of branded drinkware—all in the noble pursuit of better marketing.
This week’s episode brought a bold vodka, a color-changing party cup, and a quote from Jade that instantly entered the Thirsty Thursday Hall of Fame.
Let’s dive in.
The Drink: Sobiesky 100% Rye Vodka
This week’s mystery drink was Sobiesky 100% Rye Vodka, a spirit known for being clean, sharp, and—apparently—universally despised by the Thirsty Thursday crew.
Reactions were immediate and unanimous:
Jade: Hated it. Absolutely not for her.
Briar: Also hated it. No notes.
Kirby: Hated it and summed it up perfectly:
“It’s a hurricane in a cup.”
But the best moment came when Jade tried to guess the drink and missed badly. Her response:
“I don’t know my vodkas, but I do know my husband.” (Context: Johnny—her husband—was the one who picked this week’s mystery drink.)
Safe to say: Sobiesky is not making anyone’s top shelf around here.
Check out our Thirsty Thursday shop for more pieces we’ve tested and approved: Just Click Here!
✔ Final Verdict
Category
Verdict
Sobiesky 100% Rye Vodka
Hated by all three. Strong, sharp, and not a vibe.
Mood 14oz Hurricane Cup
Big win. Fun, functional, and perfect for events.
Another episode wrapped—full of laughs, strong opinions, and a drink we’ll never forget (even if we’d like to).
See you next week for another round of mystery drinks, merch testing, and the relentless pursuit of marketing joy.
And as always, we are here to help! If you need help with branded merch, merch strategy, or creative ideas to grow your brand or your team, let’s talk. We’d love to help you. Get your TARGET Hiring Playbook here for free!
