In our February issue, I discussed quite possibly Ohio’s most underrated brew, Jackie O’s Chomo-lungma, a roasty honey nut brown ale hailing from Athens. This month brings a uniquely special day, which allows us to look back at this delicious beer and the heartwarmingly touching story behind it.
About three weeks after brewery owner Art Oestrike purchased the then-O’Hooley’s Pub, his mother, Jackie Oestrike, was diagnosed with lung cancer. She passed six months later, but not before knowing that the bar would eventually be named in her honor, Jackie O’s Pub and Brewery.
Chomo-lungma was first brewed to commemorate the Lungevity Everest Expedition, a quest by Brian Oestrike, Art’s brother, to climb Mt. Everest in honor of their mother. On May 23, 2007, Brian conquered the unforgiving mountain in honor of his mother.
The name “Chomolungma” comes from the Tibetan name for Mt. Everest, which fittingly translates to mean Goddess Mother of the World. This noteworthy brown ale not only carries on the spirit of the climb, but also the true meaning of family.
And now, Chomo-lungma Day has finally come to fruition. On May 23, celebrate the first “Chomo-lungma Day” as we raise our glasses to commemorate the life of Jackie Oestrike and to fund lung cancer research. Nearly 100 bars throughout Ohio will be participating, so ask your revered watering hole today for more details.
/ Writer Aaron Fowler is a bit of a craft beer geek. Though he may deem himself a bona fide hophead, he never passes up a well-defined stout.
