We Brew a Beer with Jim Rowland
Jim's Background and Connection to Fernson
If you’ve ever visited Fernson Downtown in Sioux Falls, you’ve likely spotted Jim Rowland, a staple in the local craft beer scene. With his signature bandana and infectious enthusiasm, Jim is often found chatting with staff while savoring a brew. His loyalty to Fernson has been unwavering, and we’re thrilled to announce that he’s reached the milestone of brewing his very own Fernson beer: Bandana Man.
Fernson Downtown celebrated its 5-year anniversary in April 2024, but Jim's journey with us started even earlier, back at Fernson on 8th. Over the years, Jim has tasted many new brews we’ve crafted, accumulating loyalty rewards along the way. This year, he finally hit the coveted milestone that allowed him to brew his own beer!
If you see Jim at Fernson Downtown, don’t miss the chance to chat with him. His life is as rich as it is diverse. As a world traveler who has held many different jobs, Jim has stories from around the globe that could captivate anyone for hours.
Employee Perspectives
“I’ve known Jim for years and have had lots of fun and interesting conversations with him. Whether it’s about beer, food, or the places he’s lived, striking up conversations, playing Wordle or Connections with him, or just getting to know him has been a blast. We always look forward to seeing him come in.”
“Jim has been coming to our taproom for years and he has become a staple at the bar every week for as long as I can remember. It was a pleasure brewing this beer with him and I am so happy it turned out nice. It is a great beer to celebrate a great man! ”
“My interactions with Jim have always been light and pleasant. I appreciate how receptive he is to learning and going with the flow. One thing I’ve learned from Jim: to live an interesting life, sometimes all you need to do is listen.”
“Talking with Jim is a definite perk of the job! I always look forward to swapping stories and learning something new. My favorite stories are the ones about his travels, like the time in Morocco where he lost one shoe! ”
Choosing the Beer Style
Despite his many adventures, Jim’s choice of beer style was straightforward. He selected his favorite: a Belgian Tripel. Known for its complexity, malt sweetness, and mild spice, the Tripel is also notable for its high alcohol content, typically around 9% or higher. The star of this brew, besides Jim, is the yeast, which through warm fermentation, contributes to the Tripel’s complex and refreshing flavors.
Brew Day
Jim arrived at the brewery at 9 am sharp, as excited as a kid on a field trip. After a full tour of the brewery, we dove into the brewing process. Jim was hands-on from start to finish, helping measure ingredients, stirring the mash, and adding hops.
During a break, Jim enjoyed his favorite Fernson beer, Farmhouse Ale. It was a day filled with learning and laughter.
Jim's Expectations vs. Reality
Jim came in with plenty of questions. He was eager to learn about the specifics of the brewing process and was fascinated by the intricacies involved. One of the standout moments was seeing Jim's face light up when he tasted the wort for the first time.
The Recipe
Grain: Premium Pilsner Malt, Munich Malt, and Victory Malt
Hops: 2 lbs of Nugget hops
Yeast: Belgian yeast strain
Fermentation: Two-stage fermenter
The malt base, simple single infusion mash, and a 60-minute boil and steep time resulted in a brew that was aged for 30 days.
Tasting Notes and Feedback
Bandana Man boasts a unique blend of vibrant orange citrus, subtle banana, and delicate floral hops. This refreshing and aromatic brew captures the essence of summer, perfect for any occasion—whether you're enjoying a sunny afternoon on the patio or relaxing with friends at Fernson Downtown.
Jim received enthusiastic feedback from friends and patrons who enjoyed the beer, many praising its complex flavors and drinkability.
Release Date
Bandana Man is available now on draft and can be taken home in a crowler. If you’ve never shared a beer with Jim, now is the perfect time. We’re proud and humbled to offer you a taste of Jim’s journey at Fernson Downtown. Cheers!
Words By: Cole Casper