Boston, MA (December 2009) – Harpoon Brewery and Island Creek Oysters have teamed up to create the 30th installment of the Harpoon 100 Barrel Series, the Island Creek Oyster Stout, set to launch early February, 2010. The Harpoon 100 Barrel Series Island Creek Oyster Stout represents a celebration of New England as it incorporates local, quality oysters from Duxbury, MA paired with fresh, handcrafted beer brewed in Boston, MA. The beer will be available in 22 oz. bottles and on draft at select retailers and restaurants throughout the Boston area.
The one-of-a-kind, limited-batch creation has a rich body and a smooth feel derived from a combination of roasted barley and chocolate rye malts. The roasted notes of the stout blend beautifully with the briny, mineral flavors of Island Creek Oysters, which were added to the brew moments after being harvested in Duxbury Bay. An addition of hops adds a hint of bitterness and aroma to balance the sweetness from the malt combination. This beer is best enjoyed in a pint glass with a plate full of Island Creek Oysters.
Brewed by Harpoon Brewer Katie Tame using Island Creek Oysters harvested by Founder, Skip Bennett, the idea of the Island Creek Oyster Stout was created organically after years of sharing freshly harvested oysters over locally brewed pints of beer together. Historically, oysters have had a long association with stouts. One theory suggests that the pairing originated centuries ago in an old English town with a plethora of great breweries and oysters.
“Everyone at Island Creek Oysters is honored to have this opportunity to partner with our friends at the Harpoon Brewery after years of working together and create something unique that we’re all so proud,” explained Skip Bennett. “To be able to continue to partner with a like-minded brand that sources local ingredients and has strong ties to the community is truly a pleasure.”
"It is exciting to work with the people at Island Creek who, like us, are enthusiastic and passionate about the freshness and quality of their product,” remarked Katie Tame. “This beer is not only a merging of two great New England offerings, it is also a merging of history. Stouts have long been paired with oysters, though seldom brewed with them. This is our contemporary twist on an age-old tradition. We hope beer and oyster lovers have as much fun drinking it as we had brewing it."
For a complete list of where to find Island Creek Oyster Stout or any additional information about the Harpoon 100 Barrel Series, Harpoon Brewery or Island Creek Oysters, please contact Nicole Kanner at nicole@allheartpr.com or Liz Melby at lmelby@harpoonbrewery.com.
About Island Creek Oysters
Skip Bennett, owner and founder of Island Creek Oysters, planted his first oysters in 1992 after three years growing quahogs in Duxbury Bay. After years of trial and error, and some undeniably delicious oysters, Island Creek Oysters has grown into one of the largest and most reputable aquaculture businesses in the US, selling nearly five million oysters a year around the world. Intense care is given to every step of the process; from hatchery to harvesting. Because of Island Creek's commitment to excellence, the National Shellfish Association named Island Creek Oysters the best oyster in America. For more information, or to purchase oysters for home delivery, please visit www.islandcreekoysters.com.
About Harpoon Brewery
The Harpoon Brewery was founded by beers lovers, Rich Doyle and Dan Kenary. In 1986 Harpoon was issued Brewing Permit #001 by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, since it was the first brewery to brew in the state after a dormant period of about 25 years. Harpoon’s line of craft beer features its award-winning IPA and UFO Hefeweizen beers, along with four special seasonal selections. In 2000 Harpoon purchased a second brewery in Windsor, VT, making Harpoon the 11th largest craft brewer in the US. Harpoon has since introduced two lines of limited edition beers, the 100 Barrel Series and the Leviathan Series, as well as the all-natural Harpoon Cider made from freshly pressed, local apples. For more information about Harpoon beers and visiting the breweries, visit www.harpoonbrewery.com.