Posted in Beer Backstory, Lagunitas

Lagunitas- Undercover Investigation Undercover Shut-down Ale (The story)

Lagunitas Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale

Lagunitas Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale

If you walk into a bar and drink a new beer, and leave with just the knowledge of the taste — I guess that’s acceptable. However if you want my honest opinion — there is a lot that goes into that glass that you may never know about. It has enjoyment to each sip. I don’t want to sound biased, but when you grab a can of a “factory beer” there’s not a whole lot to tell. Its mass produced, sold in bulk, and stays the same. Every time. I’d like to think these few paragraphs help make you a better beer drinker. You will look for something new next time, and know why you want it.

There are a few bars/restaurants in Atlanta that add new selections weekly. For most, it’s another beer. But as I said before, there is a story behind each glass, and it needs to be told. So let this post be the first of a series that gives you the background to new additions to the selection in Atlanta.

Recently, Brickstore Pub and some Taco Mac locations added Lagunitas Undercover Investigation Shutdown Ale. Funny name right? Well, it’s not just a witty name to try to get you to buy. A few years ago Lagunitas Brewery used to have party every week featuring their beers, a band or two, and food. From the sounds of it, a quite good party. Well, the state of California brought out the beverage control board to investigate these parties over the course of 8 weeks. Rumor has it the “undercover officers” enjoyed the party as much as the others in attendance.

In the end, the California Alcohol Control Board (ABC) sited Lagunitas Brewery for running a “Disorderly House,” an antiquated post prohibition law to crack down on bars being the front for prostitution /drug rings. I have also found reports that an individual was caught smoking marijuana on the premises. (He brought it from the outside according to reports.) So, on St. Patrick’s Day 2005, ABC came through with its threats. Under California law, the brewery could have been seized but received a 30 day shutdown order (later reduced to 20 days.) Apparently Lagunitas was going to be shutting down temporarily to installing new equipment, so it really didn’t affect operations.

Undercover Shutdown is a strong ale, coming in at 9.0% ABV. It has a taste of a double IPA, but it honestly it doesn’t have the strong taste you expect. It’s a little hoppy, but not to an extreme that an average beer drinker would be turned off from. Shutdown Ale pours light brown/gold, and is slightly bitter at first. It has a mild hop flavor with a hint of grapefruit at the end. I have seen quite a few people try it, and the response has been quite positive.

So here is a little background on Lagunitas Undercover Investigation Shut-down Ale. Sometimes the story gives you a better appreciation for what you’re drinking. And maybe, just maybe — try something new.

5 thoughts on “Lagunitas- Undercover Investigation Undercover Shut-down Ale (The story)

  1. Great history on the beer. We have a review rolling out next week and we’re linking to your article to show this history.

  2. Just heard this story from a guy I met a Stew Leonard’s when he heard me inquiring to the staff about where to find the Lagunitas. This guy suggested the Undercover SHut Down, available in a 12 oz. bottle, and his story of the name and history of the beer was exactly like what is recounted here. This guy and I talked about 10 minutes in the parking lot, I have never known anyone who had more beer knowledge in my life. Drinking it now, GREAT ale, great taste.

  3. Living in Cotati,I had become a big fan of craft beer late 90’s,early 2000’s.A friend gave me a heads up about this local brewery off of North McDowell, Lagunitas Brewery, on Thursdays late afternoon dollar pints of IPA served in red plastic cups. Enjoyed my new find and beer.Remember some hotdogs also being cooked on a Webber grill.Loved this local Northern California good time hang,not a big group of people,and then it stopped.Did here later on as mentioned what hapoened,but the rest is history 🍺

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