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Mind Haze Brain Melter

Firestone Walker Brewing Company
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🌍 United States · New England Double IPA · One of 29 New England Double IPAs in hopIQ

Brain Melter is the hazy imperial IPA of the Mind Haze line, first brewed at the end of 2023. It pairs classic American hop varieties with newer ones to build a fruit-packed aroma of tropical fruit, citrus and ripe peach. The haze and a full body round off the 8.5 percent strength, while 45 IBU give more structure than the other beers in the family. The finish is smooth and leaves a lasting citrus note.

ABV
8.5%
Bitterness
Strongly bitter45 IBU
Citrus hop bitterness
SRM
amber9
How it drinks· Its pace, balance and relationship to the style.
Pace
sessionsipper
Balance
malt-ledhop-led
Where this beer sits· Four axes, the same for every beer in hopIQ.
Body
Substantial body.
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
Dry finish.
drysweet
Bitterness
Firm bitter edge.
mildbitter
Texture
Balanced mouthfeel.
crispcreamy

A clean close sets the character — an invitation to the next sip.

Character· What makes this beer itself — not just another New England Double IPA.
Hop character
citrusy
tropical
hoppy
Distinctive notes
hazy
peach
Fermentation & yeast
fruity

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Mind Haze Brain Melter

◎ Appearance

Hazy golden-amber body with substantial turbidity from suspended yeast and protein. A dense, creamy head forms quickly and clings to the glass walls with deliberate lacing. Bright carbonation persists throughout, lifting the haze in gentle waves.

golden-amberopaque hazecreamy head

◌ Aroma

The nose opens with inviting tropical fruit—mango, pineapple, and papaya—layered with bright citrus zest and the distinctive stone fruit character of ripe peach. A soft, grainy Malz note provides gentle foundation without competing. The blend of classic and modern hop varieties creates a cohesive, fruit-forward profile.

tropical fruitstone fruit (peach)citrus zestsoft malt base

◐ Taste

Entry is full and velvety, with immediate citrus and peach flavors that echo the aroma. The mid-palate develops a juicy, almost juiced-fruit character balanced by restrained bitterness at 45 IBU—enough for structure without harshness. The 8.5% alcohol sits well within the body, warming without dominating.

juicy fruitcitrus dominantmoderate bitternessfull body

◑ Finish

Clean and lingering, with a persistent citrus note that fades gracefully. The aftertaste remains smooth, leaving a subtle dry minerality on the palate.

citrus lingersmooth fade
82
hopIQ score
Aroma
85
Taste
81
Appearance
83
Finish
80
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Serve & Enjoy

How to get the most out of Mind Haze Brain Melter

Serve at 8–11°C
Refrigerate, then rest 2 min

Serve at 8–11°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

Tulip glass
Recommended for this style

The curved shape concentrates hop aromas and supports a thick head. Essential for aromatic ales and IPAs where the nose is half the experience.

Store in a cool, dark place. Check the best-before date on the label for guidance.

Food Pairing

What to eat with Mind Haze Brain Melter

About New England Double IPA

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a New England Double IPA?

IPAs are hop-forward ales with 5.5–7.5% ABV and IBU 40–70+. Bold hop aroma — citrus, tropical, resinous — with firm bitterness and a dry, clean finish.

Finding a similar New England Double IPA

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same hazy, tropical, full-bodied character as Mind Haze Brain Melter will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Other New England Double IPAs in hopIQ

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