Harpoon Brewery Introduces “You Can’t Beat Boston” IPA as the Official Beer of New Citywide Campaign

Limited-edition beer celebrates Boston and kicks off with a free public launch party at Harpoon Seaport

BOSTON, Massachusetts — [APRIL 2, 2026] Harpoon Brewery, Boston’s first craft brewery, is raising a can to the city it calls home with the launch of the You Can’t Beat Boston IPA – a special-edition beer created as the official brew of the new “You Can’t Beat Boston” initiative. The employer-led effort was developed by a coalition of leaders across iconic local institutions with the goal of celebrating and promoting Greater Boston as one of the best places in the country to live and work.

Brewed in the spirit of Boston’s drive, pride, and innovation, the You Can’t Beat Boston IPA is a hazy New England–style IPA (6.0% ABV) available exclusively in 19.2 oz cans. The beer will be available at Harpoon Seaport, as well as iconic Boston venues including Fenway Park and TD Garden, bringing the campaign directly to locals and visitors alike.

“To us, this is about more than just a beer – it’s about celebrating the city that’s been our home since day one,” said Dan Kenary, President and Co-Founder of Harpoon Brewery. “Harpoon has always been about bringing people together and this campaign does exactly that for Boston. We’re proud to contribute to this important initiative and invite people to our Seaport brewery so that we can raise a glass to our hometown. It is especially fitting that we are doing so on “One Boston Day.”

To celebrate the launch of both the beer and the campaign, Harpoon will host a You Can’t Beat Boston Bash, a free, public event at its Seaport brewery (306 Northern Ave, Boston) on Wednesday, April 15 from 5:00–7:00 PM.
There will be a short program with remarks from Mayor Michelle Wu, and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, along with a live performance from the Berklee College of Music songwriters behind the campaign’s official “You Can’t Beat Boston” jingle, as well as giveaways and branded merchandise. Attendees will be among the first to enjoy the new IPA fresh from the source and will include several of the leaders who have helped launch and support this initiative, and many representatives from Boston’s business and civic community.

The “You Can’t Beat Boston” campaign was born out of a collaboration led by Mayor Michelle Wu and more than a dozen of the region’s leading employers from business, academia, healthcare, nonprofits, along with state and business association leaders. Together, the group set out to challenge outdated perceptions of Boston and highlight what makes the region uniquely compelling – from its world-class institutions and thriving innovation economy to its vibrant, diverse neighborhoods and community pride. Research conducted among employees and business leaders across the region reinforced a clear message: Boston isn’t just a great place to work – it’s a place people are proud to call home.

“‘You Can’t Beat Boston’ is the result of an extraordinary public-private collaboration among Boston employers,” said Heather Campion, Managing Director of DSG Global, who has supported the initiative from inception. “It captures the spirit of Boston today—a welcoming, vibrant, and innovative hub where leading global industries converge in a livable, walkable, and beautiful city. We hope it resonates with Bostonians everywhere and reflects the pride and momentum that define the region today.”

While you can expect to see much more throughout the year and beyond, the You Can’t Beat Boston IPA will be available for a limited time while supplies last.

About Harpoon Brewery

Founded in 1986, Harpoon Brewery was the first craft brewery to open in Boston and one of the first in New England. Harpoon’s mission has always been to build community through great beer and shared experiences. Harpoon IPA, first introduced in 1993, remains a cornerstone of New England craft brewing – a testament to quality, consistency, and the spirit of Boston. Since then, Harpoon Brewery has expanded beyond its home base in the Seaport District in Boston, with locations in Windsor, VT, Manchester, NH, a Boston Common Summer Pop-Up, and Logan Airport. Harpoon’s line of craft beer features its award-winning IPA and seasonal beers, along with special limited releases.

About the You Can’t Beat Boston Campaign

You Can’t Beat Boston (YCBB) is a voluntary, collaborative, employer-driven initiative developed by leaders from the region’s iconic institutions, who came together with Mayor Michelle Wu, the Massachusetts Department of Economic Development and key business association leaders seeking to promote the “new Boston” to both attract and retain talent.

Following extensive outreach and research, a new narrative and the You Can’t Beat Boston tagline and logo were developed, along with key assets including YCBB: merchandise (YouCantBeatBoston.shop), theme song (available on all streaming services), exclusively branded beer (Harpoon Brewery), and a toolkit for HR recruiters.
This is an open-source effort and use of the tagline, logo, theme song and other assets is encouraged.
You can find us on: @youcantbeatboston

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