Second officially licensed Troy beer set to hit shelves next month

Troy Athletics, in partnership with Horn Beverage and Folklore Brewing and Meadery, is set to release its second officially licensed craft beer. Blakeney’s Brew launches for the season opener at Veterans Memorial Stadium on Aug. 30. 

Named after renowned Troy coach Larry Blakeney, the 5.8% ABV malty American amber ale debuts around a year after Trojan Ale launched last season. The beer will be distributed to stores and restaurants around the Wiregrass region after the Trojans take on Nicholls. 

“I think [Troy getting officially licensed beer] is fantastic,” said Ben Whitehead, a Troy almnus and current high school teacher. “I hoped Troy would get one for quite a few years, and to now have two beers is more than I could’ve wished for.” 

All sales from the beer directly benefit Troy University and Troy Athletics. Troy Athletics saw a 30% increase in licensing year-over-year and the highest total in a single year in 2024-25. 

“While I understand alcohol-related products might not be everyone’s favorite, Troy has been very smart over the past few years to create products that feel niche and special as opposed to paint-by-numbers products,” Whitehead said.  

Just a few months after the beer’s release, Blakeney will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. His December induction is the culmination of a historic career as the winningest coach in program and Sun Belt Conference history. 

“Larry Blakeney was the coach for most of my time as a Trojan and I will never say no to finding a way to honor him,” Whitehead said. “He is a class act and deserving of all the flowers that can be bestowed upon him.” 

During his 24 seasons at Troy, Blakeney became one of just two coaches to lead a program from Division II to the FBS. The Trojans captured five consecutive Sun Belt Championships under Blakeney from 2006 to 2010. 

The release of Blakeney’s Brew comes after Trojan Ale’s success in the last year. 

“Trojan Ale was basically everything I enjoy in a beer,” Whitehead said. “It has a great taste with good flavors and doesn’t feel heavy or filling. 

“I can’t wait to see how it compares to Blakeney’s Brew.” 

Folklore Brewing has been in business since 2013, making it Dothan, Alabama’s  oldest brewery. Besides making Trojan Ale and Blakeney’s Brew, the company has produced a variety of beers, meads and seltzers.  

Horn Beverage, one of the largest employers in the City of Troy, is a wholesale beer distributor.