What's in a name?: Snow Eater Stout
Do you know about the Guinness World Record for the fastest temperature change ever recorded? It took place in Spearfish, South Dakota on the morning of January 22, 1943. When workshopping a name for our latest stout release, the production team recalled the event triggering a deep dive into South Dakota history to learn specifics.
In South Dakota, chatting about the weather is practically an art form. If you've ever spent time with a South Dakotan, you'd quickly discover that they love to discuss the weather, often with a dash of playful complaints. The famous saying, "If you don't like the weather, just wait a few minutes," takes on a whole new meaning when you hear about the remarkable event that unfolded in Western South Dakota 80 years ago.
The record-breaking incident occurred on the morning of January 22, in 1943. It began with a sunrise temperature of -4 degrees Fahrenheit, but shortly after dawn, an unexpected wind kicked up. Out of nowhere, the temperature soared to 49 degrees, as reported in the SDPB article linked below. Then, just as quickly as it had risen, the temperature plummeted from a pleasant 54 degrees Fahrenheit back to a bone-chilling -4 degrees Fahrenheit. It was a meteorological rollercoaster that left people in sheer disbelief. Drastic changes have long been a part of this region's climate but never documented to this degree, and the article coined it – the "snow eater wind." Once we heard this term, the name of our stout was a no-brainer. The double-sided label not only pays homage to the "snow eater wind" but also seamlessly incorporates the essence of this incredible weather event into its design.
For all the history enthusiasts out there, you can delve deeper into this extraordinary day in South Dakota's history by simply scanning the QR code below. Or if you are on a mobile device, click the following link: https://www.sdpb.org/blogs/images-of-the-past/spearfishs-world-record-temperature-change-1943/. It will transport you to the original SDPB article, recounting the unforgettable moment in western South Dakota.
Now, let's get to the nitty-gritty details of our beloved stout, proudly named Snow Eater. This brew draws inspiration from the retired Wagonplane Porter and Seed Series #168, refined and perfected over the years. The result is a stout that's roasty, mellow, and wonderfully dark – the ideal companion to keep you warm and cozy this winter. To me, sipping on this stout is like the comfort of your mom adding another blanket while you nap during a blizzard.
While crafting Snow Eater, we drew from the lessons learned from Seed Series #89 and #125, two stouts that garnered appreciation from our dedicated craft beer community. These earlier creations were instrumental in the development of today's Snow Eater, a testament to our commitment to continuous improvement.
With unpredictable weather on the horizon, we've made Snow Eater available in convenient 4-packs, so you can enjoy it in the comfort of your own home. But if you're looking for a reason to venture out in the cold, you can find this delightful stout on tap at Fernson Downtown. And don't forget to scan the special QR code on our 4-packs to uncover fascinating South Dakota history. Here's to another addition to our Seed Series – a heartfelt cheers to you, and please remember to enjoy responsibly!
Words By: Cole Casper