Brewery Profile Series: #2 Lagunitas Brewing Co.

Happy IPA Day! This isn't just one of those Hallmark Holidays made up to get people to buy cards. It's one of those Craft Beer Holidays made to get people to buy high-gravity brews!! So much better. Celebrate the long history of the IPA with BDL's second Brewery Profile, Lagunitas Brewing Company. 


Lagunitas Brewing Co: 
Petaluma, California

Founded: 1993
Breweries: Petaluma, CA / Chicago, Ill (Coming end of 2013)

The Story: Originally founded in West Marin, the Lagunitas brewery moved to Petaluma in 1994, only a year after it was opened. Owner/Founder Tony Magee has overseen one of craft beer's quickest success stories, with the brand now the #6 craft brewery in the nation. It's flagship IPA has launched Lagunitas to the forefront of the crowded North Bay beer scene that also includes breweries Bear Republic, Petaluma, and Russian River. 

Brewmaster: Jeremy Marshall, longtime Headbrewer who was recently given the Brewmaster title by Magee. Marshall was a homebrewer before enrolling in the UC Davis Master Brewer's Program where he learned the engineering and science necessary to operate a brewery. At Lagunitas, he began his career on the packaging line and worked his way to a shift brewer, and finally, brewmaster. Here's a great interview with Jeremy. 

Production:    #6 craft brewer, 100,000+ barrels (2012)
Active Beers:  8 Year-round Brews, 8+ Seasonal 

Signature Styles:
-- Little Summer Sumpin' Ale:    American Pale Wheat Ale, 7.50% ABV
-- Hop Stoopid Ale:                    American Double / Imperial IPA, 8.0% ABV
-- Lagunitas India Pale Ale:       American IPA, 6.20% ABV  **Flagship Beer**
-- Lagunitas Maximus:               American Double / Imperial IPA, 8.20% ABV

In The News: 
July 11, 2013 --"Lagunitas Brewing is dropping any future use of the term “420,” a well-known code phrase for marijuana, on its labels after an Atlanta brewery claimed a federal trademark on the number." 

^ Georgia brewery Sweetwater, who's '420 Pale Ale' has become a well known style, claimed a trademark on Lagunitas' use of the term '420.' Regardless, Lagunitas owner Tony Magee has made his enthusiasm for marijuana and his opposition for anti-marijuana legislation clear over the years, even attempting to name a previews brew, 'Kronick' that federal regulators rejected. 

In fact, Lagunitas was briefly closed in 2006 after undercover state agents observed guests smoking marijuana during the brewery's weekly open hours. This incident was commemorated with their 'Undercover Investigation Shutdown Ale' (9.75% ABV).

July 29, 2013: By the end of 2013, Lagunitas will open up Chicago's largest brewery, a 250,000-barrel facility that will pass hometown Goose Island Brewing. Upon opening, it will make Illinois the 10th largest U.S. brewing state. 

Availability: 32 states

Flair: Lagunitas is renowned for its iconoclastic takes on craft beer styles. They remain very tied to the California community, with concerts, events, and benefits year-round. The brewery's site even has a LaguniGIFs page that will make Nate Winter drool with its interactive media and wordplay. Check out the Lagunitas Blog for concert footage, craft beer tattoos, and more. 

Tour the Brewery:

Enjoy International IPA Day, find an excuse to make Happy Hour turn into an all-night affair, and celebrate with craft drinkers across the world.

Cheers, 

Albert