The latest canned release from our Propagator R&D Brewhouse is Hippie Highway 2.0, a collaboration with our friends at There Does Not Exist. Following up our 2021 release of Hippie Highway Hazy IPA, the “2.0” version is a Hazy Double IPA (8.5% ABV) with some new hop additions and an updated malt base.
Hippie Highway 2.0 is available for a limited time at our three California locations and at our online store.
The collaboration between Firestone Walker and There Does Not Exist is an extra special one for us. Not only is TDNE a neighboring brewery just down the road from us in San Luis Obispo, but also TDNE owner and brewer Max Montgomery is a Firestone Walker alum.
Brewing Hippie Highway 2.0 is a bit like getting the band back together, and the team was stoked to work on this latest project. “Max is a former Firestone Walker brewer and all-around far-out dude who makes excellent beers,” said Propagator Brewery Manager Sam Tierney.
Hippie Highway 2.0 has a base of Proximity Pilsen malt. While we dialed the overall oat-age back a touch on this version, additions of malted oats contribute a silky texture and brooding haze, while Gambrinus honey oats bring intensely sweet and honey-like flavors that round out the flavor and body of the beer.
For the dry hops, we brought back Nelson and Riwaka from the previous version, and we added Ekuanot Cryo for another layer of tropical punch dankness. Talus and Motueka in the whirlpool offer up their uniquely floral and citrusy hot-side properties. Overall, the hop combination in Hippie Highway 2.0 layers in copious amounts of tropical fruit, floral, and dank aromas.
As with many of our Propagator canned releases, the artist behind Hippie Highway 2.0’s label design is Nachi Eltit.
“One of my favorite things about working on these labels is incorporating into the artwork subtle references to the beer style or the brewery that we’re working with,” Nachi said. “In this case, I had a lot of fun illustrating the hitchhiking lion and bear and emulating the detailed linework that’s so characteristic of the TDNE labels.”
She pointed out that on the left side of the label, you see palm trees, which represent the Propagator’s home in Venice Beach. As your eye travels to the right, you see that the bus in the artwork is taking you on a road trip north towards the redwoods. “It’s all in this ethereal landscape with psychedelic elements that make the whole thing feel like you’re in a hazy dream,” she said.
If you’re like us, having to dispose of the can donning Nachi’s killer artwork once you’ve finished the beer feels a bit disappointing. But if you love the Hippie Highway 2.0 artwork, you’re in luck. We created a limited-run of beer glasses inspired by the can design, and they’re available now at our online store and three locations.
To celebrate the release of Hippie Highway 2.0, we’re hosting a party at 6 p.m. on Friday, November 11 at our Paso Robles Taproom. Join us for an evening of good food and beer, live music, and a special raffle. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to meet Firestone Walker Brewmaster Matt Brynildson and There Does Not Exist’s Max Montgomery. Hope to see you there!
