Short's Space Rock 6Pk

Short's Space Rock 6-Pack is a 5.0% ABV American Pale Ale sold in a six-pack of 12 oz cans, brewed by Short's Brewing Company in northern Michigan. Distinguished by its use of the proprietary Tony's Space Rock hop blend and a gluten-removed process, this pale ale has earned an 84 on BeerAdvocate across 371 ratings and a 3.5 out of 5 on Untappd with over 30,700 check-ins.

Quick Facts: ABV: 5.0%  |  IBU: 55  |  Origin: Bellaire / Elk Rapids, Michigan  |  Style: American Pale Ale  |  Brewery: Short's Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Short's Brewing Company was founded in Bellaire, Michigan, and operates its production and canning facility in Elk Rapids, MI. Space Rock is built around the Tony's Space Rock hop blend, a proprietary combination that drives its pronounced floral and citrus character at 55 IBUs. All Space Rock packaged since August 2015 has undergone a gluten-removal process, setting it apart from the vast majority of traditional American Pale Ales that make no such accommodation.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Prominent floral notes lead, followed by bright orange peel and a subtle grassy undercurrent. The hop aromatics are assertive without veering into resinous territory.

Taste: The entry is light-bodied with only the slightest grainy malt detectable beneath the hops. At mid-palate, assertive bitter flavors of citrus rind and dandelion leaf take hold, building into a complex interplay of orange peel and grasslike bitterness.

Finish: The finish lingers with a waning bitterness that avoids becoming overly dry. A final thread of floral hop character rounds things out cleanly.

How to Drink Space Rock

Space Rock drinks best chilled to around 45°F, poured into a pint glass or tulip to release its floral aromatics. It also holds up well in hop-forward beer cocktails.

• Beermosa: The orange-peel hop character naturally complements fresh citrus juice for a brunch-friendly hybrid.
• Michelada: Space Rock's bitter, grassy edge pairs well with lime, hot sauce, and tomato juice, adding hop complexity to the savory base.
• Radler: Mixed with lemonade, the floral and citrus notes amplify into a refreshing warm-weather drink.

Best For

• Hop-curious drinkers looking for an accessible entry into American Pale Ales
• Backyard cookouts and casual outdoor gatherings where sessionability matters
• Drinkers seeking a gluten-removed beer that doesn't sacrifice hop-forward flavor
• Exploring Michigan's craft beer scene beyond the usual suspects

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Space Rock taste like? Space Rock delivers assertive citrus-rind and dandelion-leaf bitterness over a very light malt backbone, with prominent floral and orange-peel hop aromas throughout. The finish is moderately bitter without excessive dryness.

How does Space Rock compare to Sierra Nevada Pale Ale? Both are American Pale Ales in a similar ABV range, but Space Rock leans more floral and orange-peel-forward thanks to its proprietary hop blend, while Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is known for its piney, more resinous Cascade hop profile. Space Rock is also gluten-removed, a distinction Sierra Nevada does not carry.

Is Space Rock good for beginners? At 5.0% ABV with a light body and approachable bitterness, Space Rock works well as an introduction to hop-forward pale ales without the intensity of an IPA's higher IBU or alcohol levels.

Where is Space Rock made? Space Rock is brewed and canned at Short's Brewing Company's production facility in Elk Rapids, Michigan. The brewery was originally founded in Bellaire, a small town in the northern Lower Peninsula of the state.

What foods pair well with Space Rock? Grilled chicken or fish tacos benefit from the beer's citrus-rind bitterness cutting through richness. Sharp cheddar or aged gouda echo its slight grainy malt note. A simple arugula salad mirrors the grasslike hop quality, while Thai green curry lets the floral aromatics play against lemongrass and basil.

What sizes does Space Rock come in? Space Rock is commonly available in 6-packs of 12 oz cans.

Is Space Rock worth the price? Space Rock positions as a standard-priced craft pale ale, landing in the everyday-drinking tier rather than premium or limited-release territory. Its gluten-removed process adds a functional benefit uncommon at this price point, which strengthens its overall value proposition for hop fans and gluten-sensitive drinkers alike.

Why Space Rock?

The gluten-removed process — verified on all packages since August 2015 — makes Space Rock a rare find among American Pale Ales that still deliver genuine hop complexity. The proprietary Tony's Space Rock hop blend gives it a flavor signature you won't find replicated in other pale ales, leaning hard into floral and orange-peel territory rather than the piney or tropical profiles dominating the category. With over 30,700 Untappd check-ins and a solid BeerAdvocate score of 84, it has built a reliable track record among craft beer drinkers. For anyone seeking a sessionable, hop-forward pale ale with a gluten-removed advantage, Space Rock fills a niche that very few competitors occupy.