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One of Boston's biggest beer makers just bought one of the state's smaller craft brewers, Clown Shoes Beer, amid promises to keep both formulas essentially same while developing new offerings.
Harpoon, a Massachusetts brewing company, acquired 100 percent of Clown Shoes' assets in the sale, the company announced Monday.
"Clown Shoes, Harpoon, and UFO Beer will be the same beer that you have grown to love," the Harpoon announcement read. "In the coming months, you will be able to enjoy all three at both of our breweries."
It added, "Clown Shoes is bringing with them the ability to make some smaller batch beers on our system. We expect some great things in 2018!"
A Clown Shoes press statement promised the brand wasn't "selling out."
"Harpoon and Clown Shoes are both fiercely loyal to our brands, to independent craft brewing, and to our employees," added Gregg Berman, founder and CEO of Clown Shoes. "I've been a fan of Harpoon for a long time and it's very gratifying for me that our team will get to work alongside the expert brewers at Mass Bay Brewing to grow Clown Shoes and get our beer into the hands of more beer drinkers."
Visitors to the Harpoon facilities in Boston and Vermont will soon be able to quaff Clown Shoes' craft concoctions at each site.
Founded in Ipswich in 2009, Clown Shoes Beer produces special takes on classic formulas, previously employing contract brewing to keep production numbers up and costs down.
"The Clown Shoes team shares our passion for brewing excellent beer and their irreverent, boldly-flavored takes on classics have earned them a loyal following," said Dan Kenary, Mass Bay Brewing Company CEO and Co-Founder. "We see tremendous potential for growth both regionally and nationally and are excited to work with Gregg and his team to take Clown Shoes even further."
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