The Cosmosphere in Hutchinson gets its own locally brewed beer — Space Race Hazy IPA

The Cosmosphere is not expecting their new craft beer to enter space, but they are hoping those on the ground will enjoy it.

Along with Salt City Brewing Co. in Hutchinson, the Cosmosphere launched Space Race Hazy IPA during a send-off party on Monday at the Cosmosphere. 

Space Race Hazy IPA celebrates the history and future of space exploration with a specially designed label. Partial proceeds from the sale of the beer and its branded merchandise support the Cosmosphere.

The brew’s space theme runs deep — down to the hops. In recognition of this special partnership with the Cosmosphere, Salt City Brewing Co. owner Steven Petermann included a variety of hops known as “Galaxy” in his blend.

Staying local with brewing beer

"The Cosmosphere approached me, and I am all about local, so anything I can do to promote excitement and support, I'm glad to be there," Petermann said.

Petermann describes the beer as a New England-style hazy IPA. He said he uses Hutchinson water, which is vital to the taste of Space Race. 

"It's very aromatic, very intense hot flavors. Juicy," he said. "This one I would describe as mango tangerine, citrusy flavors."

Petermann, who grew up on a farm near Great Bend and Holyrood, moved to Hutchinson in 1999. Now, he said, "I bleed local through and through. So anything I can do local, I'd love to be a part of."

The Cosmosphere's President and CEO Jim Remar also supports local. 

"It's an opportunity for the Cosmosphere to help Salt City grow and to help the Cosmosphere brand," Remar said. "It has been a great partnership with Salt City and with the team at Howerton+White advertising in Wichita, which created the incredible graphics for Space Race."

More:Kansas' premier space museum, the Cosmosphere, gets a major facelift

Space Race is on tap at Salt City Brewing Co. tap room and through various liquor stores and distributors throughout Kansas. T-shirts, hats and pint glasses are for sale at the Cosmosphere. More information is available at spaceraceipa.com.

The Cosmosphere is a Smithsonian Affiliate. Its collection includes U.S. space artifacts second only to the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. The facility also contains the largest collection of Russian space artifacts outside of Moscow.

Located in central Kansas, this unique collection allows the Cosmosphere to tell the story of the Space Race.