Augi Students Brew Special Ale For Arboretum's 20th Anniversary

Let's be honest, if you attended college, almost everyone unofficially majored in beer at one point or another, right? However, two Augi students have taken their love for beer and done something very special with it.

According to Dakota News Now, Augustana students Gracen Juffer and Madelyn Sliper have turned their love of brewing into something special for their senior capstone project. The pair created a custom craft beer to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum, one of Sioux Falls’ most peaceful and scenic spots.

Both Juffer and Sliper are biology majors who also participate in Augustana’s Brewing and Fermentation minor, a program that dives deep into the science behind beer, fermentation, and brewing techniques. Yes, there’s actually homework involved with making great beer. Now there's some homework you wouldn't complain about having to do, right?

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Their creation is a maple cream ale designed to reflect the natural beauty and spirit of the arboretum.

The maple flavor wasn’t chosen at random. The Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum, located on the east side of Sioux Falls near Arrowhead Parkway, is known for its trees, gardens, and nature trails. Since maple syrup comes from maple trees, the students thought it would be the perfect ingredient to symbolize the connection between nature and community.

Juffer told Dakota News Now that while she plans to pursue a career in the medical field after graduation, the brewing world may always stay on the table. After creating a concoction like this, you can see why keeping that option open might not be a bad idea.

If you’re curious to try it, the debut is coming soon.

The new maple cream ale will be available for sampling on April 17 at Big Lost Meadery and Brewery in Sioux Falls. It will also be featured during the Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum’s 20th anniversary celebration on Arbor Day, April 24.

According to the students, something as simple as sharing a beer can help bring people together, especially when it celebrates nature and a place that means a lot to the Sioux Falls community.

Juffer and Sliper told Dakota News Now that, as the Arboretum prepares to celebrate its 20th year, they believe something as simple as a beer is a great way to connect with others while also getting in touch with nature.

5 Things South Dakota Gave the World

South Dakota may not get much respect. We get a blizzard and it's a footnote on the national scene, but if Florida gets a bit chilly it's breaking news. But, maybe it's fine to be forgotten about. We kind of like being left alone on our quiet piece of the plains.

South Dakota has given a lot to the world though. Not just giant mountain carvings and settings for HBO shows, but awesome things that the rest of the world should thank us for.

Gallery Credit: Ben Kuhns