The University of North Carolina Wilmington has released its own line of craft beer.

In partnership with Wrightsville Beach Brewery, UNCW licensed the Dub Amber Lager, a “crisp, smooth lager ale with subtle malt notes,” according to a university news release last week. Royalty revenue from the beer, which will be sold throughout the Cape Fear region, will support the university’s athletics, scholarships and other auxiliaries.

“Our collaboration with Wrightsville Beach Brewery is one example of the university’s efforts to strengthen community partnerships,” UNCW Chancellor Aswani Volety wrote in the news release. “Not only will the launch of 'The Dub' elevate the brand of the brewery and UNCW, but a portion of the proceeds will help support students.” 

Wrightsville Beach Brewery along with other local retailers began selling the beer on Aug. 10. The lager will also be on sale during the Seahawk’s home athletic events, according to the release. 

As Southeastern North Carolina’s second-largest brewery, Wrightsville Beach Brewery operates a 20-barrel brewhouse, which produced more than 3,000 barrels of beer last year. The brewery opened a second location in Leland last year and currently serves over 100 restaurants and bars in a 50-mile radius, the release stated.

“We have always had a great working relationship with the university and UNCW Athletics. This was a project we were eager to be a part of,” Jud Watkins, the brewery’s owner and brewer, wrote in the release. “Not to mention that about half our staff either went to UNCW or are currently students there. We feel this is taking an already established and incredible partnership to the next level.”

The beer has a 4.7% alcohol content, a nod to the university’s 1947 founding. The teal, navy and white packaging features the Wilmington coastline with pinpoints marking the locations of UNCW and Wrightsville Beach Brewery. 

The can also includes a “new take on the vintage UNCW logo,” according to the release with a “W” logo and a feather motif, a nod to the university’s Seahawk mascot.

“We’ve been working on this for a long time, and we’re eager to bring this to the community; the excitement level all-around is high,” Gino Galutera, associate vice chancellor for business services, stated in the release. “I want to thank Wrightsville Beach Brewery and the evaluation committee for their work on this partnership: a first of its kind for UNCW.”  

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