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MUSTANG GOLDEN ALE The offiicial beer of Southwest Minnesota State University Athletics.
In October 2024, Southwest Minnesota State University announced the official release of Mustang Golden Ale, a new, exclusive beer brewed in partnership with Brau Brothers Brewing Company of Marshall. The University collaborated with SMSU alumnus Dustin Brau, co-founder of Brau Brewing, to create a beer that would celebrate Mustang pride while supporting the University. A portion of the proceeds goes back to SMSU, further solidifying the connection between the University, its alumni, and the Marshall community.
The beer’s tagline, “Brewed by Mustangs, enjoyed by Mustangs,” encapsulates the spirit of collaboration and local pride.
The idea for the Mustang Golden Ale came to life in early 2024 when several key players in the Marshall community began discussing a special, communitycentered project. Leading the way were Dustin Brau, Jennifer Flowers of Mustang Athletics, and Eric Luther from Tall Grass Liquor of Marshall. The conversations led to a plan to brew four distinct beers: three representing the Marshall community and one representing SMSU. Mustang Golden Ale became the beer to symbolize SMSU, marking the beginning of a new tradition that combined craft brewing with local pride.
team at SMSU also played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of this project. We can’t wait for all Mustang fans to taste this amazing beer, and we know it will be a hit with our community.”
“We have been incredibly excited to introduce Mustang Golden Ale, a product of a unique and special partnership that highlights what makes SMSU exceptional—the people!” said Jennifer Flowers, Athletic Director at SMSU. “It has been an absolute pleasure working with Dustin and his team at Brau, as well as Eric and his team at Tall Grass, to bring this vision to life. Our behind-the-scenes
Olson. The goal was to ensure that every aspect of the beer resonated with Mustang fans and the University's values. Their collective input helped shape the final product into a refreshing, smooth golden ale that would appeal to a wide range of beer drinkers.
“We’re so proud to announce Mustang Golden Ale,” said Nathan Polfliet, Associate Vice President for Advancement at SMSU. “This partnership between SMSU and Brau Brothers Brewing represents the innovation and creativity that are at the core of our university's mission. The success of this beer reflects the strong relationships within our community, and we’re confident it will become a staple in Marshall for years to come.” local pride in its brewing process. The lineup has included classics such as Old 56, named for the 1956 firetruck that graces the taproom, and Moo Joos, Oatmeal Milk Stout, as the core beers in their portfolio. the University further cementing the ties between Brau and SMSU.
Historically, Brau Brothers Brewing Co. had not included a golden ale in their lineup, making this project a perfect fit for the launch of SMSU’s official beer.
The Mustang Golden Ale is the first golden ale in the Brau Brewing line-up. With its bright, crisp flavor and smooth finish, Mustang Golden Ale is an extension of the legacy that Brau is known for and perfectly suited to represent the University and the community of Marshall.
The release of Mustang Golden Ale has been met with tremendous enthusiasm. It is now available at local stores, restaurants, and bars in and around Marshall. Brau Brewing has reported such high demand that they’ve struggled to keep enough can labels in stock for the growing popularity of the beer. Since its release in October, Mustang Golden Ale is in its third batch in three months (each batch is 200 cases), a testament to the beer’s success and the passionate fan base behind it.
“The response to Mustang Golden Ale has been incredible,” said Dustin Brau, co-founder of Brau Brothers Brewing.
As both organizations continue to grow and build on their rich histories, the partnership that brought this beer to life serves as a shining example of what can be achieved when a community comes together to celebrate its traditions and its future.
For Mustang fans and beer lovers alike, Mustang Golden Ale offers more than just a refreshing drink—it’s a symbol of pride, a celebration of local craftsmanship, and a testament to the enduring bond between SMSU, Brau Brothers Brewing, and the community of Marshall. Cheers to Mustang pride!
As part of the development process, the Brau Brothers Brewing team worked closely with SMSU’s Athletics and Marketing teams to refine the beer’s flavor profile. The collaboration involved a series of tastings and feedback sessions with key SMSU staff, including Flowers, Devin Gorter, Angela Lee, Nathan Polfliet, Maddy Groff, Stacie Mulso, and Marcy
In 1999, the brothers Dustin ‘99, Trevor ‘93, and Brady began brewing beer in their hometown of Lucan, Minnesota. It started as a complimentary operation of their Brauhaus restaurant. The brewing side of the business exploded and outgrew the Lucan space. In 2006 Brau Brothers Brewing was born and in 2013, Brau Brothers Brewing Company opened its brewery and taproom in the Marshall location at the intersection of Highways 23 and 59. Brau Brothers Brewing Company quickly became a cornerstone of Marshall’s craft beer scene. Known for its commitment to quality and innovation, Brau Brothers Brewing has always emphasized community involvement and
“We’re honored to be able to partner with SMSU and the community of Marshall on this project. It’s been amazing to see the excitement surrounding the release of the beer, and we can’t wait to see how it continues to evolve in the years ahead.”
The launch of Mustang Golden Ale marks just the beginning of a new chapter for Brau Brothers Brewing and SMSU. Brau Brewing has always had a strong connection to SMSU and sees SMSU as a great asset. Many of the employees at Brau are either SMSU alumni or students, and many come from the Culinology and Hospitality Management programs at
