Firestone Walker Mind Haze Double IPA

Firestone Walker Mind Haze Double IPA.

8.3 % ABV, 35 IBU. Firestone Walker Brewing, Paso Robles, CA. 

All hazed up, of course, dull orange color, large and lush ivory head. 

In the nose: Soft and suffocated. Gauze covers all. Citrus and sweetness. Orange and grapefruit and...pixie dust? What? Something ethereal is happening, and you don't know what it is, now, do you, Mr. Jones? 

In the mouth: More sweetness, more sugar, and barely any bitter. Goopy and gunky. Juicy and thick with protein and yeast. Bold and brash citrusy hop flavors shine bright on the palate, but are deadened and dulled. The alcohol comes roaring in, swaddled in the haze. 

Here's the thing, you guys. I finished two cans of this before this one, from the variety pack, and I swallowed them without complaint, knowing what they were and just wanting something wet and hoppy to slide down my throat. But, something happens when I stop to seriously consider the beer. When I think of what it is and why it is. I recall a tasting we had at the store not too long ago, when I asked the rep doing the tasting about her favorite. Her response: the original, Mind Haze. Me: No, mine is the original, Union Jack, and also, Double Jack, no haze at all! I don't think she even knew about them.

Here we go again, old man yells at clouds, once more. 

It's a good double hazy, if that's your thing. Definitely not mine. 

A pillowy soft and smooth double hazy IPA boasting huge tropical notes of pineapple, mango, and melon balanced with light bitterness and sweetness.

"Pillowy", everyone. It's like having a pillow in your mouth.