The ESOP gave 48 percent of Harpoon Brewery’s shares to the brewery’s employees. In addition to the illustrations of each city, the new packaging boasts a more proud and prominent declaration that the brewery is “Employee Owned.” In 2014, Kenary decided it was time to make moves toward employee ownership and launched an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). “The revamped packaging makes it loud and clear that Harpoon IPA is proud of its New England roots, while paying tribute to those who have enjoyed it – and helped brew it – for nearly three decades.” It’s the beer we all reach for time and time again – from ball games to BBQs with friends – and we wanted its packaging to better reflect that sense of community and approachability,” said Dan Kenary, Harpoon’s CEO and co-founder. “Harpoon IPA has been a fan favorite for years, and there’s a reason for that.

The new can and bottle design brings this storied history to life.

Since then, it’s continued to be the brewery’s most popular offering. Harpoon IPA was originally brewed in 1993 and was the first IPA brewed in New England during America’s craft beer revival – earning it the nickname of “New England’s Original IPA.” While most beer options back then were mass-produced pale lagers, Harpoon IPA was the first craft beer on the East Coast to put hops at the forefront. While its recipe hasn’t changed, Harpoon IPA is getting bold new packaging that better reflects the fans who drink it and the employee owners who make it, complete with illustrated scenes of the two cities it calls home: Boston and Windsor, Vt. PRESS RELEASE / (Boston, MA) – Harpoon Brewery announced today that it’s giving its flagship IPA a makeover. New England’s Original IPA” offers the same great taste with new packaging that pays tribute to its community ties and New England heritage

Harpoon ipa.