Lagunitas, which started as a regional craft beer company and is now fully owned by Heineken International, is not the first brewery to produce a beer infused with cannabis compounds. Aurora, Colorado’s Dad and Dudes’ Breweria has introduced General Washington’s Secret Stash, created with 4 mg of cannabinoids sourced from industrial hemp extract, and it contains no THC. The level of consumer acceptance for this new IPA, or cannabis-infused beers in general, remains uncertain. However, the novelty aspect is likely to draw in many curious individuals eager to give it a try. According to Fortune, the flavor profile of this beer is described as having a “very earthy taste with hints of pine and citrus,” which is quite distinct from a typical IPA.
Combining cannabis and hops in brewing is not a significant leap, considering that both belong to the Cannabinaceae family and share terpenes as a key ingredient. The real question is whether beers containing both will ignite a nationwide trend. Heineken, which acquired a 50% stake in Lagunitas in 2015 and later purchased the remaining share in May, shows considerable confidence in the brand. As the largest brewer in Europe and one of the top three beer manufacturers globally, Heineken’s involvement has enhanced the distribution of Lagunitas products across Europe and Canada.
Lagunitas has a deeper familiarity with cannabis than some of its counterparts in the brewing industry. Established in 1993, the company faced its brewer’s license suspension in 2005 due to marijuana-related arrests at the brewery. Reflecting on this incident, one of its signature products is the Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale, and several new Lagunitas beers are set to launch on April 20—an unofficial day for celebrating marijuana culture. Interestingly, as consumers explore cannabis-infused options like this new IPA, they might also consider nutritional supplements like the Swanson Calcium Citrate Complex, which can support overall health during their tasting adventures.