“The 844” Commemorative Beer to be Released in Honor of 100th Anniversary of Eastland Disaster

The Eastland Disaster Historical Society (EDHS) announces the release of “The 844,” a commemorative beer brewed by Ale Syndicate for the 100th anniversary of the Eastland Disaster. The 844 will be distributed by Lakeshore Beverage.

Liz Garibay, Principal at History On Tap and EDHS board member, conceived the idea by combining her passion for Chicago history with her equal passion for craft beer. She met with Ale Syndicate Brewers, a local craft beer brewery that shares the same passion for Chicago history and craft beer. The two discussed ways to create a beer that would respectfully encompass the stories of victims, survivors, and responders. Liz said: “The 844 Commemorative Beer will present history in an innovative way, a way to build community through conversation and by sharing stories. The beer will help us reach new audiences – the Eastland Disaster is an important and often forgotten moment in our history – and it’s time we change that.”

Beginning on July 15th, The 844 will be available on draft for a limited time in Chicago area bars and restaurants. The establishments that carry The 844 will be able to help tell the Eastland Disaster story. In addition to the draft beer, a limited edition of 844 bottles will be released in area liquor stores. Each bottle will be hand numbered and will highlight the story of one of the victims, responders, or survivors of the tragedy. Ted Wachholz, Executive Director of EDHS said: “Every family that previewed the concept – sharing history through beer – provided overwhelmingly positive feedback. With their unanimous support we now look forward to sharing the history of the Eastland Disaster with thousands of Chicago-area residents, many who we know will be hearing the story for the first time.”

A portion of the proceeds of all beer sales by Ale Syndicate will benefit EDHS.

Creative agency 88 Brand Partners lead the design efforts for The 844. Their pro bono rebranding work with EDHS created the distinctive design and labeling for the packaged goods. The 25.4 ounce bottles not only have a custom Ale Syndicate branded label, each bottle also contains a “neck tag” depicting one of nine different people together with the story of their involvement in the Eastland Disaster.

The 844 is a smooth and full bodied Czech imperial styled pilsner, with a nice kick of Saaz hops coming in on the finish and an ABV of 9%. The beer has been brewed and crafted in honor of the 844 who lost their lives on July 24, 1915 during the Eastland Disaster in the Chicago River. The victims were Western Electric workers, their families and friends – many who were Czech immigrants. On the 100th anniversary of this tragedy, we raise a glass to their memory with a crisp, golden commemorative beer inspired by their Czech heritage.

The official beer launch will take place on July 15, 2015 at 6PM at the Nisei Lounge, 3439 N. Sheffield. The Nisei Lounge was founded by second generation Japanese immigrants in 1951 to provide a spot for Chicago’s Japanese-American community to socialize over a few drinks. The launch will be coupled with the opening of a photo exhibition of Eastland Disaster photos taken by the first Japanese-American photojournalist, Jun Fujita. Pat Doerr, Owner of the Nisei Lounge, said: “The Nisei Lounge provides a unique venue for connecting Jun Fujita’s compelling photography from the Eastland Disaster with The 844 Commemorative Beer. Patrons of the Nisei Lounge over the next few weeks will have not just one but two ways to connect with the history of the Eastland Disaster.”