Firestone Walker Double Mind Haze 19.2OZ

Firestone Walker Double Mind Haze 19.2OZ is a hazy double IPA brewed at 8.3% ABV, packaged in a 19.2 oz single-serve can. Produced by Firestone Walker Brewing Company — named Best American Brewery of the Decade by Paste Magazine — Double Mind Haze represents the amplified, full-throttle version of the brewery's popular Mind Haze lineup, loaded with nearly five pounds of hops per barrel.

Quick Facts: ABV: 8.3%  |  Origin: Paso Robles, California  |  Style: Hazy Double IPA  |  Brewery: Firestone Walker Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Firestone Walker Brewing Company was founded in 1996 by brothers-in-law Adam Firestone and David Walker in Paso Robles, California. Double Mind Haze uses a distinctive dual dry-hopping process: in addition to the standard post-fermentation dry hop, the beer undergoes a mid-fermentation "midferm" dry hop that allows active yeast to interact with free aroma compounds, amplifying juicy, integrated hop character. The hop bill builds on the original Mind Haze foundation of Azacca, Cashmere, and Mosaic with the addition of Strata, Sabro, Idaho Gem, Idaho 7, and Motueka — eight hop varieties in total working at a rate approaching five pounds per barrel.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Intense tropical fruit leads the nose — ripe pineapple and fresh mango give way to candied peach and passion fruit. Underneath, subtle hints of grapefruit rind and soft herbal notes add complexity without disrupting the fruit-forward character.

Taste: The entry is pillowy soft, immediately coating the palate with juicy pineapple and melon. At mid-palate, the sweetness leans into candied guava and peach ring territory while maintaining a surprisingly restrained bitterness for a double IPA. The 8.3% ABV is well-integrated, with little detectable alcohol heat.

Finish: A gentle coconut note emerges on the finish, courtesy of the Sabro hops, lingering alongside residual tropical fruit sweetness. The mouthfeel stays soft and smooth through the close, with bitterness remaining subdued and balanced.

How to Drink Double Mind Haze

Pour into a tulip glass or wide-mouthed IPA glass at around 45°F to fully release the aromatic hop oils; drinking straight from the can will mute much of the tropical nose. The 19.2 oz format is designed for direct consumption, making it ideal for outdoor settings and events. A Michelada variation works well here — the tropical fruit character pairs with lime juice and hot sauce for a spicy-sweet combination. A beer-based Shandy using fresh pineapple or mango juice lets the existing tropical profile shine without fighting the base flavors. For a simple Radler, mix with grapefruit soda to emphasize the citrus undercurrent already present in the hop bill.

Best For

• IPA enthusiasts looking for a high-intensity hazy double with layered tropical fruit
• Backyard cookouts and tailgates where the 19.2 oz single-serve format is practical
• Exploring Firestone Walker's hop-forward lineup beyond the standard Mind Haze
• Collectors seeking limited or discontinued craft beer releases from top-tier California breweries

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Double Mind Haze taste like? Double Mind Haze delivers a juicy, tropical flavor profile dominated by pineapple, mango, and melon, with a candied peach sweetness and a soft coconut note on the finish. Bitterness is restrained, and the mouthfeel is pillowy and smooth despite the 8.3% ABV.

How does Double Mind Haze compare to the original Mind Haze? Double Mind Haze uses the same core hop trio — Azacca, Cashmere, and Mosaic — but adds five more varieties and nearly doubles the hopping rate, resulting in a more intense tropical profile. It also carries a higher ABV (8.3% vs. 6.2% for Mind Haze), with a fuller body and more pronounced sweetness.

Is Double Mind Haze good for sipping on its own? Yes, the soft mouthfeel, low perceived bitterness, and layered tropical fruit make it very approachable as a standalone sipper. Pouring it into a glass rather than drinking from the can significantly improves the aromatic experience.

Where is Double Mind Haze made? Double Mind Haze is brewed by Firestone Walker Brewing Company in Paso Robles, California, on the state's Central Coast. The brewery has operated from this location since its founding in 1996.

What foods pair well with Double Mind Haze? Fish tacos with mango salsa complement the tropical hop character directly. Spicy Thai green curry finds balance against the beer's residual sweetness and soft body. Grilled shrimp skewers with citrus marinade echo the pineapple and grapefruit notes. A coconut-crusted chicken dish mirrors the Sabro-driven coconut finish. Sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese provides a savory counterpoint to the fruit-forward profile.

What sizes does Double Mind Haze come in? Double Mind Haze has been available in 19.2 oz single-serve cans, as well as 12 oz six-pack cans in certain markets.

Is Double Mind Haze worth the price? Double Mind Haze positions in the premium craft double IPA tier, reflecting its complex eight-hop bill, dual dry-hopping process, and pedigree from a Paste Magazine Brewery of the Decade winner. For fans of hazy, hop-saturated doubles, the intensity and craftsmanship justify the premium category placement.

Why Double Mind Haze?

The defining technical detail here is Firestone Walker's midferm dry-hopping process — adding hops during active fermentation so that yeast biotransforms free hop compounds into amplified tropical aromas and flavors that standard dry hopping alone cannot achieve. Combined with a staggering near-five-pounds-per-barrel hopping rate across eight complementary varieties, Double Mind Haze delivers a level of hop saturation that few double IPAs match. Firestone Walker's reputation, underscored by Paste Magazine's Brewery of the Decade recognition, adds credibility to what is already a technically ambitious beer. Note that this release has been discontinued by the brewery, making remaining inventory increasingly scarce for those who want to experience it.