Elysian Space Dust IPA 6Pk

Elysian Space Dust IPA 6Pk is a hop-forward West Coast IPA from Seattle's Elysian Brewing Company, packaged as a six-pack of 12 oz cans at 8.2% ABV. Rated 91 (Outstanding) on BeerAdvocate, Space Dust has become one of the most recognized American IPAs since its debut in 2012.

Quick Facts: ABV: 8.2%  |  Origin: Seattle, Washington  |  Style: West Coast IPA  |  IBU: 73  |  Brewery: Elysian Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Elysian Brewing Company was founded in Seattle, Washington, and is now part of the AB InBev portfolio. Space Dust was first brewed in 2012 as a small taproom experiment and quickly became the brewery's flagship beer. The grain bill relies on Pale, C-15, and DextraPils malts, while the hop schedule features Chinook for bittering with generous late and dry-hop additions of Citra and Amarillo — two varieties prized for their explosive tropical and citrus aromatics. The result lands at 73 IBUs with a deceptively drinkable body for its 8.2% strength.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe grapefruit leads immediately, followed by waves of mango and fresh orange peel. A subtle resinous pine quality threads beneath the fruit, with faint biscuit malt sweetness rounding out the nose.

Taste: The entry is bright with candied grapefruit and mango sweetness, amplified by the Citra and Amarillo dry-hop charge. Mid-palate, the Chinook bittering asserts itself alongside resinous pine, while the C-15 malt contributes a light caramel backbone that keeps the hop intensity grounded. The medium body carries more weight than expected, balancing the aggressive hop profile without becoming syrupy.

Finish: Dry and assertive, with lingering grapefruit pith and pine resin. The bitterness is persistent but clean, encouraging another sip rather than overwhelming the palate.

How to Drink Space Dust

Pour cold — around 45°F — into a tulip glass or IPA glass to capture the full aromatic display; drinking straight from the can mutes much of what makes this beer worth seeking out. A West Coast IPA Shandy made with fresh grapefruit juice leans into the citrus character and tames the ABV for warm-weather sessions. Space Dust works well in a Hop Drop (a boilermaker-style pairing with a shot of aged tequila), where the tropical hops complement agave sweetness. For a brunch option, try a Hoppy Michelada — the beer's pine and citrus notes pair naturally with lime, hot sauce, and Clamato.

Best For

• Stocking a cooler for backyard grilling with fellow hop enthusiasts
• Introducing a craft-curious friend to big, bold West Coast IPAs
• Pairing with spicy foods like wings, tacos, or Thai curry
• A weeknight reward beer when something sessionable won't cut it

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Space Dust taste like? Space Dust leads with bright grapefruit, mango, and orange citrus from Citra and Amarillo hops, supported by a light caramel malt backbone and a dry, pine-resin finish at 73 IBUs.

How does Space Dust compare to Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA? Dogfish Head 60 Minute IPA sits at a more moderate 6.0% ABV and 60 IBUs, delivering a balanced, continuously-hopped profile, while Space Dust hits harder at 8.2% ABV and 73 IBUs with a more aggressive tropical-citrus dry-hop character. Space Dust leans West Coast in style, whereas 60 Minute IPA occupies a more traditional American IPA middle ground.

Is Space Dust good for beginners? At 8.2% ABV and 73 IBUs, Space Dust is a step beyond entry-level IPAs and is best suited for drinkers who already enjoy hoppy beers and are ready for bigger flavor and higher alcohol content.

Where is Space Dust made? Space Dust is brewed by Elysian Brewing Company, headquartered in Seattle, Washington. Elysian was originally an independent craft brewery and is now owned by AB InBev, which has expanded its distribution nationally.

What foods pair well with Space Dust? Spicy buffalo wings benefit from the hop bitterness cutting through the heat. Fish tacos with mango salsa echo the beer's tropical fruit notes. Sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese stands up to the bold hop intensity. Grilled burgers with caramelized onions complement the malt sweetness, and Thai green curry matches the citrus aromatics while the carbonation cleanses the palate between bites.

What sizes does Space Dust come in? Space Dust is commonly available in 6-packs of 12 oz cans, as well as single 19.2 oz stovepipe cans and 12-pack formats depending on market availability.

Is Space Dust worth the price? Space Dust positions as a premium but widely accessible IPA, offering 8.2% ABV and a 91 BeerAdvocate rating at a price point competitive with most craft six-packs — strong value for an IPA that punches well above typical shelf offerings in hop complexity and alcohol content.

Why Space Dust?

A 91 Outstanding rating on BeerAdvocate puts Space Dust in rare company among widely distributed IPAs. The combination of Chinook bittering hops with Citra and Amarillo dry-hop additions produces a layered tropical-citrus-pine profile that has earned it flagship status since 2012. At 8.2% ABV, it delivers the punch of a double IPA while maintaining a medium body and dry finish that keeps it from becoming a chore to drink. For anyone building a go-to IPA rotation, Space Dust has earned its reputation on flavor rather than hype.