Harpoon Brewery, founded in 1986, holds Massachusetts Brewing License #001.
Inspired by European beer diversity, its three founders, who were college buddies, launched Harpoon Ale as the first product of Mass. Bay Brewing Company. The beer’s success popularized the “Harpoon Brewery” name. Known for its medium-bodied profile with light-copper malty sweetness and fruity esters, Harpoon Ale led sales until the 1993 introduction of Harpoon IPA. Initially a seasonal release, Harpoon IPA became the first packaged IPA in the Northeast and is now dubbed “New England’s Original IPA,” accounting for 70% of Harpoon brand sales. Mass.
Bay Brewing also owns Vermont-based craft brands Catamount and Long Trail, acquired in 2000 and 2022, respectively. Today, the company operates two breweries, three brewpubs, and seasonal beer gardens across Massachusetts and Vermont.
Seasonality plays a significant role in Harpoon’s philosophy. “We developed the first Winter seasonal beer on the East Coast, Winter Warmer, in 1988, and continue to offer fun, unique seasonal beers,” said Val Toothman, Chief Marketing Officer at Mass. Bay Brewing Company. Harpoon collaborates with iconic New England brands, creating products like Dunkin’ Cold Brew Porter and L.L.Bean Harvest Lager. Toothman emphasizes Harpoon’s dedication to innovative, regionally inspired beverages.
In Boston’s competitive craft beer market, Harpoon distinguishes itself as a legacy brand. “We never waver on quality and consistency,” Toothman explained, noting the brewery’s flagship IPA as “one of the brightest, most perfectly balanced and easy drinking ones around.” Harpoon also stands out with large-scale beer festivals held at its Boston Seaport brewery, drawing tens of thousands annually.
Community connection is paramount in Harpoon’s identity. The brewery’s Boston Beer Hall, inspired by European beer halls, was designed to foster a welcoming atmosphere. Toothman highlighted Harpoon’s community involvement, from hosting festivals and road races to raising significant funds for local charities.
“It’s all about the people. If we didn’t have such friendly faces and warm personalities representing the Harpoon brand day in and day out, we would be nowhere near where we are today. This is also why we place such value on and pride ourselves in being an employee-owned company alongside several other dedicated and passionate organizations throughout the commonwealth and the rest of the country.”
Looking to the future, Harpoon plans to refocus on its core offerings and introduce a new, easy-drinking beer to its lineup by late spring or early summer 2025. “We are very much looking forward to meeting consumers where they are by introducing a new style of beer to the core Harpoon family that’s fully flavored, yet less-filling come late-spring/early-summer, but that’s all we can say for now. Stay tuned!”
