Harpoon acquired Clown Shoes Beer in the fall of 2017. This acquisition marked a significant expansion for Harpoon, allowing them to add Clown Shoes’ unique and innovative beers to their portfolio.
As an expert, I have been following the craft beer industry for many years, and I vividly remember when the news broke about Harpoon’s acquisition of Clown Shoes. It was an exciting time for both breweries and the craft beer community as a whole.
Harpoon, founded in 1986, has a long history of producing high-quality craft beers. They have gained a loyal following with their flagship beers such as Harpoon IPA and Harpoon UFO White. Over the years, Harpoon has continued to innovate and expand their offerings, introducing limited batch series like the 100 Barrel Series and branching out into the cider market with Harpoon Craft Cider.
Clown Shoes Beer, on the other hand, was a relatively young brewery at the time of the acquisition. They were known for their bold and eccentric beer styles, often featuring unique label artwork. Clown Shoes had gained a reputation for pushing boundaries and creating beers that stood out in the crowded craft beer market.
The acquisition of Clown Shoes by Harpoon was a strategic move to further expand their product offerings and reach a wider audience. By bringing Clown Shoes under their umbrella, Harpoon was able to tap into the creativity and innovation that Clown Shoes was known for, while also benefiting from their established distribution network.
I remember trying some of the Clown Shoes beers shortly after the acquisition, and I was impressed by the quality and distinctiveness of their brews. It was clear that Harpoon saw the potential in Clown Shoes and recognized the value they could bring to their brand.
Since the acquisition, Harpoon has continued to operate Clown Shoes as a separate brand, allowing them to maintain their unique identity and brewing style. This approach has allowed Harpoon to cater to different consumer preferences and expand their market reach.
Harpoon bought Clown Shoes Beer in the fall of 2017, marking a significant expansion for Harpoon and bringing together two breweries with a shared passion for crafting exceptional beers. The acquisition has allowed Harpoon to diversify their product offerings and tap into the creativity and innovation that Clown Shoes was known for.