Astronaut Status | Wiseacre Brewing
Brewed by:
Wiseacre Brewing
Tennessee, United States
wiseacrebrew.com
Style: American Imperial Stout
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 12.20%
Availability: Rotating
Notes / Commercial Description:
Astronaut Status is a limited edition batch of Off In Space Imperial Stout that was aged in Woodford Reserve Bourbon barrels for 11 months. The brewers then tossed in some cinnamon sticks and vanilla beans before bottling for good measure.
HISTOGRAM
View: Beers | Place Reviews
Ratings: 155 | Reviews: 31
Reviews by brother_kenneth:
More User Reviews:
4.7/5 rDev +7.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
For all great breweries there is a milestone moment that marks a dramatic shift. It’s that transformation from a few people standing in line for a beer release to the moment where the event coordinator shouts, “holy shit, how do we keep all the people standing in line from tearing the place apart!” — knowing the brewery doesn’t have enough beer for all of the people standing outside. The release of Astronaut Status from Wiseacre Brewing may very well have marked that moment for the good people on Broad Avenue.
I was fortunate to be there. I was present at Founders Brewing, Dark Horse Brewing, Central Waters Brewing, and Cigar City Brewing for both of these phases, representing the maturation of their product and their notoriety as world class brewmasters. It is my opinion that the quality of Astronaut Status, perhaps the best production beer yet to come out of Memphis, TN, is a game changer for Wiseacre and will effectively enroll them into the same club, bringing people from hundreds of miles away for the simple honor of being able to purchase, share, and even trade these beers with friends who will never have the chance to even visit the brewery.
Astronaut Status isn’t the kind of stout we generally encounter in Memphis. The geniuses at Wiseacre started with their well-received 10.5% ABV Off in Space Stout and allowed it to rest in wooden barrels for over six months, barrels which previously served as caretakers of the highly acclaimed Woodford Reserve Kentucky Bourbon. This process, along with a late addition of cinnamon and vanilla, allow Off in Space to absorb the complex flavors imparted by the charred, bourbon soaked wood, transforming into a rich, high ABV “bourbony” surprise on par with many of the most highly sought after craft beers of the world.
From the moment of the first pour, you know this beer is going to be something different. Pouring a rich, creamy, deep brown with a thin walnut colored head, the aroma you encounter is boozy sweet, with bourbon and perhaps a slight touch of vanilla. The mouth feel is thick and robust without being syrupy or sticky.
The real excitement is in the taste — deep, dark, creamy chocolate with marshmallow vanilla, caramel, and wood sugar. Every step you take, you encounter the boozy high notes of the barrel… gently evaporating and breezing through your nasal passage.
The finish is the only place I can find any fault at all in the experience. At the very end, and I do mean the VERY end, the taste finishes with a touch of acidic, tart anise. This is something I am not used to encountering but I did find that taking another sip of this abundantly delicious brew was more than enough to help me overlook that one small scratch on an otherwise beautifully crafted Swiss watch.
Astronaut Status has effectively put Wiseacre, and more generally Memphis, on the map as a place where world class beer “happens”. As more people become aware of this beer and the capabilities of this brewery, we can expect to see Wiseacre grow and become a national representative of Memphis craft beer. Go Tigers! Go Grizz! Go Wiseacre!
3,132 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
For all great breweries there is a milestone moment that marks a dramatic shift. It’s that transformation from a few people standing in line for a beer release to the moment where the event coordinator shouts, “holy shit, how do we keep all the people standing in line from tearing the place apart!” — knowing the brewery doesn’t have enough beer for all of the people standing outside. The release of Astronaut Status from Wiseacre Brewing may very well have marked that moment for the good people on Broad Avenue.
I was fortunate to be there. I was present at Founders Brewing, Dark Horse Brewing, Central Waters Brewing, and Cigar City Brewing for both of these phases, representing the maturation of their product and their notoriety as world class brewmasters. It is my opinion that the quality of Astronaut Status, perhaps the best production beer yet to come out of Memphis, TN, is a game changer for Wiseacre and will effectively enroll them into the same club, bringing people from hundreds of miles away for the simple honor of being able to purchase, share, and even trade these beers with friends who will never have the chance to even visit the brewery.
Astronaut Status isn’t the kind of stout we generally encounter in Memphis. The geniuses at Wiseacre started with their well-received 10.5% ABV Off in Space Stout and allowed it to rest in wooden barrels for over six months, barrels which previously served as caretakers of the highly acclaimed Woodford Reserve Kentucky Bourbon. This process, along with a late addition of cinnamon and vanilla, allow Off in Space to absorb the complex flavors imparted by the charred, bourbon soaked wood, transforming into a rich, high ABV “bourbony” surprise on par with many of the most highly sought after craft beers of the world.
