EisnerAmper Q&A with David Mukpo, CEO, Pamos

Pamos Beverage Company is a premium cannabis spirits brand which seeks to disrupt traditional alcohol consumption and empower consumers to experience a healthier alternative to the social experience and effects of alcohol without the negative repercussions of poor sleep, hangovers and more. Launched this month with two SKUs, Pamos is infused with THC, CBD and plant terpenes available for same-day delivery in Los Angeles and in select retail locations in California. EisnerAmper sat down with Pamos CEO David Mukpo,  who shared his story on what inspired him to launch Pamos, how it will be manufactured and distributed, how the COVID-19 pandemic provided an even greater opportunity to launch and finally, future plans for the beverage.

EISNERAMPER:

Please give us a brief overview on Pamos.

MUKPO:

Pamos is a contemporary spirit infused with THC and CBD to elevate the everyday. As we see alcohol sales decline in younger generations with a shift towards a healthier lifestyle at the same time that the cannabis industry is becoming widely accepted, there was a significant gap in the market for a premium replacement for alcohol that still allows you to enjoy the moment with a light buzz. We’re combining cocktail form -- socializing over drinks -- and cannabis functions -- better sleep, no hangovers and stress release.

Pamos provides new occasions to consume cannabis. To date, there are very few options to consume cannabis that are socially and publicly acceptable; and new consumers of cannabis are wary of high dose products with unexpected effects.  The simple reality of putting cannabis into a beverage format is everyone is familiar with having a glass in their hand, which allows us to take the most intimidating element of cannabis consumption out of the trial process.

EISNERAMPER:

What inspired you to launch it?

MUKPO:

Our inspiration came from our desire to break down barriers and normalize the consumption of cannabis. We knew the only way to do that was to create a product that had mainstream qualities and was in the familiar form of a cocktail. During my time as COO of tökr, a cannabis technology company, I had the opportunity to see how fast the industry was growing; but I could also see that the industry was not building itself to appeal to the new consumer. With a focus on high strength flower, high dose edibles and overall products in a form that was unfamiliar to most people, the industry was fairly intimidating to enter. With my partners’ deep experience in scaling companies in complex industries, we knew we could have an impact in working with like-minded brands to build this industry the right way.

EISNERAMPER:

How is Pamos manufactured?

MUKPO:

We are committed to merging the advanced science within the segment with the art of developing a unique flavor profile that is distinctly Pamos. The most exciting piece that makes a cannabis beverage even possible is the nano-emulsification of the cannabis itself. This process undertaken by our partners makes the THC water soluble but has the incredible side effect of changing the bioavailability of the product. By breaking down the THC into such small particles, you can start to enjoy the effect of Pamos in about 15 minutes as opposed to the long wait associated with most edibles. This has the ability to change people’s perception of cannabis as it allows the timeline of effect to mimic our experience drinking alcohol, which will open the door to many new consumers. With respect to the flavor profile, we worked tirelessly with our formulation team to deliver a product that has citrus and herbal notes, hints of ripe fruit, and botanicals with a complex yet light-spice finish.

EISNERAMPER:

Where will Pamos be distributed?

MUKPO:

We are launching in Los Angeles direct-to-consumer via our website as well as in select dispensaries across the state. We believe in speaking directly to our consumers wherever possible so we will be prioritizing driving sales directly as well as having a presence in the top retailers across California to introduce Pamos to their consumers. We have further plans to expand to other states over the coming year, so stay tuned!

EISNERAMPER:

Can you specify how Pamos caters to the health-conscious marketplace?

MUKPO:

Since we are focusing on the health-conscious marketplace, Pamos will be on the low end of the calorie and sugar spectrum with 10 calories and less than 2 grams of sugar. And Pamos comes in two different strengths to cater to both the new and experienced cannabis consumers.  Both spirits, which come in a 750 ml bottle, are light on THC and CBD with the “Micro Dose” featuring 2mg of THC and 2mg of CBD per serving, while the “Low Dose” features 6mg of THC and 2mg of CBD per serving. They’re both easy to drink, light and highly mixable with citrus and herbal notes, hints of ripe fruit and more. It is great neat, better on the rocks and best mixed into your favorite cocktail. We have partnered with top mixologists to provide some cocktail recipes to try – we feature them on our site.

EISNERAMPER:

How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted Pamos’s plans to launch?

MUKPO:

On one hand, the COVID-19 pandemic has presented an even greater opportunity for Pamos, since cannabis was rightly deemed essential. On the other, like for many people, it has presented a challenge in supply chain management and remote working. We are extremely excited to see the light at the end of the tunnel for so many reasons, one of which is certainly that people can start to gather around a bottle of Pamos together.

EISNERAMPER:

What are Pamos’s future plans?

MUKPO:

We have a lot of exciting plans in the future. We are a true cannabis spirits brand and will continue to innovate and expand our line to reflect the diversity of consumption methods and occasions you see in alcohol. State expansion is also critical for us as we look to introduce our product across the country.