Space Quaker OPA is 'out of this world'

The Kalispell Brewing Co. has re-released an out-of-this-world craft beer just in time for the Halloween season.

According to the Kalispell Brewing Co.’s website, the Space Quaker Oat Pale Ale is made from an Australian variety of hops, called galaxy hops, combining a tropical passion fruit-like aroma with flaked oats for a taste unlike any of the company’s traditional lager and German-style beers.

A brainchild of Assistant Brewer Tyler Glidden, the Space Quaker qualifies as a pale ale, and though its taste is augmented by Tettnang and Cascade hops, it ranks lower in bitterness than some of its pale ale cousins.

Kalispell Brewing’s Head Brewer and Co-owner Cole Schneider said he detects an almost bubble gum-like flavor in the beer. The beer has been offered at the brewery before, but Schneider and his team decided the unusual flavor would add a fun yet uncommon twist to their tap.

“We wanted to make something that was pretty smooth-tasting in body but also vibrant as far as the hops aroma,” Schneider said.

According to Schneider, the brew has become a crowd favorite during its limited time at the Kalispell Brewing Co., the Montana Tap House and Piggyback BBQ.

Space Quaker is available now, but is being offered for a limited time as a seasonal option.

The Kalispell Brewing Co. invites the public to try the unusual brew at its Halloween celebration at 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28. The evening will feature a live performance by Jimmy Smith of the Gourds.

Other upcoming events include an Irish music jam session for community musicians on Oct. 26 at 6 p.m. and a live music set by the Jameson Duo on Nov. 2 from 5 to 8 p.m.

For more information about the Kalispell Brewing Co.’s brews and events, visit http://kalispellbrewing.com.

Reporter Mary Cloud Taylor can be reached at 758-4459 or mtaylor@dailyinterlake.com.