From the moment of the first pour, you know this beer is going to be something different. Pouring a rich, creamy, deep brown with a thin walnut colored head, the aroma you encounter is boozy sweet, with bourbon and perhaps a slight touch of vanilla. The mouth feel is thick and robust without being syrupy or sticky.
The real excitement is in the taste — deep, dark, creamy chocolate with marshmallow vanilla, caramel, and wood sugar. Every step you take, you encounter the boozy high notes of the barrel… gently evaporating and breezing through your nasal passage.
The finish is the only place I can find any fault at all in the experience. At the very end, and I do mean the VERY end, the taste finishes with a touch of acidic, tart anise. This is something I am not used to encountering but I did find that taking another sip of this abundantly delicious brew was more than enough to help me overlook that one small scratch on an otherwise beautifully crafted Swiss watch.
Astronaut Status has effectively put Wiseacre, and more generally Memphis, on the map as a place where world class beer “happens”. As more people become aware of this beer and the capabilities of this brewery, we can expect to see Wiseacre grow and become a national representative of Memphis craft beer. Go Tigers! Go Grizz! Go Wiseacre!
3,132 characters
4.84/5 rDev +10.3%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
Rivals any BA stout I've had. This is a beast of a brew. Loads of bourbon on the nose. Beautiful body and the mouthfeel is sublime. Glad I have a few to sit on. Can't wait to try one a year from now.
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look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
Rivals any BA stout I've had. This is a beast of a brew. Loads of bourbon on the nose. Beautiful body and the mouthfeel is sublime. Glad I have a few to sit on. Can't wait to try one a year from now.
204 characters
4.85/5 rDev +10.5%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Delicious beer. I love that this is a local brew that can compare with some of the national whale beers out there. Deep color. Creamy and smooth texture. Delicious aroma. The cinnamon and vanilla addition give a flavour akin to horchata.
Awesome beer.
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look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Delicious beer. I love that this is a local brew that can compare with some of the national whale beers out there. Deep color. Creamy and smooth texture. Delicious aroma. The cinnamon and vanilla addition give a flavour akin to horchata.
Awesome beer.
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4.74/5 rDev +8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
So good. Well done Wiseacre.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
So good. Well done Wiseacre.
29 characters
4.43/5 rDev +0.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Hope you like bourbon!
This boozy beast goes down like a sledge hammer. Astronaut Status has everything you want in an Imperial Stout - notes of chocolate, roasted malts, burnt marshmallow, and espresso. There's a nice vanilla and cinnamon kick on the back end, followed by a punch in the face from the bourbon. Silky smooth.
If you are a fan of a) imperial stouts and b) bourbon, you don't want to miss this rare brew. If those are not your thing, then spend your time shopping for feminine products or removing your body hair. This beer is too much for you.
563 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Hope you like bourbon!
This boozy beast goes down like a sledge hammer. Astronaut Status has everything you want in an Imperial Stout - notes of chocolate, roasted malts, burnt marshmallow, and espresso. There's a nice vanilla and cinnamon kick on the back end, followed by a punch in the face from the bourbon. Silky smooth.
If you are a fan of a) imperial stouts and b) bourbon, you don't want to miss this rare brew. If those are not your thing, then spend your time shopping for feminine products or removing your body hair. This beer is too much for you.
563 characters
4.55/5 rDev +3.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times....
I will concur with your previous reviewer. This beer put Wiseacre Brewing on the map. The best of times, because I'm excited that a brewery this close is making beer this good.
The worst of times because being able to walk into my local bottle shop and pick things like this up from this brewery will be short lived. This beer is absolutely amazing. I have had lots of barrel aged stouts in my time. This one is right up there with the best. Loads of bourbon without being overpowering. Absolutely world class
572 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times....
I will concur with your previous reviewer. This beer put Wiseacre Brewing on the map. The best of times, because I'm excited that a brewery this close is making beer this good.
The worst of times because being able to walk into my local bottle shop and pick things like this up from this brewery will be short lived. This beer is absolutely amazing. I have had lots of barrel aged stouts in my time. This one is right up there with the best. Loads of bourbon without being overpowering. Absolutely world class
572 characters
4.47/5 rDev +1.8%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
The best beer ever produced by a Memphis Brewery!
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look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
The best beer ever produced by a Memphis Brewery!
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4.79/5 rDev +9.1%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
This beer incorporates more barrel character than almost any other Bourbon Barrel aged beer I've ever had before. Sweet vanilla, caramel, and cinnamon with the base stout sitting more relaxed in the back with chocolate and slight coffee in the back.
