Dinkytown Athletes is back in the NIL beer game, and this time it’s teaming with Minneapolis-based Indeed Brewing on a new release called MN Honey Light.
After about a year without a direct NIL beer, the group announced Thursday that the light honey ale will be made with Minnesota wildflower honey and clock in at 5% ABV. A portion of every sale will go back to Dinkytown Athletes, with the money specifically supporting women’s athletic programs at Minnesota.
Indeed’s recipe leans on pilsner and vienna malts, L17 Harvest yeast and Tradition hops, along with the wildflower honey. The beer pours golden and is described as easy drinking, with a slightly sweet honey note and a clean, crisp finish.
Fans will get their first crack at it this fall. MN Honey Light makes its public debut at an official release party at Stub and Herbs before the Gopher football season opener against Eastern Illinois on September 3rd.
It should also be available at Huntington Bank Stadium beginning with that Thursday night game, and later at basketball and hockey games too. The beer is expected to show up in Minnesota liquor stores later this fall.
There’s also a women’s sports angle built into the rollout. A Bar of Their Own will host a special Happy Hour with Dinkytown Athletics and MN Honey Light before the Gopher volleyball home opener on Friday September 11th.
Even though Duck Duck Beer is gone, Dinkytown Athletics still has its NIL tie-in with Grey Duck Spirits through vodka sales, which continue to send a portion of proceeds back to the organization. Derek Burns of Dinkytown Athletics and leaders at Indeed Brewing believe the new partnership has a strong shot because it reaches beyond just Gophers fans. Indeed’s track record in the Upper Midwest beer market also gives the beer a built-in advantage as it tries to find a wider audience.
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