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Mind Haze Cosmic Crusher

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

Cosmic Crusher is the strongest member of the Mind Haze family, released in late 2023 as a juicy imperial IPA. At 9.5 percent it layers succulent pineapple and ripe mango over a soft, full malt body, with the alcohol held in check by the fruit. Bitterness is low at 25 IBU, so the impression stays juicy and rounded rather than sharp. The finish is smooth, with a gentle warmth from the strength.

ABV
9.5%
Bitterness
Lightly bitter25 IBU
Citrus hop bitterness
SRM
amber9
How it drinks· Its pace, balance and relationship to the style.
Pace
sessionsipper
Balance
malt-ledhop-led
Style expression
textbookdistinctive
Where this beer sits· Four axes, the same for every beer in hopIQ.
Body
Substantial body.
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
Dry finish.
drysweet
Bitterness
Soft bitterness.
mildbitter
Texture
Balanced mouthfeel.
crispcreamy

Each axis lands close to the centre in a considered, even reading.

A profile in balance where the form comes from all sides, every layer speaks in turn.

Character· What makes this beer itself — not just another New England Double IPA.
Hop character
juicy
tropical
citrusy
hoppy
Malt character
malty
Fermentation & yeast
fruity

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Mind Haze Cosmic Crusher

◎ Appearance

Light golden to pale amber hue with excellent clarity and a bright, inviting presentation. The head forms with good volume and displays fine, persistent lacing that clings to the glass. Carbonation is evident and lively, contributing to the overall fresh and well-integrated character.

pale goldenclearfine lacinglively carbonation

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with vibrant tropical stone fruit—prominent pineapple and ripe mango aromatics that define the profile. Beneath the fruit sits a soft, bready malted grain foundation that grounds the composition without competing. Noble hop character emerges subtly, with gentle citrus and herbal undertones that frame the fruit without adding sharpness.

tropical pineappleripe mangosoft graingentle hop character

◐ Taste

Entry is smooth and succulent, with juicy mango and pineapple flavors coating the palate immediately. The mid-palate reveals a full, rounded malt body that supports the fruit without heaviness, while bitterness remains restrained at 25 IBU, allowing the ripe stone fruit to dominate. The interplay between sweetness and subtle hop definition maintains balance and prevents any cloying sensation.

juicy stone fruitfull malt bodylow bitternessrounded balance

◑ Finish

The finish extends with a gentle warmth from the 9.5% alcohol, which integrates seamlessly rather than asserting itself. Aftertaste lingers with residual fruit sweetness and a soft, clean malt fade that resolves smoothly.

smooth finishintegrated warmthfruit-forward aftertaste
82
hopIQ score
Aroma
84
Taste
83
Appearance
80
Finish
79
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Serve & Enjoy

How to get the most out of Mind Haze Cosmic Crusher

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 Cosmic Crusher

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 juicy, tropical, smooth character as Mind Haze Cosmic Crusher 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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