WILLIAMSBURG — The Virginia Beer Company (VBC) has announced the launch of William & Mary’s first officially licensed beer, Griffin Gold.
Griffin Gold is a collaboration between W&M alumni-owned VBC and the Licensing and Trademark Office at W&M.
“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 and Robby Willey, both W&M graduates, first brought the concept of opening a community-focused craft brewery to Williamsburg in 2012, with VBC 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 in establishing 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, and youngest brother, Will, are also W&M 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 is a golden, crisp, & refreshing Kölsch-style “Golden Ale.”
When developing this recipe, the VBC’s brewmaster Jonathan Newman wanted to focus on a style with wide appeal.
VBC Co-Founder Chris Smith stated, “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 and when an official collaboration might make sense, to style and design guidelines, VBC and W&M have cultivated a long-standing relationship.
“This beer celebrates that partnership and all things William & Mary,” comments Eden Harris, adding, “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 and gold.”
As an officially licensed product, W&M will earn a royalty for every pint and 4-pack of Griffin Gold sold. Royalty revenues on all W&M-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 Aug. 22 starting at 3 p.m. in the brewery’s Taproom (located at 401 Second St. in Williamsburg’s EDGE District).
In addition, Griffin Gold will be available to enjoy at Zable Stadium as W&M football kicks off a new season starting on Aug. 29.
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.
