The Virginia Beer Co. Announces Official William & Mary Beer Partnership

Williamsburg, VA – The Virginia Beer Company announced today the launch of William & Mary’s first officially licensed beer, Griffin Gold.

Griffin Gold is a collaboration between W&M-alumni owned Virginia Beer Co. and the Licensing & Trademark office at William & Mary. “Our teams have been developing this idea for several years, but the timing honestly couldn’t be better. Launching this fall is especially poignant as we launch beer and wine sales in Concessions as part of an exciting new football season at Zable Stadium,” said Eden Harris, Director of Auxiliary Services at William & Mary.

Chris Smith (W&M ‘07) & Robby Willey (W&M ‘05) first brought the concept of opening a community-focused craft brewery to Williamsburg in 2012, with the Virginia Beer Co. formally opening in March 2016. Throughout that time and since, the brewery’s focus on a mission of Beer · People · Purpose has been a driving factor to establish positive partnerships with local institutions, including the duo’s alma mater.

“We ultimately came back to Williamsburg because of our time at W&M,” recollects VBC Co-Founder Robby Willey. “We’ve long celebrated a shared affinity as students, alums, board members, fundraisers, and fans. Chris’s wife [Erin, W&M ‘07] and youngest brother [Will, W&M ‘14] are also alums, so we’ve got some serious family ties to the university! Working to create an officially licensed beer to celebrate the brewery’s roots and those ties is something we’re very excited to see come to fruition.”

Griffin Gold [5.0% abv] is a golden, crisp, & refreshing Kölsch-style “Golden Ale”. When developing this recipe, the Virginia Beer Co.’s Brewmaster [Jonathan Newman] wanted to focus on a style with wide appeal. Notes VBC Co-Founder Chris Smith: “We want beer lovers and fans of William & Mary Athletics to try it for the novelty…but ultimately to grab one because it’s a good, drinkable beer. Whether you’re cheering at Zable, watching the game on TV, or raising a round together at Homecoming, we want Griffin Gold to be part of your celebration.”

From determining how & when an official collaboration might make sense, to style and design guidelines, The Virginia Beer Company and William & Mary have cultivated a long-standing relationship. “This beer celebrates that partnership and all things William & Mary,” comments Eden Harris. Harris added: “Every aspect of this product has been designed with the W&M fan in mind. From the recipe to the logos on the can – we wanted to celebrate everything green & gold.”

As an officially licensed product, William & Mary will earn a royalty for every pint & 4-pack of Griffin Gold sold. Royalty revenues on all William & Mary-licensed products support the financial goals associated with the university’s Vision, Mission and Values.

The Virginia Beer Company will celebrate the launch of Griffin Gold on August 22nd starting at 3 pm in the brewery’s Taproom (located at 401 Second Street in Williamsburg’s EDGE District). In addition, Griffin Gold will be available to enjoy at Zable Stadium as William & Mary Football kicks off a new season starting on August 29th. Look for additional placements of Griffin Gold on tap and in 4-packs in and around Williamsburg beginning this fall, along with officially licensed Griffin Gold gear coming soon from Parkway Printshop.

Hark Upon The Ale!