Brewed for the love of beer by genuine beer lovers, Harpoon Brewery was founded in 1986 by Rich Doyle and Dan Kenary as they began to introduce fresh, local craft beer to Boston drinkers. That founding spirit lives on every day as pints are poured in the Beer Hall, visitors take brewery tours, and passionate tales of ales are swopped over an ice-cold pint. After all, it’s hard work combining both the art and the science of brewing to create unique and flavorful beers to enjoy…and Harpoon has hit its mark.
Upon receiving the first permit (No. 1) to be issued in twenty five years by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to brew and package beer commercially, the Harpoon Brewery was birthed (and remains) at 306 Northern Avenue, on the waterfront, surrounded by fish companies on the docks of South Boston. Talk about a real character setting!
The following year, in June of 1987, Rich and Dan teamed with brewer Russ Heissner and the “original” Harpoon Ale was brewed and delivered to Harpoon’s first accounts, the Sevens Ale House on Charles Street and Doyle’s Café in Jamaica Plain.
From this success story, came more. The Harpoon Winter Warmer came in 1988, and was the first craft beer seasonal brewed in New England! Though at first people thought it was a little strange to have a beer brewed with spices in it (namely cinnamon and nutmeg), it quickly became a New England favorite and is still their most anticipated seasonal.
Speaking of seasonal, Harpoon’s Seasonal Summer Beer [above] plays nicely in this South Texas heat! Think of it as their version of a traditional German Kölsch-style ale. This beer is light and refreshing, and more closely resembles a lager over an ale. The body is soft and delicate with a dry, crisp finish….just what you should be fishing for to keep cool while spending time outdoors.
Full listing of beers available NOW: http://www.harpoonbrewery.com/beer/available-now
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