Firestone Walker Adds Two New Mind Haze Variants to its Lineup

Firestone Walker has tripled down on the Mind Haze phenomenon with the addition of two new Mind Haze variants to its iconic Hazy IPA family.

Introducing Mind Haze Brain Melter, an Imperial Hazy IPA weighing in at 8.5% ABV; and Mind Haze Cosmic Crusher, a Juicy Imperial IPA, which kicks it up a notch at 9.5% ABV.

“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.”

Brain Melter, a smooth, yet kicked-up Imperial Hazy IPA, is double dry-hoped twice with a robust blend of Vic Secret, Strata, and Citra hops. This amped-up hop combo results in a barrage of tropical hop flavors along with a complex yet balanced sensory experience.

“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,” Brynildson said. “We did a lot of trials and everyone on the brewing team picked this hop combination,” Brynildson said. “It was ultra-tropical and expressive with a pleasing roundness. There’s a seamless connection between the smooth, malt-derived texture and the juicy hop character.”

Meanwhile, Cosmic Crusher serves as Firestone Walker’s first national foray into juicy Imperial IPAs. Centered around the use of Galaxy and Strata hops, Cosmic Crusher’s 9.5% ABV is completely mellowed by its intense burst of tropical fruit flavors sending drinkers into a kaleidoscopic wave of mango and pineapple notes.

“We amplify these hops with our juicy yeast strain, which becomes even more expressive at higher ABVs,” Brynildson said. “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.”

Brain Melter and Cosmic Crusher are now available across the full Firestone Walker distribution footprint via 12-oz six packs, 19.2-oz cans, as well as a 12-oz twelve-can variety pack alongside its predecessor, Mind Haze Hazy Tropical IPA.