Harpoon Brewing Company - Harpoon IPA

First brewed in 1993, Harpoon IPA is presented by the brewery as Boston’s first IPA and the beer that helped shape its hop-forward identity for decades. Styled after an English IPA but brewed with distinctly American hops, it lands in a balanced middle ground: citrusy and refreshing, with enough malt structure to keep bitterness in check. In the glass, expect a bright, golden pour and a classic IPA aroma that leans citrus peel with a hint of resinous edge. The palate keeps a steady rhythm—hop flavor up front, supportive malt in the middle, and a clean finish that invites another sip rather than lingering harshly. For food, Harpoon IPA excels with spicy wings, pepperoni pizza, burgers, sharp cheddar, and grilled steak tips—any dish where hop bitterness can cut fat and wake up seasoning.

Founded in 1986 by college friends Dan Kenary, Rich Doyle, and George Ligeti, Harpoon Brewing Company was born from a simple realization: fresh, flavorful beer was hard to find in New England. Inspired by European brewing traditions and frustrated by the limited domestic options available at the time, the trio set out to bring balance, character, and authenticity back to the American beer landscape. Harpoon quickly secured Brewing Permit #001 in Massachusetts and began producing beer on Boston’s waterfront, becoming one of the earliest craft breweries in the region.

As demand grew throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Harpoon expanded operations, eventually opening a second brewery in Windsor, Vermont to increase production capacity and serve a broader Northeast market. The Vermont location allowed the company to scale thoughtfully while maintaining its commitment to quality and consistency.

In 2014, Harpoon transitioned to employee ownership through an ESOP structure, reinforcing its independent spirit and long-term stability. Today, the brewery continues to balance innovation with tradition, producing a diverse portfolio of lagers, IPAs, seasonal releases, and specialty beers designed for everyday enjoyment and shared experiences.