Cheers to the Holidays with Simpson Stormin’ Red Ale

West Hill Brewing Company and Simpson College are partnering once again to deliver some timely holiday cheer with the release of Simpson Stormin’ Red Ale this week. The official launch party is on tap for 5 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 7, at West Hill Brewing, 219 West Salem Ave., in Indianola.

West Hill owners and Simpson College Class of 2005 alumni Doug and Heather Norris Gaumer say the idea to re-brand their popular beer to honor their alma mater has been brewing since the first pour.

“We always thought this would be a perfect pairing,” said Doug. “Simpson Stormin’ Red Ale calls to mind heart-warming traditions and memories that have meant so much to our family —and generations of Simpson students and alumni.”

Gaumer and Simpson College President Jay Byers ’93 began talking about the re-brand this fall. Their brainstorming sessions produced the idea of engaging Simpson students in the creative process. Accordingly, they invited Professor of Graphic Design Justin Nostrala ’86 to have his students develop re-branded design concepts.

“We jumped at the chance to be involved in this exciting project,” said Nostrala. “It was such a great opportunity for my students to get some professional experience and contribute to something special for Simpson.”

Over the course of fall semester and several rounds of concept revisions under mentorship from Nostrala and Simpson’s senior designer, Joe Hahn, four finalists were selected. Madison McDonald ’26, a graphic design major from Winterset, Iowa, created the winning design.

“I learned a lot about what it’s like to work as a graphic designer in the real world,” said McDonald. “It’s fun to get my name and work out there. Being part of a project like this was really cool.”

Moving forward, many more Simpson students will get the same opportunity. Each year, Nostrala’s aspiring graphic designers will be invited to develop a new label design for Simpson Stormin’ Red Ale as part of a fresh product roll out every fall.

Simpson Stormin’ Red Ale will be available on tap, as well as for purchase in 4-pack cans, beginning Thursday, Dec. 7. The Gaumers plan to donate a portion of sale proceeds to support student scholarships at Simpson.

“I can’t say enough about the generous spirit of Heather and Doug,” said President Byers. “They have such a genuine heart for Simpson and are always looking for ways they can support our students. That’s what makes this latest partnership with them so special.”

Two years ago, Simpson and West Hill worked together to create a unique “butterfly beer.” On that occasion, Simpson Biology Professor Aswati Subramanian and student research assistant Ethan Madden ’22 spearheaded the lab and fieldwork behind the Pearl Crescent Butterfly IPA. Their research secured the key ingredient — brewer’s yeast, isolated from a local butterfly species.