Harpoon Brewing Company - Camp Wannamango

Presenting an attractive copper-amber color with good clarity and a cap of beige foam, this seasonal pale ale, brewed with fresh mango puree, offers up a compelling aroma. Look for bright mango and pineapple-like tropical notes backed up by ripe citrus, a touch of pine, and some earthy-herbal hints, all underpinned by a mild dose of caramel maltiness. The mango addition makes a satisfying impression on the palate right away, contributing a fruity character which seamlessly merges into the tropical and citric hop profile, which adds a dash of grapefruit and lemon in addition to a bit of juicy pineapple. We felt the malt core offered just the right amount of heft and caramelization to support everything, while hop bitterness comes through fairly mild. For pairing options, chicken or fish tacos with mango salsa will be a natural and stunning pairing. 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 Ligeti 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, a major point of pride for the entire organization. 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.