
I brought you a really early peek at these beers back in Aug 2024 (here and here), and the follow up news from Firestone Walker in Jan 2025, so naturally I was really happy to get an early taste of all three beers.
Today we’re sampling our way through the new Firestone Walker Mind Haze Rage Rad Pack with Mind Haze Lemonade Rage, Mind Haze Watermelon Rage and Mind Haze Grapefruit Rage. As FW puts it, “Part Beer. Part Lemonade. All Party. California Brewery Launches New Fun and Flavorful Turbo Radler “Rad Pack” to Quench the Thirst of Flavor-Obsessed Drinkers. “Mind Haze Rage is an evolution of an age-old style, the Radler. Part beer. Part lemonade,” said Brewmaster Matt Brynildson. “As brewers, we’re curious tinkerers, committed to exploring where beer can go next. Mind Haze Rage is our latest result in this pursuit and we’re thrilled to share it with the world.”
This extension of the Mind Haze lineup will include three imperial Radler-style beers with flavors like lemonade, watermelon and grapefruit and as Chief Marketing Officer Dustin Hinz says, “This isn’t your grandma’s hard lemonade—it’s a bold new twist on beer.” The launch of these beers will also include some cool “neon-soaked” cans as well as a new “irreverent” media campaign (below).
Of course I can’t wat to try them all, so off we go…
Firestone Walker Mind Haze Rage Rad Pack Lemonade / Watermelon / Grapefruit
Brewery Description:
It’s time for your tastebuds to get absolutely locked in because we have a new, highly enjoyable something they’ve never experienced before.
Meet Mind Haze Rage. It’s beer. It’s lemonade. It’s cranked up to 8% ABV. Mind Haze Rage is a new line of Turbo Radlers literally loaded with all kinds of flavor. Crisp, crushable, and electric, these are the sorts of beers that are perfect for patios, parties, pontoons, and everywhere else you feel like ragin’.
We know what you’re probably thinking, though: “Lemonade? Like, the stuff I would sip on the lake during the summer?” Well, just know this isn’t your grandma’s lemonade. Mind Haze Rage is our way of turning up the classic shandy, blending fresh lemonade, yes, and fruit flavors with the bold, juicy punch of our classic Mind Haze beer.
“I was inspired by a perfect summer day in Europe,” says our Brewmaster, Matt Brynildson. “Sipping lemonade in the sun, and wanted to bring that back to the states with a twist. And at 8% ABV, this one’s got a little more bite! The whole Rage lineup is refreshingly tart and sweet with just the right kick to keep thing interesting.”
ABV: 8% / 8% / 8%
Style: Radler / Radler / Radler
Packaging: 12oz cans / 12oz cans / 12oz cans
Appearance: Bright gold / Golden Orange / Bright amber gold
Aroma: Lemons / Subtle watermelon & lemon / bright citrus & lemon
Mouthfeel: Light / Light / Light
Taste: Tart and almost sour lemons / Sweet watermelon / Bright citrus and grapefruit
Overall: Firestone Walker has created what I suspect will become a really popular “Rad” Pack, especially as summer rolls in. The flavors are bright, fruity, citrusy and really drinkable and you’d be hard pressed to find even a non-beer drinker that doesn’t find something to like in these beers. My favorite was the grapefruit and I really thought it had a lot of enjoyable lemon and grapefruit flavors and a really satisfying mouthfeel. Keep in mind that these are 8%-ABV beers so they will sneak up on you, especially as they have not even a hint of being boozy. Overall, I’d say all three beers are great examples of the style and really enjoyable and refreshing Radlers I can’t wait to enjoy on the beach.
The Firestone Walker Mind Haze Rage Rad Pack is available now in 12oz canned 12-packs as well as single serve 19.2oz cans, so get out there and try them all for yourself…and when you do try them, be sure to let us know what YOU think. zzubreebym