Mouth feel is medium heavy, for an Imperial Stout, but the smell is intoxicating and by far the best nose in a BA stout I've ever had. You really get that great Woodford character at every turn.
446 characters
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
This beer incorporates more barrel character than almost any other Bourbon Barrel aged beer I've ever had before. Sweet vanilla, caramel, and cinnamon with the base stout sitting more relaxed in the back with chocolate and slight coffee in the back.
Mouth feel is medium heavy, for an Imperial Stout, but the smell is intoxicating and by far the best nose in a BA stout I've ever had. You really get that great Woodford character at every turn.
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4.81/5 rDev +9.6%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
The Memphis answer to BCBS
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look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
The Memphis answer to BCBS
26 characters
4.46/5 rDev +1.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Undated bottle at 45 degrees into tulip
Aroma of bourbon
Head small (<2 cm, aggressive pour), medium brown, fizzy, rapidly diminishing to 1 mm ring and no layer
Lacing none
Body dark brown/black, opaque
Flavor begins with bourbon, vanilla, and some roasted malt and ends with bourbon with some alcohol vapors; no hops, no diacetyl.
Palate full, creamy, soft carbonation
Appearance 3.75, Aroma 4.5, Flavor 4.5, Palate 4.5, Overall 4.5
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look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Undated bottle at 45 degrees into tulip
Aroma of bourbon
Head small (<2 cm, aggressive pour), medium brown, fizzy, rapidly diminishing to 1 mm ring and no layer
Lacing none
Body dark brown/black, opaque
Flavor begins with bourbon, vanilla, and some roasted malt and ends with bourbon with some alcohol vapors; no hops, no diacetyl.
Palate full, creamy, soft carbonation
Appearance 3.75, Aroma 4.5, Flavor 4.5, Palate 4.5, Overall 4.5
434 characters
4/5 rDev -8.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
650 mL bottle. Black body. Big vanilla aroma. Nutty malts. Bourbon and oak. Taste is chocolate and a ton of vanilla. Bourbon right up front. Sharp and boozy. More fudge than the nutty malts I smelled. Heavy. Kinda sweet. Very tasty, though it's a little rough around the edges.
284 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
650 mL bottle. Black body. Big vanilla aroma. Nutty malts. Bourbon and oak. Taste is chocolate and a ton of vanilla. Bourbon right up front. Sharp and boozy. More fudge than the nutty malts I smelled. Heavy. Kinda sweet. Very tasty, though it's a little rough around the edges.
284 characters
4.49/5 rDev +2.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
I had this beer as a 5 oz pour from a bomber at Haymarket Pub & Brewery in chicago.
what can i say, this a phenomenal BA imperial stout. It may be just a touch light when compared to the best of class, but it is awesome. Great bourbon nose. Very smooth flavor and the added flavors from the barrel blend in nicely. I'm damn glad wiseacre shipped a case of this north. I'm looking forward to trying more of their beers.
421 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
I had this beer as a 5 oz pour from a bomber at Haymarket Pub & Brewery in chicago.
what can i say, this a phenomenal BA imperial stout. It may be just a touch light when compared to the best of class, but it is awesome. Great bourbon nose. Very smooth flavor and the added flavors from the barrel blend in nicely. I'm damn glad wiseacre shipped a case of this north. I'm looking forward to trying more of their beers.
421 characters
4.63/5 rDev +5.5%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Unbelievable BA Stout from Memphis' own Wiseacre. I can't say enough about this beast of a beer. I concur with all of the detailed reviews below and then some. Trade for this...you won't regret it.
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look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Unbelievable BA Stout from Memphis' own Wiseacre. I can't say enough about this beast of a beer. I concur with all of the detailed reviews below and then some. Trade for this...you won't regret it.
200 characters
4.48/5 rDev +2.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
2016 vintage, nearly a year old
Pours is black with a big frothy 2 finger khaki head that lingered.
Smell is toffee, chocolate, bourbon, cinnimon, slight vanilla
Taste is big chocolate tootsie roll like, with a perfect amount of bourbon to compliment. Cinnamon really shines towards the end, followed by hints of a mellowing oak and vanilla.
Mouth feel is thick and chewy on the front of the palate, exactly what I expect for the style. But seems more medium bodied during and after the swallow.
Overall, I can totally understand the local hype surrounding this beer. I'm enjoying it much more than some extremely saught sfter over hyped beers of the same style. Only thing i would change is a bit less cinnimon but thats a personal preference.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
2016 vintage, nearly a year old
Pours is black with a big frothy 2 finger khaki head that lingered.
