Finding healthy and flavorful drink options can be a struggle for many people. Most beverages on the market are either loaded with sugar or lack the unique taste that stands out. People who want a healthier, more natural alternative often end up compromising on flavor or quality. This is the problem Jess Sanchez McClary wanted to solve when she created McClary Bros. Drinking Vinegars.
Drinking vinegars, also known as shrub sodas, are inspired by Colonial-era drinks. Jess introduced these vinegar-based beverages as a versatile option, great for mixing into cocktails or enjoying on their own.
In Season 7 of Shark Tank, Jess asked for $100,000 in exchange for 15% equity in her business. She believed her unique and healthy beverage could capture the growing craft cocktail market. However, the sharks had mixed feelings about the taste and market potential, leading to an interesting yet challenging episode. Did the entrepreneur get a deal on Shark Tank? Check out our McClary Bros. Drinking Vinegars update to find out!
McClary Bros Drinking Vinegars Net Worth Shark Tank Update 2025
Jess Sanchez McClary asked for a $100,000 investment in exchange for 15% equity in her company. This meant she valued her company at $666,667 at the time of the Shark Tank pitch. She did not secure a deal on the show. After the show aired, McClary Bros. Drinking Vinegars saw a big increase in website traffic, sales, and social media exposure. However, the company shut down in 2018, and its products are no longer available for purchase. With the business no longer in operation, the current net worth of McClary Bros. Drinking Vinegars is $0.
After appearing on Shark Tank, Jess continued to work hard on growing her business. In 2016, she expanded by opening her own packaging facility, which included a tasting room and gift shop. This allowed more people to try the beverages and increased the visibility of the brand. For a while, McClary Bros. Drinking Vinegars were available in various Midwest locations and had a dedicated customer base.
Despite the initial progress, the company faced challenges in sustaining its growth. In 2018, Jess made the tough decision to shut down the business. Today, McClary Bros. products are no longer available online or in stores. Jess has since shifted her focus to sustainable farming, continuing her passion for creating eco-friendly solutions.
No, McClary Bros. did not secure a deal on Shark Tank. While Jess impressed the sharks with her passion and the product’s unique history, several factors led them to decline investing in her business.
| Shark(s) name | Offer & Demand | Counteroffer | Accepted? |
| Ashton Kutcher | Out | N/A | N/A |
| Lori Greiner | Out | N/A | N/A |
| Kevin O’Leary | Out | N/A | N/A |
| Robert Herjavec | Out | N/A | N/A |
| Mark Cuban | Out | N/A | N/A |
McClary Bros Drinking Vinegars Shark Tank pitch
Jess Sanchez McClary’s inspiration for McClary Bros. came from her passion for organic and natural ingredients. She loved the idea of reviving an old Colonial beverage tradition and modernizing it for today’s craft cocktail market. Jess wanted to offer a healthier alternative to sugary sodas, especially for people who love unique and creative drinks.
In the early stages, Jess faced significant challenges. Educating people about drinking vinegar wasn’t easy because it was such a niche product. Despite these hurdles, Jess stayed determined, growing her business and gaining recognition in the Midwest.
Jess walked into the Shark Tank with confidence, presenting her line of vinegar-based beverages as a creative and healthy option. She explained that her drinks could be enjoyed alone or as mixers in cocktails. Every ingredient was organic, and she highlighted the unique history of shrub sodas from the Colonial era.
Jess shared that her company had made $312,000 in sales over three years. Each bottle was priced between $18 and $25. She believed the rising trend of craft cocktails made McClary Bros. the perfect product for this niche market.
The sharks had several questions about the product:
Mark Cuban: “Why isn’t there more alcohol in this cocktail?” Jess laughed and explained that the mixers could be adjusted to personal preference.
Lori Greiner: “Have you done any lab tests to prove health benefits?” Jess admitted that she hadn’t conducted independent testing yet, which concerned Lori.
Kevin O’Leary: “Do Americans really want to drink vinegar?” Jess argued that the craft cocktail crowd loved the idea, but Kevin wasn’t convinced.
Lori Greiner: She liked the apple pie bourbon mixer but felt the lack of health testing and her limited knowledge of liquor products made it hard for her to invest.
Kevin O’Leary: Kevin didn’t believe there was a large enough market for vinegar-based drinks in America, so he passed.
Mark Cuban: While Mark liked the business concept, he wasn’t a fan of vinegar drinks and decided not to invest.
Robert Herjavec: He thought the business was too risky and dropped out.
Ashton Kutcher: Ashton saw the product’s trendiness but felt it lacked long-term potential.
Ultimately, Jess walked away without a deal.
What Went Wrong With McClary Bros. On Shark Tank?
Several factors contributed to the sharks turning down the deal. Some sharks didn’t enjoy the vinegar’s taste when not mixed. Kevin and others doubted whether Americans would embrace the product. Lori was concerned about the lack of independent testing for health benefits. The niche market made the business seem too risky for most sharks
Product Availability
McClary Bros. Drinking Vinegars were once available in retail stores and online. They were priced between $18 and $25 per bottle, targeting craft cocktail enthusiasts and health-conscious consumers. Unfortunately, the company closed in 2018, and the products are no longer available for purchase.
Conclusion
The journey of McClary Bros. Drinking Vinegars is a story of passion and perseverance. Jess Sanchez McClary brought a creative product to Shark Tank, hoping to revive an old tradition in a modern way. While the sharks appreciated her effort and vision, they ultimately decided not to invest due to concerns about market appeal and scalability.
Although McClary Bros. is no longer in business, Jess’s commitment to sustainability and organic living continues in her new endeavors. Her journey serves as an inspiration for entrepreneurs to pursue their passion, even if the path is challenging.
Hey, I’m Amna Habib an undergraduate student of Bachelors in Business Administration. Shark Tank is one of my favorite TV shows of all time. The show provides a fascinating insight into the world of entrepreneurship by presenting creative solutions to common problems, which strongly connects to my academic interests. I’m interested in learning more about the strategic thinking and creativity that lead these companies as each pitch provides insightful information. I’ve found that watching Shark Tank has inspired my enthusiasm for business and entrepreneurship and has been a very enlightening and motivating experience. Apart from business and writing, I love food, shopping, and hanging out with friends and family. Read more About me.
