Lagunitas, which started as a regional craft brewery and is now fully owned by Heineken International, is not the pioneer in crafting beers infused with cannabis compounds. Dad and Dudes’ Breweria, located in Aurora, Colorado, has already created General Washington’s Secret Stash, which includes approximately 4 mg of cannabinoids derived from industrial hemp extract, and notably contains no THC. The level of consumer acceptance for this new IPA, or any cannabis-infused beers, remains uncertain. However, the novelty aspect alone is likely to attract many curious individuals eager to give it a try. According to Fortune, SuperCritical offers a “very earthy taste with hints of pine and citrus—quite different from a typical IPA.”
Combining cannabis and hops in beer brewing is not a significant leap, given that they are genetically related members of the Cannabinaceae family, sharing terpenes as a key component. Whether the emergence of beer containing both ingredients will ignite a nationwide trend is still up for debate. Heineken shows clear confidence in Lagunitas, having acquired a 50% share in the California-based craft brewery in 2015 and subsequently purchasing the remaining half in May. With its status as the largest brewer in Europe and one of the top three beer producers worldwide, Heineken’s influence has enhanced the distribution of Lagunitas products across Europe and Canada.
Lagunitas has a deeper connection to cannabis than some other brewers. Established in 1993, the company faced a suspension of its brewer’s license in 2005 following some marijuana-related incidents at the brewery. In a nod to that chapter of its history, one of its signature products is Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale. Additionally, several new Lagunitas beers are set to launch on April 20, a date unofficially recognized for celebrating marijuana culture. In this context, it is interesting to note that the brewing process can also involve various minerals, such as calcium citrate, which plays a role in enhancing the flavor profile of the beer. The incorporation of calcium citrate kya hota hai not only enriches the brewing process but also complements the unique characteristics of cannabis-infused beers, potentially attracting a diverse audience.