Unpacking the 8.2% ABV of Elysian Space Dust
Elysian Space Dust IPA is renowned among craft beer enthusiasts for its high alcohol by volume (ABV), which sits at 8.2%. This is a crucial detail for anyone curious about the beer's strength and overall character. The ABV measurement indicates what percentage of the total liquid is pure alcohol. For comparison, most standard lagers and pale ales fall in the 4-6% range, making Space Dust notably more potent and an Imperial or Double IPA.
The 8.2% ABV is a direct result of the brewing process, where Elysian uses a combination of malts and hops to achieve both the flavor profile and the alcohol content. The malt bill, featuring Pale, C-15, and Dextrapils malts, provides the fermentable sugars that yeast consume to produce alcohol. The result is a beer that is not only packed with flavor but also carries a considerable punch. This makes it a great choice for those who appreciate the complexity of a bigger, bolder beer.
Flavor Profile and Ingredients
The elevated ABV in Space Dust is not just for show; it contributes directly to the beer's complex and full-bodied taste. The high alcohol content is balanced by a vigorous hopping schedule using Chinook hops for bitterness, with late and dry additions of Citra and Amarillo hops for aroma. This blend results in a flavor profile with pronounced notes of grapefruit, mango, orange, and pine, offering a vibrant and aromatic experience. The medium body and dry finish prevent the beer from becoming cloyingly sweet, making the higher alcohol content surprisingly drinkable.
The Brewing Recipe
- Malts: A blend of Pale, C-15, and Dextrapils malts contributes to the beer's golden-amber hue and provides the sugar necessary for fermentation.
- Hops: A powerful trio of Chinook, Citra, and Amarillo hops creates the beer's signature bitter and citrus-forward flavor.
- Yeast: The yeast strain used is responsible for fermenting the sugars and producing the final 8.2% alcohol content.
Standard vs. High ABV IPAs
Understanding the alcohol level in Elysian Space Dust is easier when you compare it to other popular IPA styles. The term Double IPA or Imperial IPA is often associated with higher-strength brews like Space Dust. This table outlines some key differences.
| Characteristic | Standard IPA | Imperial/Double IPA (like Space Dust) |
|---|---|---|
| ABV Range | 5-7.5% | 7.5-10% (Space Dust is 8.2%) |
| Flavor Intensity | Balanced to hop-forward | Assertive, often bolder hop character |
| Malt Profile | Can be light and crisp | Often a more complex, malty backbone to balance hops and alcohol |
| Body | Typically medium-bodied | Often medium-to-fuller bodied |
| Typical Hops | Wide variety, often featuring citrus or pine | Often features potent, aromatic hop varieties like Citra and Amarillo |
How to Safely Enjoy High-Alcohol Beer
Because Elysian Space Dust has a higher ABV than many other beers, it's important to consume it responsibly. The effects of alcohol can be felt more quickly and intensely. For example, one 12 oz can of Space Dust with 8.2% ABV contains more alcohol than a standard 12 oz can of a 4.2% light lager. Portion control is key. A single serving may be more than enough for many people, especially compared to lower-alcohol options. Paying attention to your own body's response and drinking in moderation is always the safest practice. Proper hydration with water between servings can also help mitigate the effects.
Conclusion
Elysian Space Dust IPA is a flavor-forward craft beer with a significant 8.2% alcohol content. This higher-than-average ABV places it in the category of an Imperial or Double IPA, offering a more intense and complex drinking experience compared to standard IPAs. The balance of a strong malt backbone with explosive hop flavor from Citra and Amarillo makes it a favorite among those who enjoy a bold brew. Understanding that 8.2% is well above average helps in appreciating its flavor complexity and ensures responsible consumption. Its galactic name is well-deserved, as it truly offers an out-of-this-world craft beer experience. For more information on the brewing process directly from the source, visit the official Elysian Brewing website.
Keypoints
- High ABV: Elysian Space Dust has a notable 8.2% Alcohol by Volume (ABV).
- Imperial IPA: Its high ABV classifies it as an Imperial or Double IPA, a stronger style than a standard IPA.
- Complex Flavor: The high alcohol is balanced by a complex hop profile featuring Citra and Amarillo, providing strong citrus and tropical fruit notes.
- Robust Taste: A malty backbone from Pale, C-15, and Dextrapils malts provides sweetness that counters the hop bitterness.
- Drink Responsibly: Due to its high alcohol content, it should be consumed in moderation, as its effects are more potent than typical beers.
- Balanced Experience: Despite its strength, the beer is praised for its balance of flavor and drinkability.
- Year-Round Availability: Space Dust IPA is not a seasonal brew and is available year-round for enthusiasts to enjoy.
Faqs
What is the ABV of Elysian Space Dust IPA? Elysian Space Dust IPA has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 8.2%, making it a strong, Imperial IPA.
Is Elysian Space Dust considered a high-alcohol beer? Yes, with an ABV of 8.2%, Elysian Space Dust is significantly higher in alcohol content than most standard beers, which typically fall in the 4-6% ABV range.
What does the high ABV in Space Dust do to the flavor? The higher ABV contributes to a fuller body and helps balance the bold, assertive hop bitterness. It also adds a slight warmth and can intensify the overall flavor profile.
How does Elysian Space Dust compare to other IPAs? As an Imperial IPA, Space Dust is generally more potent and flavor-intense than a standard American IPA. It features a stronger malt backbone and a more assertive hop character, contrasting with the lighter body and milder profile of many other IPAs.
What kind of hops are used in Elysian Space Dust? Elysian Space Dust is brewed with Chinook hops for bitterness, and with late and dry additions of Citra and Amarillo hops, which provide its distinctive grapefruit and mango aroma.
How many calories are in Elysian Space Dust? Nutritional information can vary slightly, but a typical 12-ounce serving of Elysian Space Dust can contain around 230 calories, mostly from the alcohol content.
Is Elysian Space Dust a sweet or bitter beer? It is designed to be a balanced beer. While it has a high International Bitterness Units (IBU) rating, its prominent hop sweetness with tropical and citrus flavors is balanced by the dry finish, preventing it from being overly sweet or bitter.
Can I find variations of Elysian Space Dust? Yes, Elysian has expanded the Space Dust universe to include other variants like Juice Dust and Phaze Dust, which offer different flavor profiles while often maintaining a similar high ABV.
What is a serving size of Elysian Space Dust? Given its high alcohol content, a standard serving size for Space Dust is typically considered 12 ounces. It should be consumed with awareness of its strength.
Why is the alcohol level in Space Dust important to know? Knowing the ABV is important for responsible consumption and for understanding the beer's strength relative to other alcoholic beverages. It helps drinkers manage their intake and appreciate the brew's complexity.
