Brewery announces plans are underway to open 2nd taproom location in downtown Amherst, Fall 2022
PRESS RELEASE / May 18, 2022 (Springfield. MA) – January 2022 brought UMASS and NBA legend Marcus Camby together with Springfield’s White Lion Brewing Company. The two formed a strategic partnership and launched the wildly successful Marcus Camby New England IPA. This fall, the pair will focus its efforts on downtown Amherst, bringing White Lion’s strong community culture to the greater Amherst community.
White Lion Brewing Company Business Partner and Head Brewer Mike Yates notes, “Our brand is built on the community’s fabric creating a diverse, inclusive, and fun place to be in downtown Springfield. We look to replicate much of that exciting vibe in downtown Amherst. As an Umass-Amherst alum and a resident of the Happy Valley, I could not be happier to be back in Amherst. I built much of my professional brewing career here and I look forward to bringing brewing back to downtown Amherst. We plan to activate 104 N. Pleasant with an eventual nano-brew house offering one off experimental ales, a test kitchen, taproom, and outdoor social space.”
Gabrielle Gould, Amherst Downtown BID Executive Director shared, “this happens to be the culmination of an ongoing three year conversation with White Lion founder & President Ray Berry. Collectively, patience appears to have paid off; a White Lion – Marcus Camby partnership is an All-Star win for the business district. The Amherst BID’s vision is to curate businesses that complement our already outstanding and loved small businesses. This is just the beginning as we rebuild and create a vibrant downtown for residents, scholars, and visitors to enjoy over and over again.”
(THE REPUBLICAN FILE PHOTO) Edward Cohen
Marcus capped it by stating, “our partnership extends beyond a conventional business venture, it was important for me to engage the greater Amherst community. I have witnessed White Lion do amazing things in the greater Springfield area; I am confident we can capitalize on that momentum, utilize my career relationships to enhance the downtown Amherst experience. Lastly, the centerpiece of success is to work with Umass-Amherst and the local education community to create opportunities for the next generation of leaders.”
Media Information:
White Lion/Marcus Camby Meet & Greet, Saturday, May 21st 2:00pm at The Drake, 44 N. Pleasant, downtown Amherst, MA. Light food provided by Bistro 63.
Business Agent/Manager to Marcus Camby – Pro Sports Solutions: Max Etienne | maxeprosportssolutions.com Phone: (917) 327-2243
White Lion Brewing President: Ray Berry | rberry@whitelionbrewing.com Phone: (413) 326-1829
Marcus Camby is a native of Connecticut and played three seasons for the UMass Minutemen. Camby was selected second overall in the first round of the 1996 NBA draft by the Toronto Raptors.
About The White Lion Brewing Company
The first craft beer brand to go to market in Springfield, Massachusetts, the company has all of the necessary ingredients for a successful, sustainable future: A compelling brand, a smart plan for growth, and a commitment to being a vital part of the community. More than a brewery, White Lion intends to serve as a catalyst for community revitalization.
