New Beer At Open Outcry Will Support Y-Me Softball Tournament

CHICAGO, IL — The newest beer at the Open Outcry Brewing Company in Beverly/Morgan Park will support the Ginger Rugai Y-Me Softball Tournament, a neighborhood tradition that will mark its 24th year on August 25. Open Outcry Owner John Brand and his team have brewed about four barrels of the "Y-Me Dodd-Frank" beer, a milkshake IPA that has a mix of strawberry, vanilla and raspberry flavors. The brewery will donate $1 for every pint sold throughout the month of August or whenever the supply dries out to the tournament's cause, which is to support Dr. Kay Macleod of the University of Chicago Medicine and breast cancer research.

Brand said he was contacted by Katie McAlinden, a breast cancer survivor and board member with the Y-Me organization, about the possibility of a partnership ahead of the tournament this year.

"We try to partner with local civic organizations, charities and businesses to try to promote all the cultural, civic and economic amenities we have in this neighborhood," Brand said. "And the Y-Me organization is a perfect partner for something like this."

McAlindon said that while Brand and Open Outcry are fairly new to the neighborhood (the brewery just celebrated its 1-year anniversary last week), they have already made a noticeable positive difference.

In addition to being a major part of the widely publicized "Rainbow Cone Connection" flight of beers, Open Outcry has partnered with several others in endeavors such as holding a "Thirsty Thursday" running club and brewing a beer specifically for the The John McNicholas Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, known in the neighborhood as "Live Like John."

"I've seen John be part of a lot of great things in our neighborhood, so I thought why not reach out to team up and help each other," McAlindon said. "Open Outcry has been an amazing addition to the community."

Like the Live Like John and Rainbow Cone beers, the Y-Me brew will be formally introduced to the community during a "beer drop" event. This one's planned for 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 1 at their brewery located at 10934 S. Western Ave. Among those planning to attend is former 19th Ward Ald. Virginia "Ginger" Rugai, who started the Y-Me tournament with Kathy O'Shea in 1995.

"I'm delighted to see this," Rugai said. "I'm so impressed with Mr. Brand. What a civic-minded person. It's amazing to see his involvement, and awesome to see him doing this."

Rugai remains an integral part of the organization of the Y-Me tournament, which has grown from 8 to as many as 64 teams, drawing more than 1,000 women participating. Always held on the fourth Saturday in August, players in the 16-inch softball tournament play at various parks in Mount Greenwood.

"People are there to compete and have fun, but also to remember someone who has passed away to breast cancer," Rugai said. "It's very emotional, but a great day with about 1,200 women and the incredible generosity of the community."

Brand says he's excited to release the "Y-Me Dodd-Frank" Wednesday night as it will remind Open Outcry regulars of the other beers that have been released as part of the "Dodd-Frank" Milkshake IPA series.

The new beer is "a nice balance of sweetness with fruit and tartness," he said.

"The vanilla beans accentuate the sweetness, but it's moderately bitter with the hops we use."

If You Go

The "Y-Me Dodd-Frank" beer drop will begin at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 1 at Open Outcry Brewing, 10934 S. Western Ave.

Photo courtesy of John Brand / Open Outcry Brewing