Ad Astra Ale
Free State Brewing Co.

Ad Astra AleAd Astra Ale
Beer Geek Stats | Print Shelf Talker
From:
Free State Brewing Co.
 
Kansas, United States
Style:
Altbier
Ranked #65
ABV:
5.6%
Score:
83
Ranked #23,438
Avg:
3.69 | pDev: 11.38%
Reviews:
77
Ratings:
306
Status:
Active
Rated:
Aug 27, 2023
Added:
Jan 14, 2002
Wants:
  12
Gots:
  86
This ale is the first brewed in Kansas since pioneering days. The name "Ad Astra comes from the Kansas State Motto - Ad Astra per Aspera, Latin words meaning "To the Stars through Difficulties". We've blended Pale, Caramel, and Munich malts for a rich amber beer. The hops balance this malty sweetness, and we've chosen Northern brewer and Fuggles hops for their flavor.

24 IBU
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by ZebedeeDuBois:
Photo of ZebedeeDuBois
Reviewed by ZebedeeDuBois from Kansas

3.73/5  rDev +1.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
I had this on draft from my local craft bar.

It is a deep reddish brown, with clarity. The head doesn't last long. It smells and tastes malty, and reminds me of a marzen style beer. It drinks smoothly and cleanly, excellent for accompanying food. A definite favorite.
Mar 07, 2010
More User Ratings:
Photo of Bouleboubier
Reviewed by Bouleboubier from New Jersey

3.57/5  rDev -3.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
(5 oz pour at the brewpub a week and one half ago)

Clean, bright, amber in color... serviceable, angular; a decidedly amber beer/ale but, please sirs, not anywhere near an Alt. (2213)
Aug 27, 2023
 
Rated: 3.91 by KC_beerman from Missouri

Jan 12, 2023
 
Rated: 3.71 by WDJersey from Colorado

Nov 01, 2021
 
Rated: 4.58 by superwho24 from Arkansas

Jun 07, 2021
 
Rated: 3.74 by Myboymi from Kansas

May 08, 2021
 
Rated: 3.1 by Mark_Robinson from Rhode Island

Mar 27, 2021
 
Rated: 3.68 by ScottyB515 from Ohio

Mar 21, 2021
Photo of RonaldTheriot
Reviewed by RonaldTheriot from Louisiana

4.25/5  rDev +15.2%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Ad Astra has a clear, copper appearance and moderate lacing. The aroma is of subdued caramel and white bread crust. There is a similar taste, with some lemon and measured bitterness. Ad Astra has a medium body and a mostly-dry finish.

RJT
Feb 16, 2021
 
Rated: 3.75 by paulish from New York

Oct 10, 2020
 
Rated: 3.66 by joran from Kansas

May 08, 2020
Photo of WoodBrew
Reviewed by WoodBrew from Ohio

4.1/5  rDev +11.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
My good friend and old neighbor gave me a bottle of this beer. It poured a clear amber with white head that is leaving some lace. The scent had caramel malt notes. The taste was nicely balanced and easy to drink supported by caramel malt base. The mouthfeel was medium in body with good carbonation. Overall its a solid beer.
Apr 11, 2020
Photo of akaizer
Reviewed by akaizer from Virginia

3.75/5  rDev +1.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
A slight off-tan foam head that sits a top of a very clear and vibrant reddish-amber. Scent is malty sweetness with some breadiness and notes of caramel/toffee. Taste follows, with a robust malty backbone and a pleasant slightly sweet, slightly bready aftertaste. Very enjoyable and approachable.
Jan 05, 2020
 
Rated: 3.66 by Walnut from Missouri

Dec 24, 2019
Photo of rclangk
Rated by rclangk from West Virginia

4.09/5  rDev +10.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
BOM 12/2019, 03/2021
Dec 20, 2019
 
Rated: 3.63 by c014572 from Illinois

Dec 13, 2019
 
Rated: 3.5 by bundy462 from Texas

Nov 17, 2019
Photo of REVZEB
Reviewed by REVZEB from Illinois

4.09/5  rDev +10.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Beautiful dark amber pour with a dark white collar and slight lacing. Smell has great roasted nuts, toasted toffee, earthy hops, a touch of cocoa and a tidal wave of those german malts. Taste is more bitter and earthy, still has plenty of malts and toffee/caramel, good contrasting earthy and slight herbal hops, get some black pepper too. Medium bodied with typically smooth and bready textures, plus a dull sharpness about one third into the sip that sparks the palate. Nice altbier
Oct 01, 2019
 
Rated: 3.75 by drstalker from Illinois

Sep 18, 2019
Ad Astra Ale from Free State Brewing Co.
Beer rating: 83 out of 100 with 306 ratings