The Lagunitas Brewing Company announced today the return of its highly anticipated annual Waldos’ Special Ale, which will hit shelves nationwide on April 1st. This bold, hop-forward triple IPA isn’t just a beer—it’s a tribute to the legendary Waldos, a group of Northern California friends whose 4:20 p.m. treasure hunts for a secret garden sparked a global movement. In addition to the beer itself, Lagunitas is dialing up the adventure with a nationwide QR code treasure hunt and exclusive events at their Petaluma TapRoom, all designed to capture the spirit of discovery, storytelling, and the excitement of seeking out this extremely limited-edition brew.
“Stories are at the heart of Lagunitas, and the Waldos’ tale is one of our all-time favorites,” said Hannah Dray, Chief Marketing Officer at Lagunitas Brewing Company. “Waldos’ Special Ale is as bold as the legend behind it—potent in flavor, aroma, and an ABV that means business—yet it carries the playfulness and curiosity we embrace every day as a brand. We can’t wait for beer lovers, both seasoned and new, to join us for a month of exploration, good times, and the best triple IPA around.”
Starting in April, QR codes will appear near Waldos’ Special Ale packaging, as well as social media posts and stories. Scanning them unlocks a hidden landing page where fans can enter to win exclusive Lagunitas gear, including a custom cooler, Bluetooth speaker, Lagunitas Schwag Shop gift cards, and more—with a total prize pool of over $1,000.
In addition to a nationwide QR code treasure hunt, Lagunitas is bringing the Waldos spirit to life with a lineup of local taproom events in Petaluma. Highlights include the Waldos Special Ale Pre-Roll Launch Party on Saturday, April 5, a laid-back Stoner Brunch on Sunday, April 20, and a special Waldos’ Collaboration Release with Petaluma neighbor Griffo Distillery.
The Pre-Roll Launch Party marks the first pour of this year’s Waldos Special Ale, available on tap and in the Lagunitas Schwag Shop (6-packs, limited to two per guest). Guests can enjoy live music from Velvett Fogg, stoner-inspired snacks, a local merchant market, and surprise giveaways for exclusive Waldos schwag.
This year also marks the second collaboration between Lagunitas and Griffo, resulting in Still Waldos—an American Single Malt Whiskey crafted from 100% barley mash, sourced from Lagunitas’ Waldos’ Special Ale mash bill. Distilled with hops in Griffo’s copper pot still and aged for five years, this limited-edition whiskey is now available nationwide for the first time.
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