Brew Battle: Have Sam Adams and Harpoon Lost Their Craft?


Sam Adams are Harpoon are becoming the two most popular breweries from the Boston area. Sam Adams opened its' first Boston brewery in 1989 and since then, has gained international attention. They are known best for their Boston Lager and offer a variety of seasonal brews. Sam Adams offers a variety of over 50 different beers and have no plans to stop introducing new flavors.

Harpoon on the other hand, has been focused on the Indian Pale Ale. Started in 1986, their Boston waterfront brewery has become extremely popular for tours and Harpoon Fests. Their most popular beer being their Harpoon IPA. Harpoon has expanded their variety and has introduced new flavors. Just like Sam Adams, they have some incredible seasonal flavors.

There is a silent war going on between these two companies. There is only room for one to be titled "The Beer of Boston". Each brewer has their own craft, Sam Adams specializes in lagers, while Harpoon specializes in ales.

These two giant beer companies were the craft beers of the late 1980s, but now it is 2017 and the question is, have they lost their craft?

How Sam Adams is Losing Their Craft
  • They offer Sam Adams Light... 
  • Their Pumpkin Beer was made to stay trendy and loss focus on quality
  • Sam Adams Porch Rocker is lemonade and beer... why?
  • The Rebel IPA does not compete with IPAs being released by way smaller brewers


How Harpoon is Losing Their Craft

Harpoon has done a pretty good job keeping their craft, but one beer in particular ruins their image for me, Harpoon Camp Wannamango. It is clearly an attempt to mainstream their beer. It is impossible to go to Fenway and not see somebody wearing white converse and drinking a Wannamango.



The Problems Both Breweries Face
  • Expanding without losing focus on quality
    • Local vs. International
  • Trying to keep up with trends
    • Some trends might not fit with what these two powerhouse breweries do best
    • Trends change at the speed of light and keeping up with them can be impossible to keep up with.

Sam Adams seems to be willing to expand at all costs. They seem willing to sacrifice their craft in order to expand. While they still offer quality beer, some of their selections make them look bad. Craft beer lovers like you and I will see their offerings to be completely turned off.

Harpoon on the other hand, is keeping their craft. A lot of people really enjoy Camp Wannamango but I think Harpoon should keep their focus on beer lovers instead of trying to please everybody.

And the winner of this #BrewBattle is...

Harpoon


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