Berkeley, Calif. (August 7, 2025) – UC Berkeley is proud to announce a new partnership with Bear Republic Brewing Co., establishing the local brewery as the “Official Craft Beer of Cal.” This relationship reflects the university’s approach to brand partnerships that center on shared values, community impact, sustainability and responsible implementation.
The milestone initiative reflects the pride, spirit and values of the Cal community. It will support university programs and campus priorities through dedicated revenue, while also strengthening alumni and fan engagement through sponsored events and in-kind contributions. Central to the partnership is the launch of UC Berkeley’s first-ever licensed craft beer, Oski’s California Gold – a light, crisp golden ale. The beer is set to debut in early Fall 2025, with plans for it to be available to fans at California Memorial Stadium and through local supermarkets.
The agreement was led by University Business Partnerships & Services (UBPS) in close collaboration with a diverse group of campus stakeholders, including representatives from the Cal Alumni Association, Communications & Public Affairs, Graduate Assembly, Intercollegiate Athletics, University Health Services and University Development & Alumni Relations, and stems from a growing trend among peer institutions to pursue licensed beverage partnerships that foster brand affinity and build community while creating new non-tuition revenue streams. Developed through a competitive solicitation process and guided by the campus Craft Beer Review Committee, the university evaluated proposals based on product quality, alignment with university values and the overall benefit to campus.
“Throughout the selection process Bear Republic Brewing stood out for its overall excellence, including a strong reputation built around community engagement, green practices and a recognized commitment to its craft,” said Amy Gardner, executive director of University Business Partnerships & Services. “These qualities and its strong Cal connections make it an ideal partner to launch the university’s first official licensed beer.”
Brewing Tradition, Building Community
Originally founded in Healdsburg, CA in 1995, Bear Republic Brewing joined forces with Drake’s Brewing Company in 2023 to form West Coast Craft, uniting two pillars of the Bay Area’s craft beer community under one collective. This new partnership with campus marks a return to familiar ground, as Drake’s co-owners, John Martin and Roy Kirkorian, are proud members of a multi-generational Cal alumni family with roots on campus dating back to the early 1900s. Their longstanding connection to Berkeley includes operating an early iteration of the campus’s beloved Bear’s Lair Pub and continuing to shape the city of Berkeley’s beer culture through iconic local establishments like Triple Rock Brewery and Jupiter Beer Garden.
The partnership with UC Berkeley is a natural extension of previous relationships with the campus. Drake’s Brewing became the first craft beer sponsor at California Memorial Stadium following its 2012 renovation, marking a significant early partnership with Cal Athletics. The new agreement reaffirms a deep tie to the university with Bear Republic Brewing’s designation as the Official Craft Beer of Cal, and will introduce a first-of-its-kind licensed beer celebrating the pride, tradition and bold spirit of the Cal community.
“My family's connection to Cal spans more than a century—from our roots in Berkeley to operating the Bear’s Lair Pub and supporting Cal Athletics for years. Now, creating Oski’s California Gold, the first licensed craft beer, feels like coming full circle,” said John Martin, co-owner of Drake’s Brewing and Bear Republic Brewing.“We're excited to continue this great partnership and to support the campus and the surrounding community!”
Bear Republic Brewing brings a deep commitment to environmental responsibility, further building on its legacy of sustainable innovation. In 2014, Bear Republic pioneered the world’s first all-USA-made commercial solar array, and today the company continues to lead the industry with practices like using 100% biodegradable four-pack eco rings, designed for compost or yard waste bins and plans to use fully recyclable and compostable materials, including aluminum cans in the production of the campus’s partnership brew. Brewing processes will also incorporate circular practices, local sourcing and plans to donate spent grain to local farms for use as animal feed. These sustainability efforts not only align with UC Berkeley’s environmental leadership but also reflect a shared commitment to innovation, responsibility and long-term community impact.
“UC Berkeley’s dedication to sustainability and community impact mirrors our own values at Bear Republic and Drake’s Brewing. This partnership is more than a beer—it's a way to give back to a campus and culture that are always pushing for a better, more inclusive future,” said Richard Norgrove, Bear Republic’s founding brewmaster.
The relationship with Bear Republic Brewing is also designed to deepen campus connection and foster meaningful engagement across the UC Berkeley community. Beyond its celebration of Cal pride, the partnership will provide monetary and in-kind sponsorship for signature events such as the Bear Affair Tailgate and other events. Product donations will support faculty, staff and alumni celebrations while expanding opportunities for collaboration with Cal Performances and other campus cultural programming that will further strengthen the fabric of campus life.
As the partnership evolves, UC Berkeley will continue to actively evaluate its impact to ensure alignment with campus policies, community standards and university values.
About University of California, Berkeley
The University of California, Berkeley, is the world’s premier public university and the flagship of the 10-campus University of California system. The university was chartered in 1868 with a mission to excel in teaching, research and public service. Enrolling more than 45,000 undergraduate and graduate students, the campus is home to approximately 1,500 full-time and 500 part-time faculty members across more than 130 academic departments offering nearly 400 degree programs. UC Berkeley's outstanding research has led to a distinguished record of scholarship, innovation, a concern for the betterment of our world and consistently high rankings of its schools and departments. Its community of faculty and alumni includes nearly 60 Nobel laureates, underscoring Berkeley’s legacy of excellence and global impact.
About Bear Republic Brewing Co.
Founded in 1995 in Healdsburg, California, Bear Republic was started by a family of beer lovers passionate about crafting exceptional beer. Known for iconic brews like Racer 5 IPA and Red Rocket Ale, the brewery quickly became a staple in the California craft beer scene. Each batch is brewed with hand-selected ingredients and a focus on quality, consistency, sustainability and innovation. Bear Republic has been a leader in independent brewing for decades, with a strong presence in both Sonoma County and across the country. In 2023, Bear Republic joined forces with fellow craft pioneer Drake’s Brewing in San Leandro. Together, they are expanding the brand while staying true to its roots. The brewery continues to experiment, evolve and push the boundaries of what great beer can be.
Media Contacts
Amber Hopkins, Director of Communications & Brand Management
University Business Partnerships & Services
amber.hopkins@berkeley.edu
510-631-8726
Megan Lunetta, Director of Marketing
Bear Republic & Drake’s Brewing
megan@drakesbrewing.com
916-821-4273