Overview: As the WNBA and UConn legend retires from professional basketball, Tina Charles embarks on a new venture – launching her own craft beer brewing company. With 78-0 Hazy IPA as its flagship beer, this marks an exciting chapter in Charles’ life that celebrates excellence in both sports and spirits.
The Full Story
Tina Charles is no stranger to success. A three-time Olympic gold medalist and the WNBA’s all-time leading rebounder, she led UConn women’s basketball team to two consecutive national championships with perfect records of 39-0 in her final two years. With this remarkable achievement, Charles has launched a craft beer brewing company as her first venture since retiring from professional basketball.
Charles’ journey into the world of brewing began long before she donned the UConn jersey. As mentioned by Alisa Bowens-Mercado, founder of Rhythm Brewing Co., who mentored Charles through the brewery process, Tina had always been passionate about beer and was eager to expand her horizons in entrepreneurship.
Charles’ new company is named 78-0 Hazy IPA after UConn’s perfect seasons. The name not only honors the team but also serves as a nod to Charles’ Caribbean roots with its citrusy flavor profile, featuring Mosaic, Simcoe and Citra hops. “Citrus, tropical,” she said of choosing these hop varieties.
Charles spent 15 years in the WNBA after leading UConn to those perfect seasons. She hopes that this new venture will be as rewarding as her basketball career and serves as a way for her to give back to the community through entrepreneurship.
Production & Profile
The flagship beer, 78-0 Hazy IPA, is brewed in conjunction with East Rock Brewing Company. With an ABV of 6.5%, this India Pale Ale has a unique kick but won’t knock you off your stool immediately. Charles described the beer as “crushable” and emphasized its approachability.
This new brew marks a significant milestone for Charles, who began planning her company while still active in basketball. With East Rock Brewing Company on board, 78-0 Hazy IPA is set to be available at selected retail locations across Connecticut, UConn home games in Storrs and Hartford, and select Connecticut Sun games.
Brand & Industry History
Tina Charles’ foray into the world of brewing comes as a testament to her perseverance and determination. As a three-time Olympic gold medalist, WNBA’s all-time leading rebounder, she has always been driven by excellence in both sports and beyond.
What This Means
The launch of 78-0 Hazy IPA not only marks the beginning of Charles’ new venture but also reflects her commitment to supporting underrepresented groups. According to Alisa Bowens-Mercado, founder of Rhythm Brewing Co., who mentored Charles through the brewery process, she put in a lot of time and homework on this project.
Furthermore, Tina’s journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds looking to start their own businesses. With her WNBA background serving as a solid foundation for growth, Charles’ path shows that it is possible to successfully transition into new industries while maintaining the drive required in previous endeavors.
Consumer Takeaway
The launch of Tina Charles’ craft beer company comes at an exciting time for fans. As she embarks on this new journey, Charles celebrates excellence not only in sports but also in spirits. For those looking to sample 78-0 Hazy IPA, the opportunity is available now across various Connecticut locations.
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