When Flyover Country partnered with Severance Brewing Co. for a beer collaboration, they wanted it to reflect both brands and what’s important to the people behind them.
“Melissa [Heckel of Severance] came up with a great tagline, which is, ‘A recipe inspired by community.’ And I think that’s perfect,” said Flyover Country co-owner Josh Novak.
The beer is an imperial cream ale and is called Why I’m Here, which both Novak and Flyover Country co-owner Vaney Hariri say represents what their company is all about.
A recipe inspired by community.
Barley: Two Track Malting // Bismarck, ND
Flaked Grain: Chilton, WI
Hops: Herds to Hops // Sioux Falls, SD
Yeast: Severance House Strain // Sioux Falls, SD
“We got together and we talked about how we can do this differently, while also representing Flyover Country and building the community,” said Hariri.
The back of the can shows the local ingredients Severance owners Melissa and Scott Heckel and Mark and Jennifer Stavenger used to create the beer, and Flyover Country plans on featuring the stories behind some of the farmers and businesses on social media.
“We knew we wanted to be able to show where all of the quality ingredients were coming from like the hops and everything, and who was behind making the beer,” said Hariri. “It’s all about the importance of collaboration.”
What’s also on the back of the can is a checklist where the consumer can check from a list answering, “Why I’m here” (see sidebar for the list).
Flyover Country x Severance Beer Release Party
April 30 // 4:30-8 p.m. // Severance Brewing Co.
Celebrate the beer inspired by community and tell them why you’re here in the Midwest. Also check out a pop up shop with new Flyover Country releases, including the Sioux Falls Flag t-shirt design.
“We want people to connect to why they’re here,” said Hariri. “They can literally check off on the can why they’re excited to be here.”
If the participant shares a photo of why they’re here and tags both companies with the hashtag #WHYIMHERE, they’ll be entered to win a prize.
What will you check off?
Share your answer with #WHYIMHERE, @flyovercountryus, and @severancebrewing on Instagram to enter to win.
I’m here to…
Build my community.
Practice my craft.
Impact someone.
Create a culture.
Grow a movement.
Drink Severance.
Fill in the blank.
Flyover Country and Severance Brewing Co. are celebrating the Why I’m Here beer release with a launch party at Severance in downtown Sioux Falls on April 30 at 4:30 p.m. Along with the release is a pop-up shop with new Flyover Country designs, including tank tops and a limited edition Sioux Falls Flag shirt.
When it comes to celebrating the community, Hariri says a local brewery is the perfect way to exemplify that.
“I’m personally inspired by our brewery community. I think that industry is one of the greatest examples of collaboration and comradery,” said Hariri. “They support each other even though they’re technically ‘competitors.’ They also support small, local farms and things of that nature.”
Novak left off, “We just want to continue to focus on people here in their community doing their thing and telling their stories.”
