“Devil’s Goat” Brew Taps Into UMW Tradition

One of the University of Mary Washington’s most time-tested traditions just got a little more spirit.

Students chose “Devil’s Goat” as the official name of a custom-crafted UMW microbrew introduced at a recent release celebration. The beer, created by Fredericksburg-based Adventure Brewing Company, takes its name from the nearly century-old Devil-Goat Day rivalry. The friendly pre-finals field competition pits students set to graduate in even-numbered years against those who will finish in odd-numbered years.

UMW President Troy D. Paino talks with Professor of Chemistry Janet Asper during a beer tasting on the set of “The New Guy.” Photo by Norm Shafer.

From left, UMW President Troy D. Paino, Enterprise Screen Video Communications Executive Director Jamie Smith, Adventure Brewing Brand Ambassador Wade Bedell, and Professor of Chemistry Janet Asper take part in a beer tasting at the Underground during filming of “The New Guy” video series. The efforts contributed to UMW’s new craft beer, Devil’s Goat. Photo by Norm Shafer.

From left, UMW President Troy D. Paino, Adventure Brewing Brand Ambassador Wade Bedell, and Professor of Chemistry Janet Asper take part in a beer tasting during filming of “The New Guy” at the Underground. The efforts contributed to UMW’s new craft beer, Devil’s Goat. Photo by Norm Shafer.

“Introducing our own UMW microbrew blends tradition and innovation in wonderful ways,” said Mary Washington Vice President for Student Affairs Juliette Landphair, who recognized the growing popularity of microbreweries among the college-age population and in the Fredericksburg area. Student Affairs staff members reached out to Adventure Brewing, which releases seasonal and specialty beers, and hosts entertainment and events, at its Stafford and Spotsylvania county locations.

Of course, Landphair emphasizes that only students ages 21 and older are eligible to indulge.

Described on Adventure’s website as a “hoppy red ale that starts with a sweet malt flavor and finishes with juicy grapefruit notes,” Devil’s Goat is available only at both Adventure breweries and the Underground on UMW’s Fredericksburg campus. Considered the “campus pub” in its heyday back in the ’80s, the Underground is open evenings, offering a place for students to study, plus nightly events, and food and beverages, including beer and wine for of-age students.

Landphair hopes the popular campus spot – mixed with the new Mary Washington signature ale – will engage the entire campus community, especially upperclass students who are legally allowed to buy beer.

A four-month affair from start to finish, creating Devil’s Goat was a cocktail of Adventure’s beer-brewing experience and input from students, who selected from lager, IPA, red ale and stout styles. The tasting was partially captured in the recently released YouTube series The New Guy, which conveys the first-year experience through the eyes of UMW’s new president, Troy D. Paino.

Voters also chose “Devil’s Goat” from a six-pack of prospective Mary Washington-esque monikers, including Talons on Tap, Brew and Gray, Eagle Ale, Bench Brew and Mdub.

Landphair and Adventure Brewing Brand Ambassador Wade Bedell agreed that the new brew marks an intoxicating collaboration between the University and the Fredericksburg region.

“This craft beer wouldn’t have come to fruition without the input and hard work of students, faculty and staff at UMW,” Bedell said. “Being able to work with [Mary Washington] – including recipe formulation, brewing and presentation – highlights the value Adventure Brewing places on community partnerships.”