NASCAR legend Michael Waltrip’s APSU-branded beer now on sale across Tennessee

By: Ethan Steinquest June 24, 2025

Governor’s Golden Ale, an APSU-branded beer developed in partnership with Michael Waltrip Brewing Co., is a light beer designed to be enjoyed comfortably. | Photo by Sean McCully

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - The Governor’s Golden Ale, an Austin Peay State University-branded beer developed by Michael Waltrip Brewing Co. and Shelby’s Trio, is now on sale at nearly 40 locations across the state.

Waltrip, a two-time Daytona 500 winner who competed in NASCAR events for over 30 years, originally unveiled the beer in April during a meet-and-greet at Joe’s Garage. The drink has been on tap at Shelby’s Trio since then, and cans recently became available for purchase.

“Governor’s Golden Ale brings the Austin Peay spirit into the community,” APSU President Dr. Mike Licari said. “It’s great to see something that celebrates our fans and gives people one more reason to cheer on the Govs.”

Austin Peay fans and community members can find the Governor’s Golden Ale at:

• 931 Wine & Spirits

• Beverages & Smokes

• Big Sandy Market

• C&H Cash Saver

• Caddy’s Discount Liquors

• City Liquor

• Class Six Package Store

• Cooley Market

• Coyote Express Mart

• Crocker’s Wine & Spirits

• Cunningham Lane Exxon

• Discount Tobacco & Beverage

• Discount Liquor & Tobacco

• Jarman’s Market

• J-Mart

• KC’s One Stop

• Liquor Warehouse

• Mulligan’s Wine and Spirits

• One Stop

• P & D Quick Stop

• Queen City Liquors

• Quick Stop N. Second St.

• Riverbend Wine and Spirits

• Shelby’s Trio

• Starlight Fuel

• Sudden Service (Stores 25, 42, 59, 67, and 75)

• That Rebel Spirit

• Tiger Express #01

• Top Dogg Liquors

• Total Package

• Trolinger’s Inc.

• Twice Daily (Stores 11, 33, 41, 69)

Waltrip developed the beer alongside Joe Maynard, the owner of JCM Management and a part owner of Michael Waltrip Brewing Co. The two met at a National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) event and bonded over their shared passion for motorsports.

“I’m really thankful to Joe for introducing us to Austin Peay, and to the university for being so kind as to let us make a beer and brand it the Governor’s Golden Ale,” Waltrip said. “It’s made for light, easy drinking that people will enjoy, and my goal [was] for folks to be able to show up at a venue with cans of these in their hands.”

You must be at least 21 years of age and have a valid ID to purchase and consume the Governor’s Golden Ale. Please drink responsibly.