http://beeradvocate.com/news/stories_read/f-957797

BOSTON, MA - The Harpoon Brewery, New England's largest craft brewer,
is proud to introduce Harpoon Brown, a session ale. This is the first
year-round Harpoon beer the brewery has released in almost a decade.
While the craft beer industry has seen a growing trend in "extreme"
beers, noted for potency of flavor and alcohol, the brewers of Harpoon
wanted to create a mild beer that could be enjoyed over an extended
period of time - a "session" beer. At 4.3% alcohol by volume, the
Harpoon Brown has the lowest alcohol content of all Harpoon beers.



The Harpoon Brown is brewed to accentuate the sweeter, rounder notes
derived from six different malts, including a de-husked chocolate malt
that adds a hint of chocolate flavor and aroma. The blend of these
malts produces a beer that is complex and delicious without being
heavy. The subtle use of hops provides just the right balance to this
burnt umber-colored beer, while a lower level of carbonation adds to
its drinkability.

"We have had many discussions over the years about brewing a beer that
would provide people with the opportunity to enjoy a few beers without
becoming overly satiated," says Al Marzi, Harpoon's VP of brewing
operations and creator of the Harpoon Brown recipe. "At the same time,
we wanted to brew a balanced beer full of flavor. We felt that a brown
ale was the perfect style to accomplish this."

"Session beers" have their roots in British brewing tradition, and the
term is derived from long evenings spent in the pub enjoying pints of
beer that were not overpowering. Harpoon Brown has been brewed with
this tradition in mind. It is the perfect accompaniment at poker night
with some friends or paired with a homemade meal of barbecued ribs.

Harpoon Brown will be available in bottles and on draft beginning in
March 2007. An evening of celebrations to toast the beer's release
will be held at locations throughout New England on Thursday, March
8th, including tastings at Harpoon's breweries in Boston, MA and
Windsor, VT.

Founded in 1986, the Harpoon Brewery distributes its locally brewed
products throughout the Northeast. The Harpoon Brewery's line of craft
beer features six year-round beers, and four special seasonal
selections. In June 2000, the Harpoon Brewery purchased a second
brewery in Windsor, Vermont. In 2002, Harpoon introduced a new line of
fine handcrafted sodas, Harpoon Draft Sodas. For information on
Brewery Tours and events, call 1-888-HARPOON or visit their website at
www.harpoonbrewery.com.