Upstream Brewing Company’s Space Monkey Biermosa is the perfect marriage of history and creativity, and it’s available for a limited run this summer!
Enjoy an evening in Omaha’s historic Old Market district with this playful seasonal release, combining a centuries-old German beer style with a flavor many people instantly recognize: TANG, the iconic orange drink famously associated with the early days of the American space program.
The result is a beer that’s refreshing, tart, citrusy, and just a little bit unexpected.
A Traditional Beer Style with a Fun Nostalgic Twist
At its foundation, Space Monkey Biermosa is a Berliner Weisse, a traditional German wheat beer known for its bright acidity and refreshing character. Originating in northern Germany, Berliner Weisse has long been celebrated for its light body, low alcohol content, and pleasantly tart finish. The style is especially popular during warmer months because of its crisp, thirst-quenching qualities.
Upstream’s version starts with the same respect for tradition that goes into all of its handcrafted beers. Before fermentation even begins, the brewing team uses a specialized souring process known as kettle souring.
How Kettle Souring Creates the Flavor
Unlike many beer styles that develop their flavor primarily during fermentation, a kettle sour takes an additional step.
At the end of the brew day, a live active culture is introduced to the wort while it remains in the brewing kettle. Over the next two days, that culture works its magic, naturally lowering the pH and developing the signature tartness that Berliner Weisse drinkers expect. Once the desired level of acidity is achieved, the beer is transferred to a fermentation vessel where yeast is added and the brewing process continues as normal.
The result is a beer with a clean, bright sour character that serves as the perfect foundation for fruit-inspired flavors.
Enter the Astronaut Drink
While Berliner Weisse is traditionally enjoyed on its own or paired with fruit syrups, Space Monkey Biermosa takes a different approach. For this seasonal release, Upstream’s brewers added generous amounts of TANG, creating a beer that delivers bold citrus flavor alongside the style’s natural tartness.
It’s not often that a craft brewery intentionally reaches for an ingredient that evokes childhood memories, but that’s part of what makes this beer so memorable.
The orange flavor blends surprisingly well with the sour wheat beer base. The sweetness and citrus notes complement the tartness rather than overpowering it, creating a balanced drinking experience that feels both familiar and entirely new.
A Beer That Doesn’t Take Itself Too Seriously
Craft brewing often celebrates innovation, and sometimes the best ideas begin as experiments.
Space Monkey Biermosa started with a simple question: What happens when you combine the rich traditions of German brewing with one of the most recognizable orange flavors ever created?
The answer is a beer that’s playful without sacrificing quality.
At 4.2% ABV and just 10 IBUs, it’s light, approachable, and easy-drinking. Its hazy orange appearance hints at the citrus character waiting inside, while the tart finish keeps each sip refreshing. For longtime craft beer fans, it offers an opportunity to experience a classic sour style through a completely different lens. For newcomers, it serves as a fun introduction to Berliner Weisse and the world of sour beers.
Warm afternoons and patio season call for beers that are bright, refreshing, and easy to enjoy with friends. Space Monkey Biermosa checks every box. Whether you’re exploring Omaha’s Old Market, stopping in for lunch, or gathering with friends after work, this seasonal release brings a burst of citrus flavor that’s especially welcome during the summer months.
Its combination of tartness and orange flavor makes it a natural choice for anyone looking for something different from traditional lagers or hop-forward ales.
A Taste of Nostalgia
Not every beer can transport you somewhere. Space Monkey Biermosa manages to do just that.
For some drinkers, the flavor may bring back memories of mixing up a glass of bright orange TANG on a summer afternoon. For others, it may be their first introduction to the iconic flavor altogether.
Either way, the experience is uniquely memorable.
Stop by Upstream Brewing Company in Omaha’s historic Old Market and try a pint while it lasts. Space Monkey Biermosa is proof that great beer can honor tradition, embrace creativity, and still leave room for a little fun.