Harpoon Brewing Company - Harpoon Octoberfest

This September-October seasonal brew from Harpoon pours an attractive, rich, reddish-amber color capped by a robust head of foam. We’re off to a good start. On the nose, look for an inviting caramel note overlaid with some floral and fruity tones. Boldly malty on the palate, this brew delivers a robustly caramelized and well-toasted core complemented by a juicy, fruity impression likely due to the American Willamette hops and possibly even the Munich-style malts, which we find often contribute a touch of red fruit. Hops add moderate bitterness to expertly balance the light residual malt sweetness while also adding some spicy, floral, and earthy overtones. Well-balanced and super-drinkable (as we expect for Oktoberfest-style brews), we think it’s an excellent beer to celebrate the cooler days of the fall season. Try pairing with grilled pork loin or chops, or German sausages with spicy mustard to contrast with the beer’s rich maltiness. Prost!

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.