The Firestone Walker Mind Haze IPA Universe Expands

“Mind Haze has become a playground where we explore our wildest ideas on where IPAs can go”  – Firestone Walker Brewmaster Matt Brynildson

On January 24, Paso Robles, Ca-headquartered Firestone Walker Brewing rolled out its latest Mind Haze variations, an uber-impressive, bestselling family of IPAs.

“The Haze craze is here to stay,” said Brewmaster Matt Brynildson. “Mind Haze is one of our most celebrated beers and has become a playground where we explore our wildest ideas on where IPAs can go, allowing us to deliver world-class beers that meet the diverse taste buds of today’s drinkers.”

And they’ve taken this opportunity to give the Mind Haze family, a bold new look…

“The esthetic evolution of Mind Haze personifies what craft beer is all about–fearless creativity in and out of the can,” added Firestone Brand Director Hannah Barnett.

Mind Haze IPA,

Mind Haze IPA which first landed in 2018 as “a hazy IPA done the Firestone way,” ranks as a top 5 national hazy IPA and the #2 hazy IPA in California. Mind Haze is celebrated for its explosive tropical hop flavors of pineapple, guava and stonefruit that leave the palate in awe.

Today, Mind Haze ranks as Firestone Walker’s most popular beer brand behind 805, the #1 craft beer of California and Nevada.

And  Mind Haze continues to spawn a growing family of variations including the new Brain Melter and Cosmic Crusher extensions.

Brain Melter Hazy Imperial IPA

Dry hopped twice,  Mind Haze Brain Melter is an 8.5% ABV Imperial Hazy IPA, with double the normal amount of hops, and layers of textures and flavors. The secret to Brain Melter is its blend of hops focused on Vic Secret, Strata and Citra. “

“We did a lot of trials and everyone on the brewing team picked this hop combination,” Brynildson said. “Brain Melter is a beer that doubles down on everything we love about Mind Haze–mouthwatering tropical flavors with a bit more octane to give it an extra punch.”

Cosmic Crusher Juicy Imperial IPA

Built around two ultra-tropical hops—Galaxy and Strata, Mind Haze Cosmic Crusher is a 9.5% ABV juicy Imperial India Pale Ale with a high-octane profile and a punchy mango and pineapple character.

“We amplify these hops with our juicy yeast strain, which becomes even more expressive at higher ABVs,” Brynildson added. “The yeast does a lot of heavy lifting in this beer, bringing all this flavor and aroma to the forefront while keeping the beer in balance.”

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At a time when many craft brewers are playing things safe, Firestone Walker has expanded its Mind Haze universe yet again.

It’s always fun when they do and were excited to give them a try.