Lagunitas, once a regional craft beer producer and now fully owned by Heineken International, is not the first brewery to craft a beer infused with cannabis compounds. Dad and Dudes’ Breweria, based in Aurora, Colorado, has created General Washington’s Secret Stash, which contains approximately 4 mg of cannabinoids derived from industrial hemp extract, and notably, this product is free of THC.
It remains unclear how well the new IPA will be accepted by consumers, or how popular any cannabis-infused beers will become. However, the novelty aspect is likely to draw many eager to give it a try. As reported by Fortune, SuperCritical offers a “very earthy taste with hints of pine and citrus,” which distinguishes it from the typical IPA flavors.
Since cannabis and hops belong to the same botanical family, Cannabinaceae, it makes sense to combine them in brewing, especially as both share terpenes as a key component. Whether beers featuring both elements will ignite a nationwide trend is still uncertain.
Heineken has shown evident faith in Lagunitas, having acquired a 50% stake in the California craft brewery in 2015 and subsequently purchasing the remaining shares in May. As the largest brewer in Europe and one of the top three beer manufacturers globally, Heineken’s involvement has significantly enhanced the distribution of Lagunitas products across Europe and Canada.
Lagunitas has a deeper connection to cannabis than many other breweries. Established in 1993, the company faced a suspension of its brewer’s license in 2005 due to several marijuana-related incidents at the brewery. In reference to this past, one of their products is named Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale, and other new Lagunitas beers are set to debut on April 20, a day informally recognized for celebrating cannabis culture.
In addition to its innovative beers, Lagunitas is also exploring the health benefits associated with cannabis. With the rise of products like the best liquid calcium citrate, there is growing interest in the intersection of food, beverage, and wellness. As the cannabis beverage market continues to evolve, it will be intriguing to see how Lagunitas positions itself in this burgeoning industry, especially as more consumers seek products that blend enjoyment with health benefits.