Coming soon to this area – a lager with some bite.

As part of an exclusive and innovative partnership, local brew guru Straight to Ale has teamed up with Alabama A&M University in rolling out a lager-style beer.

This initiative combines Straight to Ale’s brewing expertise with the academic food science prowess of A&M.

AMLogo Straight to Ale rose from its local home-brewing beginnings, quickly skyrocketing into one of Alabama’s largest production breweries, a 45,000 square-foot facility at Campus 805. The brewery has garnered regional and national recognition within the craft beer community, and the brand continues to grow.

This collaboration between Straight to Ale and Alabama A&M is especially noteworthy. Not only is it one of the few brewing collaborations in the United States that is affiliated with a college, A&M will be the first Historically Black College and University to have its own beer.

“Alabama A&M University produces market leaders in food science and business who are able to obtain leadership roles in many of the major food and beverage companies throughout the world,” said Alabama A&M President Dr. Andrew Hugine Jr. “As such, we are excited about the opportunities that this initiative provides for the students of Alabama A&M.”

According to Archie Tucker II, A&M’s vice president for Marketing, Communications, and Advancement, the collaboration represents an opportunity for faculty and students to put theory into practice, by providing relevant hands-on experience. By connecting its faculty with industry leaders, A&M will gain a means of diversifying its revenue stream.

Students in the school’s MBA program also lent their support for the endeavor by helping to name the product, as well as generate awareness through a well-executed promotional campaign.

Once the beer is in full production, it is expected to be distributed throughout Alabama. The beer will be available in May at Straight to Ale.

And, A&M will receive a portion of the proceeds for every case sold.

“Straight to Ale is very excited to be working with Alabama A&M on this special brewing project,” said Straight To Ale brands owner Dan Perry. “The process of working hand-in-hand while crafting the recipe, marketing strategy, etc. has been very rewarding for our staff and a source of pride for the entire STA family.

“We cannot wait to release the finished product in the very near future.”