Who Lagunitas Is and Where They Brew

Lagunitas Brewing Company is an independent brewery founded in 1993 in Lagunitas, California, a small community in Marin County north of San Francisco. The brewery started in a garage and has grown into one of the largest independent breweries in the United States. In 2015, Lagunitas became majority-owned by Heineken, though the brewery remains independently operated and continues to make decisions about its beer lineup and production.

Lagunitas operates two breweries: the original location in Petaluma, California (which moved from Lagunitas proper), and a second facility in Chicago, Illinois that opened in 2014. Both locations produce beer for their respective regions and handle distribution across North America. The Petaluma brewery also runs a taproom and restaurant where visitors can taste beers fresh from the source.

Key Takeaways

  • Lagunitas brews primarily India pale ales (IPAs) and other hop-forward beers, with a year-round lineup and rotating seasonal releases.
  • The brewery's flagship beer, Lagunitas IPA, is widely distributed across the United States and available in most states where beer sales are permitted.
  • Lagunitas operates taprooms in Petaluma, California and Chicago, Illinois where you can taste the full range of beers and learn about brewing.
  • The brewery releases limited-edition and experimental beers through its Sucks series and other special programs, available only at taprooms or through limited distribution.

The Beer Styles Lagunitas Makes

Lagunitas is known for India pale ales and other beers that emphasize hops and bold flavors. The brewery's approach centers on using large amounts of hops in the boil and in dry-hopping (adding hops after boiling), which creates the bitter, citrus, and piney flavors that define the style. Most of Lagunitas's year-round beers fall into this category or related styles like pale ales and double IPAs.

Beyond IPAs, Lagunitas brews a smaller range of other styles. The brewery produces a brown ale, a pilsner, and occasionally releases stouts, sours, and wheat beers. These non-IPA beers make up a smaller portion of production but give drinkers options if they prefer less hoppy flavors. Lagunitas also experiments with unusual ingredients and techniques in its limited releases, creating beers that might not fit traditional style categories.

Year-Round Beers You Can Find Regularly

Lagunitas IPA is the brewery's flagship and most widely distributed beer. It is a West Coast-style IPA with an alcohol content around 6.2 percent by volume, moderate bitterness, and citrus and pine flavors from the hops. This beer is available in most states in cans, bottles, and on draft at bars and restaurants.

Lagunitas Pale Ale is a lighter, less bitter alternative to the IPA, with similar hop character but lower alcohol content (around 5.2 percent). Lagunitas also produces Lagunitas Maximus, a double IPA with higher alcohol and more intense hop flavor, and Lagunitas Sucks, a brown ale that is available primarily at the brewery's taprooms. The exact year-round lineup varies slightly by region depending on local demand and distribution agreements.

Seasonal and Limited-Release Beers

Lagunitas releases seasonal beers tied to the calendar year. Lagunitas Censored, a wheat beer, typically appears in spring. Lagunitas Aunt Sally, a Belgian-style ale, comes out in summer. Lagunitas Hairy Eyeball, a fall release, is an imperial red ale. Lagunitas Fusion, a winter beer, blends ale and lager styles. These beers rotate on and off shelves, so availability depends on the time of year and your location.

The brewery also produces one-off and experimental beers under the Sucks series name, released only at the Petaluma and Chicago taprooms. These beers test new recipes, unusual ingredients, or techniques that may not work at large scale. If you want to try Lagunitas beers beyond the standard lineup, visiting a taproom is the most reliable way to find them.

How to Find Lagunitas Beer Near You

Lagunitas IPA and other year-round beers are distributed across most of the United States. You can find them at grocery stores, liquor stores, and bars in states where beer sales are legal. The brewery's website includes a beer finder tool where you enter your location and see which stores and bars carry Lagunitas products in your area. This tool shows current availability rather than a static list, so it reflects real-time stock.

If you live in California or Illinois, you have access to the full range of Lagunitas beers, including seasonal and limited releases. Petaluma and Chicago both have taprooms open to the public where you can order flights (small pours of multiple beers) to taste several styles in one visit. The Petaluma location also serves food and hosts events. Both taprooms charge a small fee for tastings, which is typically credited toward any beer you purchase.

Visiting the Lagunitas Taprooms

The Petaluma taproom is located at 1280 North McDowell Boulevard in Petaluma, California, about 40 miles north of San Francisco. It is open daily and serves food from an on-site kitchen. The space includes a bar, seating areas, and a merchandise shop. No reservation is required for walk-in visits, though large groups may want to call ahead. The taproom is free to enter; you pay only for the beer or food you order.

The Chicago taproom is at 2607 North Clybourn Avenue in the Clybourn Corridor neighborhood. It operates similarly to Petaluma with a bar, seating, and food service. Both locations offer brewery tours on certain days, where staff walk you through the brewing process and explain Lagunitas's history and approach. Tour schedules and pricing vary, so check the brewery's website or call ahead for current details.

Lagunitas's Brewing Philosophy and Community Presence

Lagunitas markets itself as a brewery that values humor, irreverence, and community engagement. The brewery's labels and marketing materials often include jokes, political commentary, and references to cannabis culture (the name Lagunitas itself is a nod to the area's history). This tone reflects the brewery's California roots and appeals to drinkers who want beer from a company with a distinct personality rather than a faceless corporation.

The brewery is active in its local communities through sponsorships, charitable donations, and events. Lagunitas hosts music performances, beer releases, and educational events at both taprooms. The brewery also participates in industry organizations and has been vocal about issues like hop farming, water conservation, and craft beer's role in American culture. If you visit a taproom, staff can tell you about current community initiatives and upcoming events.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lagunitas still independent?

Lagunitas is majority-owned by Heineken as of 2015, but the brewery operates independently and makes its own decisions about beer production and brand direction. The founders remain involved in the company. Many drinkers consider it independent because it is not owned by one of the "big three" American breweries (Anheuser-Busch, MillerCoors, or Molson Coors), though the Heineken ownership means it is not fully independent in the strictest sense.

What does Lagunitas IPA taste like?

Lagunitas IPA has a citrus and pine flavor from the hops, moderate bitterness, and a clean finish. It is less bitter than some East Coast IPAs and less fruity than newer hazy IPAs. If you like hoppy beers but find some IPAs too extreme, Lagunitas IPA is a good entry point. The best way to know if you like it is to try a single can or a draft pour before buying a six-pack.

Can I visit the Petaluma brewery without a tour?

Yes. The taproom is open to walk-ins daily. You can order beer, food, and merchandise without taking a formal tour. Tours are optional and require advance registration on certain days. Most visitors straightforward sit at the bar or in the seating area, order a flight or pint, and enjoy the space without any structured activity.

Where can I buy Lagunitas beer online?

Lagunitas does not ship beer directly to consumers from its website. Beer shipping laws vary by state, and most states do not allow breweries to mail beer to residents. You can order beer through third-party delivery services in some states, or you can visit a local store that carries Lagunitas products. The brewery's beer finder tool shows nearby retailers that stock its beers.

Does Lagunitas make non-alcoholic beer?

Lagunitas does not currently produce a non-alcoholic beer. All Lagunitas beers contain alcohol, typically between 5 and 8 percent by volume. If you are looking for a lower-alcohol option, Lagunitas Pale Ale at 5.2 percent is the lightest year-round beer the brewery makes.