A Boston-Born Craft Beer Icon

Founded in 1986, Harpoon Brewery is one of Boston’s most beloved and pioneering craft breweries. Located in the Seaport District, Harpoon has played a vital role in shaping the craft beer movement in New England and beyond. Known for its bold flavors, community-driven events, and commitment to innovation, Harpoon remains a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

The Story Behind Harpoon

Harpoon was born out of a passion for quality craft beer at a time when the American beer scene was dominated by mass-produced brands. The founders, Dan Kenary, Rich Doyle, and George Ligeti, traveled through Europe and fell in love with the rich brewing traditions of Germany and Belgium. Inspired by these experiences, they returned to Boston and established Harpoon Brewery, becoming one of the first breweries in the state to receive a Massachusetts brewing license (No. 001).

Signature Beers & Offerings

Harpoon is best known for its flagship Harpoon IPA, which was one of the first American IPAs brewed on the East Coast. Other popular selections include:

• Harpoon IPA – A hoppy and well-balanced New England classic
• Harpoon Winter Warmer – A spiced ale perfect for the colder months
• Harpoon UFO Series – A line of unfiltered wheat beers with various flavors
• Harpoon Rec. League – A refreshing, lower-calorie hazy pale ale
• Harpoon Dunkin’ Series – A fun collaboration with Dunkin’ featuring coffee and donut-inspired beers

Harpoon also produces ciders under the Clown Shoes Beer brand and has expanded into hard seltzers, staying ahead of beverage trends while maintaining its craft beer roots.

Community & Events

One of the hallmarks of Harpoon Brewery is its strong community involvement. The brewery is known for hosting some of Boston’s biggest beer celebrations, including:

• Harpoon Octoberfest – A lively, German-style beer festival
• Harpoon St. Patrick’s Festival – A must-visit event in March featuring live music, Irish food, and special beer releases
• Harpoon 5-Miler – A charity road race supporting the Angel Fund for ALS research

Harpoon Brewery is also employee-owned, ensuring that its values and dedication to great beer remain at the heart of the company’s mission.