Steve Theoharides - Brewer of Harpoon Brewery
1986. That's before many of the people who are reading this were even born. That's when Harpoon started establishing itself as a "Boston Institution" and engraining itself into the fabric of what Boston represents. We dare you to go to Boston and find one self respecting restaurant or bar that doesn't have Harpoon available. They hold a true sense of pride for their community and the people that make it up. A community that holds strength and resiliency at its core. It's a large part of who Harpoon is. Leading craft beer as a whole not only by the quantity of beer they produce but more importantly in a fashion that should be a required trait by anyone considered to be a "leader": by example.
Without Harpoon and the other breweries sitting atop the craft industry mountain with them putting in the time and committing themselves to quality above all else, there arguably is no micro brewery boom today. In a culture of "what's next" we need to make sure that respect is paid to those who paved the way for this culture to exist in the first place. Harpoon continues to dominate the industry not simply because they're one of the "biggest", it's because their product speaks for itself and it really is just that good.
With the emphasis at Harpoon being on quality and balance in their product, they couldn't have picked a better person to be at the helm. Steve exemplifies the traits we've come to associate with Harpoon: class, experience, creativity, and attention to detail. As the brewer, he sets an example that should be held to the highest regard by upstart breweries and the fans who follow them. The responsibility associated with being one of the first and one of the best rests heavily on Steve's shoulders every day when he goes to work. It's a responsibility he does not take lightly. It's a responsibility he gladly accepts. It shows in the product he proudly stands behind.
A great person behind a great product. A person and a brewery we're proud to put on display. Harpoon.
Cheers,
Craft Commander