So here’s where we go really out of the box from our usual, but as usual had to have big ideas fit into a small box to fly to space!
(Oh wait, are you a little lost about what I am talking about? If so, check out our first 2 blogs about Higher Orbits as part of Mission Possible with The Exploration Company!)
blog 1 - https://higherorbits.org/a-new-cosmic-collaboration-with-the-exploration-company/
blog 2 - https://higherorbits.org/whats-onboard-mission-possible-from-higher-orbits-students-supporters/
About 10 years ago I’d pitched the idea of flying yeast to space (yes, long before Sam Adams did it) where it would then be brought back to Earth to make products out of it that could be sold where a portion of each product could be donated to support our Space Inspired STEM… with Mission Possible we could finally capitalize on this idea!
One of the challenges of running a non-profit is finding the necessary funding to do all the things you want to do. Perhaps here is a creative way for us to be able to partner with some cosmically cool companies for adults to purchase their products and our organization to benefit financially. Adults get to buy some out of this world space inspired beverages and STEM/STEAM benefit from those purchases!
My idea all along had been to work with community driven companies or family-owned ones that supported STEM and/or their cosmic communities they are part of. We are a small grassroots organization working to do out of this world big things and we wanted to champion the opportunity for something out of this world for companies who are like us in that way. Since this is a bit of a test case for us, I thought about who are the people I know who we can do this as friends with the understanding that, quite frankly, I don’t necessarily have it all figured out!
As a Chicagoland native, a part of my heart will always be in Sweet Home Chicago so naturally I wanted to see what opportunities were there. About 6 years ago I learned of a cool Distillery called Skeptic Distillery that was founded in Melrose Park, IL (a Chicago suburb) that uses space as part of their branding.
You know I had to reach out and meet them. I was over the moon to connect with Karl Loepke there who embraced what we are doing at Higher Orbits as much as I loved their space inspired concepts for advertising. We tried to do a project before with another startup launch company but that didn’t work out. However, because of that, I knew that Karl would be open to another crazy space idea so he was the first person I reached out to. I was out of this world excited when he jumped onboard the mission.
Skeptic is flying yeast and some botanicals (all dried) in our payload that when they return to Earth will be used to distill some truly space inspired spirits for adults to enjoy.
Karl shares “ I've always been captivated by the mystery and scale of outer space—the sheer vastness has a way of putting everything into perspective, reminding us just how small and fleeting our place on Earth really is. That fascination even found its way into the heart of our distillery, where a mural of an astronaut now watches over what will soon be our tasting room.
So, when we heard about the opportunity to send botanicals from our award-winning Skeptic Gin into orbit and return to Earth for a Space-Bound Batch of Gin, we knew it was something we had to be a part of. But it didn’t stop there—we also sent yeast into orbit, which will be used in the development of future products like craft beers, whiskeys, and bourbons.
It’s an idea that’s just too cool to pass up—and it perfectly captures our spirit of curiosity and pushing boundaries. Space isn't the limit for us—it’s just the beginning.”
Karl’s kiddos were part of our Space at Home program and he’s been a avid supporter of Higher Orbits and STEM for students so I couldn’t be more thrilled to have him and his company onboard for Mission Possible!
One thing I especially love about Karl’s reaction and reception to this opportunity was that he asked if he could bring a friend along. I think life is all about the journey and the journey is better with friends so I have always done my best to bring friends along on various adventures whenever I could. So naturally, I said Sure! And Karl introduced me to another galactically great human… Jeremiah Zimmer!
Jeremiah is the co-founder of the Chicago-based brewery Hop Butcher. I immediately fell in love with the fantastic art that they use on the labels and I was thrilled when Jeremiah enthusiastically jumped onboard with this idea despite having just met me (and only an e-meet at that!) We are flying yeast from Hop Butcher that they will use for a space inspired beer for adults to enjoy upon its return and we absolutely can’t wait to see the label they create for that!
Jeremiah shares, ““We are honored to be even a small part of this mission and are particularly excited about the concept of using an ingredient that has flown to space and back in a beer to help us all celebrate the science behind not only beer but our world!”
These cosmic collaborations are ones that will donate a portion of all sales of the products they create with the space flown botanicals and yeast to Higher Orbits to support our initiatives. As to where and when you will be able to find them? It’ll be a few months but we promise as soon as that info is available we will share it.
So yes, this is a little out of the box from our usual, but it does fit in our little box that is flying to space and it has the opportunity to help fund opportunities for many future STEMists and Explorers across the country! We are so excited about this!
BUT WAIT! THERE’S MORE! We do have more interplanetary partners for cosmic collaboration to share with you! For that… stay tuned for the next blog installment!
And check out below for more information about Skeptic & Hop Butcher. Should you happen to be in the Chicagoland area, make sure to check them out!
About Skeptic Distillery
Founded in Melrose Park IL in 2018, Skeptic Distillery is a bold and innovative spirits producer redefining how premium spirits are crafted. At the heart of our process is cold vacuum distillation—a cutting-edge technique that removes nearly all oxygen and atmospheric pressure from the distilling environment. This allows liquids to boil at or near room temperature, far below their typical boiling points, preserving the delicate, fresh flavors and vibrant character that traditional heat-based distillation often diminishes or alters.
Our flagship spirits: Skeptic Gin and Skeptic Vodka have earned acclaim for their purity, complexity, and award-winning taste. In addition, we offer our Topline range: an economy line of gin and vodka that proves affordability doesn't have to compromise quality.
Expanding the boundaries of traditional vodka, Skeptic manufactures Tamarico: an adventurous flavored vodka inspired by the bold tastes of Mexican candies. Bursting with layers of tamarind, chamoy, lime, and chili, Tamarico is a one-of-a-kind experience: sweet, sour, tangy, and spicy all at once.
Whether through pioneering technology or fearless flavor profiles, Skeptic Distillery is committed to challenging conventions and creating spirits that surprise, delight, and redefine expectations.
About Hop Butcher For The World
Founded in Chicago in 2014, Hop Butcher For The World brews a broad portfolio of hop-forward IPAs, flavorful lagers and bold stouts. Every week, the brewery self-distributes fresh beer, often only hours or days in the can, from its lineup of over 500 different beers to better craft beer retailers throughout Chicagoland and beyond. Hop Butcher is available regularly in the UK, EU and over 35 states throughout the United States.
In late 2022, Hop Butcher opened its first taproom and retail store at 4257 North Lincoln Avenue in Chicago’s Northcenter neighborhood and in 2023, was ranked #1 Best Small Regional Brewery and #2 Favorite Hazy IPA Brewery in the United States in Craft Beer and Brewing Magazine’s Best In Beer Edition.