California’s UC Davis launches own brand beer

The University of California, Davis, has produced its own branded beer made from rice, having teamed up with Sudwerk Brewing Co. of Davis and former vice president of brewing operations and technology at Anheuser-Busch, Doug Muhleman.

Described as a “light-bodied lager”, Gunrock is named after the university’s mascot, a blue mustang, and was developed by UC Davis alumnus Muhleman, former Anheuser-Busch vice president of brewing operations and technology, and who also sits on the board of Sudwerk Brewing Co.

“We wanted it to be sessionable, an easy-to-drink beer. We wanted a lighter-bodied but flavorful beer,” said Muhleman, with the beer aimed at those attending sporting events.

The 4.6% abv beer is made from locally grown rice, donated by another UC Davis alumnus, Jack DeWit, who farms in Sutter, Yolo and Sacramento counties, and north American barley malt, which gives the beer its golden color and malty flavors. For the hops, Muhleman chose traditional German-grown varieties that are found in many of the great lagers of Bavaria.

“I am thrilled with this beer,” said Charlie Bamforth, Anheuser-Busch Endowed Professor of Malting and Brewing Sciences at UC Davis. “It’s a recipe devised by one of our great alums, Doug Muhleman, uses a prime local raw material and is being brewed by the longest lasting craft brewery in the region, Sudwerk. And all in aid of such a great cause. Pour with vigor, indeed!”

Markstein Beverage Co. has agreed to distribute the new Gunrock Lager to local restaurants, with UC Davis hoping to have it available in cans by next year.

For now, the beer will be available on tap throughout the campus.