The university's officially licensed beer has a new look and a new name: Gunrock American Lager.
The light-bodied beer, brewed by Sudwerk Brewing Co. of Davis, was released in small batches last fall. The recipe has since been tweaked and "dialed in," Sudwerk co-owner and operations manager Trent Yackzan said.
Now it's ready for a wider release, and will be available in 12-ounce cans next week. The brewery will hold a release party — the first opportunity to buy six-packs of the new beer — at 5 p.m. on Aug. 28, at 2001 Second St.
The event will feature a taco truck, outdoor games like cornhole and other activities.
"It'll be a gathering of people celebrating, hanging out and enjoying Gunrock," Yackzan said.
Sudwerk's Dock Store will continue to sell the cans, and by mid-September, the beer will also be available in Raley's, Bel Air and Nugget Markets in Yolo County, as well as the Davis Food Co-op. It will also be sold at this season's UC Davis football and basketball games.
Merchandise like hats, T-shirts and pint glasses will be available later.
A portion of the proceeds from Gunrock American Lager benefit UC Davis Athletics.
Cases of the beer can be reserved in advance of the Aug. 28 event by emailing info@sudwerkbrew.com.
Wines celebrate tradition
This year's Cal Aggie Alumni Association wine collection celebrates two longtime UC Davis events: Picnic Day and Pajamarino. The wines, produced by alumni-founded wineries Bucher Wines and brick & mortar wines, can be purchased online. They are:
- Picnic Day, a 2014 pinot noir made by Bucher Wines of Santa Rosa. Price: $40 for alumni association members, $44 for nonmembers.
- Pajamarino, a 2015 chardonnay made by brick & mortar of Oakville. Price: $36 for members, $39 for nonmembers.