MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- For the first time, West Virginia University is partnering with two craft breweries to offer officially licensed craft beers to Mountaineer fans.

The WVU Brand and Trademark Licensing Office has licensed Big Timber Brewing, based in Elkins, to produce "Mountain Beer," and New Trail Brewing Company, based in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, to offer "Crisp Lager."

"The operators of both Big Timber and New Trail understand the grit and dedication of Mountaineer fans," said Nikki Goodenow, executive director of Strategic Partnerships and Licensing. "We're always looking for opportunities to expand the WVU brand and tap into new categories for the benefit of our fans and the institution as a whole."

Big Timber's "Mountain Beer" is a hop-forward session pale ale with the "Flying WV" and an image of the Mountaineer statue adorning the can.

New Trail's "Crisp Lager" is comprised of malts and mountain water with a classic taste. The "Flying WV" as well as other WVU-themed elements will be featured on the can.

"Big Timber Brewing is excited to release Mountain Beer.  A light, easy drinking pale ale brewed in Elkins, West Virginia with Mountain State water and American hops," Matt Kwasniewski, owner and head brewer of Big Timber Brewing, said. "This officially licensed beer features official WVU marks that are commonly represented in our beautiful state where our team at Big Timber lives, works, and plays.  Let's Go Mountaineers!"

Both beers will be available for purchase at WVU sports venues, including the WVU Coliseum and Milan Puskar Stadium, as well as grocery stores, convenience stores and other locations where Big Timber and New Trail products are sold.

"We're proud to partner with WVU to celebrate the rich traditions of the Mountain State," said Dave Hertwig, CEO of New Trail Brewing Company. "At New Trail Brewing, we believe in exploration, community, giving back and the pride of the outdoors. This beer is a toast to that. Whether you are hiking a trail or cheering from the stands, this beer is meant to bring people together."

To bring this partnership together, WVU Brand and Trademark Licensing worked closely with Big Timber, New Trail, WVU Athletics, Mountaineer Sports Properties, the Athletics multimedia rights holder, the locally based Learfield team and CLC, a division of Learfield and the University's exclusive trademark licensing agent to bring this partnership together.  

Big Timber Brewing, New Trail Brewing Company and West Virginia University encourage fans age 21 and older to drink responsibly.

About Big Timber Brewing
Big Timber Brewing is located in the Heart of Appalachia, Elkins, West Virginia. Our name pays homage to the surrounding forests and the industry that built our community.  We make beer we love and enjoy doing it, creating a product that we, our town, and our State can take pride in.  What started as a dream became a reality in 2014 when our first keg went out the door, and our commitment to our beer, our community, and our dream continues to grow stronger every day.

About New Trail Brewing Company
New Trail was founded in 2018 with a focus on well-crafted beer paired with the great outdoors. At New Trail, they make the beers they want to drink while outside doing the things they love. Whether that's kayaking with lagers or sitting fireside with Hazy IPAs, the company makes something for every outing.

About WVU Brand and Trademark Licensing
The award-winning WVU Brand and Trademark Licensing office expands and grows the WVU brand through unique licensing opportunities. Both companies are officially licensed through the University's exclusive licensing agent, The Collegiate Licensing Company. Revenue generated from the sale of licensed merchandise helps fund University marketing initiatives and provide support for WVU Athletics.

About West Virginia Athletics
The WVU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics sponsors 18 varsity sports with more than 500 student-athletes competing in baseball, men's and women's basketball, women's cross country, football, men's golf, women's gymnastics, women's indoor and outdoor track, rifle, men's and women's soccer, men's and women's swimming and diving, women's tennis, women's volleyball, women's rowing and wrestling. As a member of a Power 4 conference, WVU Athletics competes in the Big 12 Conference in all sports except men's soccer and rifle, and strives in its athletics program for national excellence and prominence.

About Learfield
Learfield is the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield's presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences.