Bridgeport’s launch of the first craft beer into space. Credit: PRNewsfoto/BridgePort Brewing

US-based brewery BridgePort Brewing has launched a bottle of its brand Original IPA into space to mark the brand’s 22nd anniversary and the opening of its new BrewPub in Portland, Oregon.

The new craft brewery will feature an enhanced five-barrel brewing system.

The bottle of Original IPA was transported 22 miles into the sky and brought back down intact using a parachute.

“The richness of the region’s hop fields inspired BridgePort and set the benchmark for the India pale ale (IPA) style.”

BridgePort marketing director Gregor Mina said: “The richness of the region’s hop fields inspired BridgePort and set the benchmark for the India pale ale (IPA) style.

“Hop boundaries were pushed way out and we felt it would be fun to send the brew that helped shape the category ‘way out there’ into space and mark another first for BridgePort IPA.”

BridgePort’s BrewPub was designed by Portland-based firm Moore Arch Designs using supplies and recycled materials from local artisans.

Established in 1984, BridgePort’s portfolio of beers includes Tiny Horse Pilsner, Our Original IPA, KingPin Double Red Ale, Mosaic Hopped Cream Ale, MultiBall Double IPA, the STUMPTOWN series and a variety of seasonal and limited releases.

The brewery introduced its first IPA in the Pacific Northwest in 1996.