WILDER, Ky. – Barleycorn’s Brewhouse today announced the official launch of Norse Up, a fan-named light lager that benefits Northern Kentucky University (NKU) student-athletes through NIL.
Beginning on Monday, Nov. 3, 16-ounce cans of Norse Up will be available at Truist Arena during NKU home basketball games, with broader availability rolling out across Northern Kentucky this week. Ten percent of every sale supports NKU’s NIL program for student-athletes.
Norse Up will also be available in cans at Barleycorn’s Brewhouse, all NKY Good Spirits locations, and Spear Ridge Café, and on tap at Barleycorn’s Brewhouse and Barleycorn’s Cold Spring. Fans can track locations in real time via the new “Find Norse Up” page on the Barleycorn’s Brewhouse website.
“Norse Up is about more than beer, it’s about pride in our school and our community” said Jay Shelton, CEO of Barleycorn’s, and an NKU alum. “Barleycorn’s has supported NKU for decades, from sponsoring programs to running a game-day shuttle from Cold Spring. With Norse Up, every purchase directly backs student-athletes, and we’re proud to raise a glass with Norse Nation.”
The beer’s name and style were chosen by fans in a community voting contest earlier this year, part of a collaboration between NKU Athletics and Barleycorn’s. The partnership designates 10% of all Norse Up sales to benefit NKU student-athletes via NIL.
“I think this partnership will take NKU to the next level and truly engage our fanbase,” said Maxwell Edwards, Norse Sports Properties Manager of Business Development. “Fans were involved every step of the way, from naming the beer to choosing the flavor. I hope everyone gets a chance to enjoy it at the arena this season while cheering the Norse on to victory. A big thank you to our longtime partners at Barleycorn’s—their ongoing support of NKU and our student-athletes plays a vital role in our success.
Barleycorn’s Brewhouse and NKU will celebrate the in-arena debut with on-site fan engagement at Truist Arena, including a photo-op with the Barleycorn’s beer van and branded giveaways. Barleycorn’s is an official partner of NKU again this season and will continue the 94-ft putt during half time, giving fans a shot at $5,000, along with other in-game giveaways.
“We’re excited to introduce the Barleycorn’s Norse Up beer at Truist Arena this basketball season,” said Athletic Director Christina Roybal. “This collaboration with Barleycorn’s is a fun and meaningful way to engage our fans and showcase the power of community support behind Norse Athletics. The launch of Norse Up, a beer created by Barleycorn’s and voted on by our fans, adds an extra layer of pride and connection to the game day experience.”
Where to find Norse Up
Truist Arena (16-oz cans) – starting Nov. 3 for the NKU men’s basketball home opener at 7 p.m.
Barleycorn’s Brewhouse (cans and on tap)
Barleycorn’s Cold Spring, Florence and Lakeside Park (on tap)
Party Town and NKY Good Spirits (cans)
Party Source
Spear Ridge General Store (cans)
Uncorked (cans)
More locations available on our “Find Norse Up” page at barleycornsbrewhouse.com/norseup NKU Athletics and Barleycorn’s announced the NIL beer initiative in April and unveiled the fan-named Norse Up over the summer. The program directs 10% of sales to support NKU student-athletes, giving fans a simple way to contribute while cheering on the Norse.
