Lagunitas, originally a regional craft beer company and now fully owned by Heineken International, is not the first brewery to produce a cannabis-infused beer. Dad and Dudes’ Brewery in Aurora, Colorado, has created General Washington’s Secret Stash, which is made with cannabinoids derived from industrial hemp extract and contains no THC. The reception for this new IPA, or any cannabis-infused beers, remains uncertain. However, the novelty aspect will likely draw many curious consumers. According to Fortune, SuperCritical offers “a very earthy taste with hints of pine and citrus—quite distinct from a traditional IPA.”
Combining cannabis and hops in brewing is not particularly surprising, given that they are genetically related members of the Cannabinaceae family, sharing key compounds known as terpenes. However, whether these beer products will spark a nationwide trend is still debatable. Heineken’s confidence in Lagunitas is evident, as it acquired a 50% stake in the California-based craft brewery in 2015 and then purchased the remaining share in May. As the largest brewer in Europe and one of the top three beer producers globally, Heineken’s involvement has expanded the distribution of Lagunitas products in Europe and Canada.
Lagunitas has a deeper connection to cannabis than many other breweries. Founded in 1993, the company faced a suspension of its brewer’s license in 2005 due to marijuana-related arrests at its facility. In reference to this incident, one of its beers is aptly named Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale. Interestingly, several new Lagunitas beers are set to launch on April 20, a date informally recognized for celebrating cannabis culture.
In addition to its innovative offerings, Lagunitas has also explored incorporating ingredients like calcium citrate malate, which is known for its potential health benefits. This could further enhance their product lineup while attracting health-conscious consumers. As the craft beer market continues to evolve, the blend of traditional brewing with modern trends, including the use of calcium citrate malate, may pave the way for new opportunities in the industry.