Harpoon Brewing Company - Celtic Red

Originally brewed for their “100 Barrel Series” of one-off beers, this limited edition brew is normally only available—occasionally—in Harpoon’s seasonal IPA Adventure mixed packs. The team at Harpoon was kind enough to resurrect the recipe and brew a limited release batch just for our members. Pouring a very deep brown-black with reddish highlights, this brew delivers a big head of sticky foam that retains well. Look for citrus hop aromas, underscored by some roasty notes, and a touch of earth. These notes carry over to the palate where the array of very American hops deliver lots of juicy citrus notes. There’s plenty of deep roasted malt lending some char, but Harpoon has managed to nail the balance of this tricky style, as the dark malts and bold hops play well together. The midnight wheat addition adds plenty of dark color and flavor without an overabundance of bitter char and smoke. Try with barbecued meats, aged hard cheeses, or chocolate-based desserts. Cheers!

Harpoon Brewing Company was founded in 1986, quite early in the US microbrew renaissance. Before starting the brewery, the founding team of Dan Kenary and Rich Doyle traveled throughout Europe in search of various beer and brewery styles upon which they would model their own ("product research" we think they called it). Upon returning, they partnered with George Ligetti and hired brewer Russ Heissner, and by 1987 their first beer was sold as the brewery debuted on the Boston waterfront.

Harpoon has always been focused on positively impacting their local community. This is an important component of the brewery and pub lifestyle that the founders witnessed while experiencing European traditions abroad. As they say on their website, "we learned to appreciate how much local brewers meant to their communities. They were not just manufacturers of a product; they were part of the social fabric. We asked each other, 'Why not do that in New England?'" The result of this initial desire has won them overwhelming approval from the locals and beyond. In fact, in 2000 they purchased a second brewery in Windsor, Vermont, to keep up with demand. In 2014, Harpoon became an employee-owned company with the introduction of an employee stock ownership plan. Way to go, guys! For more information about the brewery or scheduled tours, call 617-456-2322, or visit their website at www.harpoonbrewery.com.