Dr. Norah Patten

Mayo astronaut inspires ‘stout in space’ concept

Guinness has commenced work on creating the first interstellar stout. . . a move inspired by Mayo woman Dr. Norah Patten.

The company has announced that its brewers have started research on a ‘breakthrough’ beer fit for consumption in space.

It has identified space tourism as a possible lucrative future market and is working to ‘ensure that Guinness is space ready when the time comes’.

According to The Sunday Times, Guinness was partly inspired to work on the concept by Ballina woman Dr. Patten, who is set to be the first Irish person to travel into space.

Dr. Patten was among the speakers at the Future of Stout Summit held by Guinness at the Open Gate Brewery.

She said: "When I first heard about this project, I knew that I wanted to be involved. It’s brilliant that the brewers at Guinness are trying to solve a highly complex brewing challenge."

Dr. Patten, an aeronautical engineer, said she was happy to share her expertise with brewers in Guinness as they embark on the frothy frontier.

She is working on an international project which could mean she is selected to take a research trip into space.

"I’m hoping to experience space first hand and having flown as a researcher on a recent parabolic flight campaign, I know that we need to keep innovating as we travel further into space.

"If I can share some of my own experiences working in the space field with the project team, then that will be personally very rewarding for me," she said.

Dr. Patten said the brewers at Guinness should take inspiration from all of the space innovation which has gone before them.

"I wish them the very best with their challenge. Although it may seem like a daunting one, the possibilities of space experiences for people are nearer than we think."

The brewery said it has commenced a feasibility study which will investigate the practicality of brewing a Guinness fit to be enjoyed in space.

To mark the occasion, Guinness has brewed a limited edition celebratory new stout called Stoutosphere, created in time for International Stout Day.