Technologies

SpaceX ‘orbited hops’ landed in an IPA. Here’s how it tastes

I find out whether you can taste the space in the Inspiration4 Space Craft IPA.

I’ve just had the closest thing to an off-world Star Trek Romulan ale I will likely ever drink. Samuel Adams’ Space Craft IPA is a brew with a twist: It’s made with «orbited hops.»

When the private astronauts on SpaceX’s Crew Dragon Inspiration4 mission circled Earth in September, they weren’t alone. The payload included 66 pounds (30 kilograms) of Citra and Mosaic hops (two classic choices for IPAs). In exchange for the hops, Samuel Adams pledged $100,000 to St. Jude Children’s Hospital as part of the mission’s fundraiser.

The special-release Space Craft is only available through Samuel Adams’ Boston brewery and taproom.

I’m a craft beer aficionado, frequenting my local breweries and willing to try everything from pickle beers to French’s Mustard Beer. I’ve tasted a lot of IPAs, but it’s not my favorite style, so I called in the most experienced (and toughest) IPA critic I know, my mother.

Samuel Adams gives this description of the West Coast-style Space Craft: «Firm bitterness, with generous tropical notes of grapefruit, guava and passionfruit co-pilot classic piney and resiny hop aromatics.» Our verdict? That’s pretty accurate.

The IPA pours a lightly hazy golden honey color and offers a gentle nose my mother describes as «diffuse honeysuckle.» The grapefruit notes stand out and it rolls to a dry finish. My mother calls it «a very decent IPA» that’s «typical of West Coast,» a style that tends toward bold bitterness and pine. At 50 IBUs, Space Craft is more soft-spoken than some of the super-bitter IPA options.

But you really want to know if we can taste the space. We can’t. I would never guess the hops in Space Craft had been in orbit.

We’ve already seen space Scotch whisky, which the experts said tasted quite different than its Earth-matured counterpart. But ale is another animal. Hops is just one ingredient in a recipe that also calls for yeast, malt and water.

As commercial opportunities continue to open up in space, we can expect more food and drink products that prominently feature a space-related component. Sometimes, the orbital journey might make a difference in the flavor. Sometimes, it will mostly be a marketing hook.

If Samuel Adam’s Space Craft is just marketing, I’m OK with that. There’s still something soul-stirring about holding a can in my hand and knowing a little piece of its contents circled the planet far, far above me.

From fiery launch to sweeping orbit to thrilling landing, those IPA hops lived a life I will probably never experience. With my feet on Earth and a glass in my hand, I’m a little more connected to human space exploration. Cheers.

Technologies

Verum Messenger Introduces Built-In Verum Chess

Verum Messenger has released a new update for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, adding another feature to its growing ecosystem — Verum Chess. Users can now play chess directly inside the messenger without switching between different applications.

The new feature allows users to start a game in just a few taps while reinforcing Verum’s vision of a unified digital environment where communication and everyday services come together in a single platform.

Verum Messenger continues to evolve into a multifunctional ecosystem that combines secure chats and calls, AI tools, a built-in VPN, anonymous email, eSIM, financial services, cryptocurrency features, and offline communication. With the introduction of Verum Chess, the platform now also offers a new way for users to interact and spend time together without leaving the app.

The update is now available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac on the App Store.

Technologies

Episode 3 of the VERUM AI Mini-Series Is Now Available

Verum Messenger has released the third episode of its AI mini-series, SHADOWS, created using Verum AI.

The new episode, titled «Ghost Money,» continues the story of the conflict between a team of heroes and the Omega corporation, which seeks to take control of digital communications. This time, the focus shifts to anonymous payments and financial freedom, revealing how privacy can extend beyond messaging.

Like the previous episodes, the new release not only advances the storyline but also showcases the capabilities of the Verum ecosystem, highlighting technologies designed for secure communication and digital privacy.

The mini-series consists of seven episodes, released gradually across Verum Messenger’s social media channels.

Episode 3 is now available. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

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Technologies

Verum Finance Now Available for Mac, Expanding the Verum Ecosystem on Desktop

Verum has officially released Verum Finance for macOS, bringing its financial platform to the Mac and expanding access to the Verum ecosystem across Apple’s devices. The launch allows users to manage their finances from desktop while enjoying the same secure and seamless experience available on iPhone and iPad.

The new Mac version includes the full range of Verum Finance features, including balance management, instant transfers to other Verum users, debit card management, Apple Pay support, asset exchange, and transaction history — all optimized for the macOS experience.

Verum Finance can be used as a standalone application or alongside Verum Messenger. Users who sign in with their Verum Messenger account automatically synchronize their balances, settings, and account data across devices, ensuring a consistent experience throughout the Verum ecosystem.

The macOS release further strengthens Verum’s vision of creating an integrated digital platform where communication and financial services work together. Verum Messenger, which is also available for Mac, complements the ecosystem with encrypted messaging, voice and video calls, VPN, eSIM, anonymous email, AI-powered tools, offline communication capabilities, and cryptocurrency features.

With both Verum Messenger and Verum Finance now available across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, users can access secure communication and financial services wherever they work.

Verum Finance for Mac is available now through the Mac App Store.

Verum Finance for macOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/verum-finance/id6774245148
Verum Finance: https://finance.verum.im
Verum Messenger: https://verum.im