Springfield, IL  (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Springfield’s Obed & Isaac’s Microbrewery & Eatery is stepping up to support those affected by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina with the release of a special-edition beer, Appalachia Strong IPA. Launching on Monday, the American-style India Pale Ale is part of the “Pouring for Neighbors” initiative, organized by the North Carolina Craft Brewers Guild to raise funds for disaster recovery.

For Obed & Isaac’s, the cause is personal, with former employees, friends and family members living in areas impacted by the storm. Karen Conn, owner of Obed & Isaac’s, emphasized the importance of giving back: “We’re honored to help our friends and neighbors in North Carolina recover from this disaster. This effort is about showing solidarity.”

Getting the brew ready on a short timeframe has been an “all-hands-on-deck” project, said Conn’s Hospitality Group’s Jay Shanley. The brewer’s guild reached out and Conn’s knew right away they wanted to participate.

For every pint of Appalachia Strong IPA sold, $1 will be donated to relief efforts and the Conn family will match each donation, doubling the impact to $2 per pint. The funds will support essential recovery services, including shelter, food, and reconstruction for the hardest-hit areas.

Shanley said there’s a lot of camaraderie among the brewers and collaboration permeates the industry culture. On top of that, Conn’s is always about serving the community, and this was a way to work with other brewers to help take care of the communities affected by the hurricane.

With notes of pine, citrus, and candy stone fruit, Appalachia Strong IPA will be available on draft at both Obed & Isaac’s locations, in Springfield and Peoria.

Donations can also be made directly to the relief fund at http://drinkncbeer.org/nc-beer-helene-relief.