Harpoon Brewery Launches THC-Based Beverage and Sticky Bun Stout
Harpoon Brewery is keeping busy for this year’s Mass Beer Week. They just rolled out a THC-based beverage and they have a new beer ready to pour. Let’s start with…
(Photo by Darren McCollester/Newsmakers)
Harpoon Brewery is keeping busy for this year's Mass Beer Week. They just rolled out a THC-based beverage and they have a new beer ready to pour.
Let's start with the THC-based beverage. Announced just last month, Rec.Weed is being advertised as "crafted for a different kind of buzz." It's clearly inspired by another popular Harpoon Beverage, at least in name: Rec League. That's Harpoon's hazy IPA, which has become a hit because of it's low ABV and lower calorie content.
Rec.Weed is dealing with a decidedly different type of "haze" and will surely be a "hit" with a decidedly different crowd. It's a non-alcoholic beverage, touting 5 milligrams of THC. There will still be hops to make to make hoppy, with a citrusy, tropical flavor profile featuring passionfruit and green tea. Keep your eyes peeled for the 12 oz. cans at your local recreational dispensary.
Harpoon Brewery Launches THC-Based Beverage and Sticky Bun Stout
Harpoon has been brewing in Boston since 1986, so it only makes sense that they'd be rolling out a limited-edition brew just in time for Mass Beer Week. And it only makes sense that it would be a local collaboration. Their Sticky Bun Stout is brewed with actual sticky buns from Boston-based Flour Bakery + Cafe. Yes, those sticky buns. The best sticky buns. In beer form.
This is such a big deal that Harpoon and Flour are celebrating the occasion with a beer release party. Visit the Harpoon Beer hall at 306 Northern Ave. in Boston on Tuesday, March 7 from 5-7 p.m. You can sample the beer, enjoy some baked goodies from Flour, and grab a four-pack to go. If you want more details on the event, you can get 'em here.
And if you want more suggestions on how to celebrate Mass Beer Week, I have seven for you.
It’s Mass Beer Week. Here Are 7 Breweries You Need to Visit
Mass Beer Week runs from March 4 through March 11, 2023. There are 7 days in a week. You can probably see where I'm going with this.
I can't remember where I first heart about Mass Beer Week. It was at some point in time over the weekend, probably on the way to or on the way home from New Hampshire. I spent Saturday at Crotched Mountain with my 14-yr-old. We have a standing date on the first Saturday of March every year. We shred the gnar at Crotched: me on my snowboard, him on his skis. Then we grab dinner at Alberto's Italian Restaurant in Bennington. "Best Food By a Dam Site." Best food, period. So good.
But I digress. Because I was kicking around in the Granite State, I missed the first day of Mass Beer Week. The Mass Brewers Guild sets aside one week every year to celebrate local craft beer. This year, it's March 4 through March 11. That's this week! They even have special Mass Beer Week pint glasses to mark the occasion this year. You can see what those look like and get a list of breweries where you can pick one up right here.
It's Mass Beer Week. Here Are 7 Breweries You Need to Visit
Speaking of lists of breweries, I've gone ahead and made my own to share with you. I know we're a few days into this year's celebration. And I know technically this year's celebration actually spans eight days and not seven. Smart move: you get two Saturdays in that way! But seven breweries just feels right to me. I'll give you a bunch more when we bring back Boston's Brewery Battle later this year. In the meantime, take a spin through my list, and maybe pick a favorite or two to patronize this week. Cheers!
1) Idle Hands
Idle Hands Craft Ales, Malden
My favorite local brewery. I love their taproom in Malden, but you can also find them at the wonderful Common Craft space at the Burlington Mall.
2) Vitamin Sea
Vitamin Sea Brewing, Weymouth
They won our Boston Brewery Battle back in 2020, just a year after they opened. That should tell you how popular they are on the South Shore.
3) Tree House
Tree House Brewing Company, Charlton
Maybe the most popular brewery in the Commonwealth, currently. They opened a space in Tewksbury, too.
4) Widowmaker
Widowmaker Brewing Co., Braintree
The beer is fantastic, yes. But the taproom is one of the best hangs you'll find south of the city.
5) Lord Hobo
Lord Hobo Brewing Company, Woburn
Yes, Lord Hobo boasts multiple locations now in and around the city. But I encourage you to pay them a visit in Woburn. And get some pizza with your pint.
6) Notch
Notch Brewing, Salem
The main taproom is one of the jewels of the North Shore. But you can also sample all Notch has to offer in Brighton.
7) Dorchester Brewing
Dorchester Brewing Company, Dorchester
A fave of the ROCK 92.9 crew back when our studios were just a stone's throw away from their taproom.
