Harpoon Brewing Company - Fresh Tracks

This spring seasonal from Harpoon pours a crystal clear golden color with a nearly white cap of foam that laces nicely as it drops. This single-hop brew is a love letter to Centennial, a hop that has contributed greatly to America's beer renaissance. On the nose, look for lightly floral notes backed up by pine and hints of citrus tending toward lemon and subtle orange. On the palate, the clean but sturdy pale malt backbone offers plenty of structure and satisfaction while the bright and fresh Centennial hops deliver a wonderful hop impact. Hey, we love complex hop profiles with four, five, six, or more different hop varietals, but Centennial is truly a hall of fame worthy hop, and getting it straight up is a special treat. Bitterness is moderate, and in perfect balance with the malt core, making for a super-drinkable and refreshing pale ale that's just dynamite when fresh (all our beers are brewed to order for the club, so freshness is guaranteed!). Pair this brew with a spring day and fried chicken, pepperoni pizza, salmon, or brats fresh off the grill. 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. 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.