Smell is toffee, chocolate, bourbon, cinnimon, slight vanilla
Taste is big chocolate tootsie roll like, with a perfect amount of bourbon to compliment. Cinnamon really shines towards the end, followed by hints of a mellowing oak and vanilla.
Mouth feel is thick and chewy on the front of the palate, exactly what I expect for the style. But seems more medium bodied during and after the swallow.
Overall, I can totally understand the local hype surrounding this beer. I'm enjoying it much more than some extremely saught sfter over hyped beers of the same style. Only thing i would change is a bit less cinnimon but thats a personal preference.
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4.38/5 rDev -0.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
4.25/5 rDev -3.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.5/5 rDev +2.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
4.24/5 rDev -3.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Pours an effervescent ebony with 1 finger of tan head. Stays effervescent throughout, pretty good lacing & above average head retention
S: Bourbon, raisin, figs, carob
T: Vanilla, Bourbon, dryness, oakyness, faint leafy hops up front. Caramel, vanilla, molasses, figs, raisins & dryness as this warms, pleasant Bourbon notes, some chocolate as well. Finishes with figs, raisins, Bourbon & a little vanilla
MF: Fairly chewy, slight carbonation, warming, body thins a tad, once warm
Fairly complex, but still no chore to drink, beware!!! Well worth a go
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look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Pours an effervescent ebony with 1 finger of tan head. Stays effervescent throughout, pretty good lacing & above average head retention
S: Bourbon, raisin, figs, carob
T: Vanilla, Bourbon, dryness, oakyness, faint leafy hops up front. Caramel, vanilla, molasses, figs, raisins & dryness as this warms, pleasant Bourbon notes, some chocolate as well. Finishes with figs, raisins, Bourbon & a little vanilla
MF: Fairly chewy, slight carbonation, warming, body thins a tad, once warm
Fairly complex, but still no chore to drink, beware!!! Well worth a go
565 characters
4.79/5 rDev +9.1%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
4.68/5 rDev +6.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
This one got lost in the cellar for a couple years, so I'm excited to finally see what it's all about. 22 oz. bottle into a snifter. Pours jet black with one finger of dense, medium brown head that maintains a solid collar. The appearance and aroma make it clear that this is an intense beer. It looks heavy and viscous. It smells like fresh dark chocolate brownies with vanilla icing and a neat bourbon on the side.
The taste, while certainly bold, has enough nuance to keep it interesting. Dark fudgy bittersweet chocolate, vanilla, caramel, espresso, oak, and bourbon converge in delicious harmony. Not too sweet, well balanced, just the right amount of bourbon. Excellent. The mouthfeel is big and creamy. Heavy and full and coats the palate well.
Superb. Never had it fresh, but I can safely say that 2+ years of rest didn't hurt a bit. Would love to get my hands on another.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
This one got lost in the cellar for a couple years, so I'm excited to finally see what it's all about. 22 oz. bottle into a snifter. Pours jet black with one finger of dense, medium brown head that maintains a solid collar. The appearance and aroma make it clear that this is an intense beer. It looks heavy and viscous. It smells like fresh dark chocolate brownies with vanilla icing and a neat bourbon on the side.
The taste, while certainly bold, has enough nuance to keep it interesting. Dark fudgy bittersweet chocolate, vanilla, caramel, espresso, oak, and bourbon converge in delicious harmony. Not too sweet, well balanced, just the right amount of bourbon. Excellent. The mouthfeel is big and creamy. Heavy and full and coats the palate well.
Superb. Never had it fresh, but I can safely say that 2+ years of rest didn't hurt a bit. Would love to get my hands on another.
882 characters
4.25/5 rDev -3.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.25/5 rDev -3.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Great brown/black color with a dark thick brown long lasting head. Nose is big vanilla, coffee, chocolate with hints of spice/cinnamon.
This one is really under everyone's radar, it's up there with the best of them! Big thick and rich mouthfeel, almost like a thick stout malt. Great flavors and rich in texture. Long lasting pure flavors. Definitely worth a try. Great effort.
384 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Great brown/black color with a dark thick brown long lasting head. Nose is big vanilla, coffee, chocolate with hints of spice/cinnamon.
This one is really under everyone's radar, it's up there with the best of them! Big thick and rich mouthfeel, almost like a thick stout malt. Great flavors and rich in texture. Long lasting pure flavors. Definitely worth a try. Great effort.
384 characters
5/5 rDev +13.9%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
One of the best imperial stouts I’ve had.
43 characters
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
One of the best imperial stouts I’ve had.
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Astronaut Status from Wiseacre Brewing
Beer rating:
4.39 out of
5 with
155 ratings
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