“Double Mind Haze is a carefully crafted next step in our long and rewarding journey through the hop world and IPA brewing,” said Brewmaster Matt Brynildson. “It’s a platform for extreme flavor, making it fun for both the brewer and the beer drinker.”
Massive Flavor Machine
Double Mind Haze is the first extension of Firestone Walker’s best-selling Mind Haze hazy IPA, which was launched in 2019. While similar to the original in malt profile and yeast selection, it is the unique dry-hopping regimen and high gravity of Double Mind Haze that helps to deliver a delicious 8.3% ABV Hazy Double IPA.
“For me, the amazing thing is the mouthfeel and flavors that come with the increased gravity and ABV of Double Mind Haze,” Matt said. “When done correctly, double hazy IPAs transform into massive flavor machines with a creamy mouthfeel and saturated, mind-bending hop flavors. I believe strongly that the synergy between the yeast and the hops becomes most apparent in a beer like Double Mind Haze, and when you hit the right chord, it just explodes with juicy hop flavors.”
The result is a beer supercharged with tropical fruit aromas and juicy flavors of pineapple, melon and mango, all finishing with hints of coconut on a soft, pillowy finish.
Audaciously Dry Hopped
Double Mind Haze is audaciously dry hopped, and nearly five pounds of hops per barrel are used in the making of the beer.
Original Mind Haze hops such as Azacca, Cashmere and Mosaic are now joined by Strata, Sabro, Idaho Gem, Idaho 7 and Motueka. Sabro has a unique coconut aroma, while Strata offers bold, pungent fruit qualities.
“Some of these hops might stick out in a lighter hazy like the original Mind Haze, but in this stronger beer they find a perfect balancing point,” Matt said. “While we are great admirers of many double hazy IPAs, we believe that our hop selection and brewing methods make Double Mind Haze truly distinctive to Firestone Walker.”
In addition to traditional post-fermentation dry hopping, Double Mind Haze includes mid-fermentation “midferm” dry hopping, which allows the yeast to work on free aroma compounds to amplify the juicy, integrated hop character.
“The Double Mind Haze experience is all about the textures and the amazing hop flavors that we were able to weave into this beer without any bitterness,” Matt said. “It captures all of the hedonistic flavor and strength anyone could want in a Firestone Walker IPA.”
Double the Haze
Double Mind Haze is now available in all Firestone Walker markets. Use the Beer Finder to find it near you.