Cheers to The Dub!

UNCW and Local Brewery Partner to Create New Seahawk Signature Craft Beer

BY: VENITA JENKINS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: MICHAEL SPENCER

What better way to celebrate a Seahawk win or reminisce about fond memories of UNCW than over a cold beer named in honor of North Carolina’s coastal university?

UNCW and Wrightsville Beach Brewery announced the launch of The Dub Amber Lager in August. The co-branded beer sold out within a week, and the brewery has made multiple batches to meet the high demand.

The partnership expands the presence of UNCW’s brand while supporting the university’s mission. Royalty revenue from the sale of “The Dub” supports the Seahawk community, including athletics, scholarships and other auxiliaries.

JUD WATKINS, WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH BREWERY

“Community commitment is a big pillar of our new strategic plan,” said Gino Galutera, associate vice chancellor for business services. “We didn't want to work with a national brand, so we picked a local business to spur innovation and engagement here in our backyard. Wrightsville Beach Brewery has become a partner who helps us achieve our goals in mutually beneficial ways.”

Wrightsville Beach Brewery is the second-largest brewery in southeastern North Carolina. The brewery team operates a 20-barrel brewhouse and produced over 3,000 barrels of beer last year. In 2022, the brewery opened its second location in Leland, N.C. Wrightsville Beach Brewery provides retail distribution to several local markets in Wilmington and services over 100 restaurants and bars within a 50-mile radius.

“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,” said Watkins. “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.”

Over the past six years, the brewery employed over 100 UNCW students, provided internships and assisted in capstone projects for students, Watkins noted. The brewery has worked with the hospitality and tourism program, providing internships and benchmark studies for the craft brew industry.

The Dub is a crisp, smooth lager ale with subtle malt notes. The craft beer contains 4.7% alcohol volume, a reference to the university's founding in 1947. The can, designed by UNCW Office of University Relations graphic designer Kelly Geiger ’22, maintains the classic Wilmington coastline background of Wrightsville Beach Brewery's cans with two pinpoints referencing the location of UNCW and the brewery. The design also includes a new take on a vintage UNCW logo. It consists of the “W” logo with a feather motif, a nod to the Seahawk mascot. The university's brand colors of teal and navy tie together the design.

“It’s important to include those small details so we can connect with our fans and our alumni base near and far,” said Galutera. “The reintroduction of the vintage W logo from the 90s gives our alumni a sense of nostalgia, while the stylized map of the Intracoastal Waterway reinforces our deep connection to the beach and our coastal location.”

Wrightsville Beach Brewery and the university are focusing on The Dub Amber Lager as the flagship beer. However, there are discussions about expanding the product line to include an IPA or a seltzer.

“I'm just grateful for the opportunity and hope we can keep up with the high demand. I hope we can turn it into a fun series going forward and keep growing the partnership."

– JUD WATKINS

“The Dub” is available at Wrightsville Beach Brewery and select retail outlets in southeastern North Carolina. It is also available at Seahawk home athletic events.