Dunkin’ releases second beer innovation with Harpoon Brewery

05-Apr-2019 - Last updated on 05-Apr-2019 at 19:14 GMT

The new beer has an ABV of 5% and will be available through the summer at select locations.

Related tags Dunkin' donuts Coffee Beer Craft beer

Last fall Dunkin’ announced a limited edition partnership with Harpoon Brewery for its first-ever beer, the Harpoon Dunkin’ Coffee Porter. The two have teamed up again for a warm weather brew, the Harpoon Dunkin' Summer Coffee Pale Ale. Dunkin’ also recently expanded its Signature Latte line with three permanent flavors.

Harpoon and Dunkin’ are both well-known brands based on the east coast, and say the 'classic tastes of Dunkin' coffee and Harpoon craft beer make for such an irresistible combination'.

Last year's Coffee Porter was sold for a limited time last fall in a 6-pack of glass bottles, as well as on draft at select retail locations in the eastern US. It was a dark beer to coincide with the cold season, with notes of dark chocolate and espresso.

The new launch - Summer Coffee Pale Ale - is described as a “hoppy tribute to Dunkin's signature Iced Coffee” and will be a blend of Dunkin’ coffee and a pale ale.

A ‘hoppy tribute’ to Dunkin’

Tony Weisman, chief marketing officer at Dunkin’, said "We saw so much excitement and passion for our partnership last fall, and we're thrilled to delight our fans who start their day with Dunkin' coffee and end it by enjoying one of Harpoon's famous craft beers once more with the introduction of new Summer Coffee Pale Ale."

The new beer will be available through the summer while supplies last, in 12oz cans and on draft at select locations. It has an ABV of 5%.

Dan Kenary, co-founder and CEO at Harpoon, said "We ended last year's baseball season with the intro of Harpoon Dunkin' Coffee Porter, and we're excited to begin this season with the release of our Summer Coffee Pale Ale. Most importantly, it's a delicious beer – hoppy and vibrant with a nice coffee character. We're thrilled to partner with an icon like Dunkin' again."

Elevating its espresso reputation

Dunkin’ has also expanded its line of Signature Lattes with three new flavors. It marks a further investment in its espresso drinks, which it called “one of the most transformative product initiatives in recent brand history.”

The drinks are made at participating Dunkin’ locations with “new state-of-the-art espresso equipment for optimal espresso bean extraction and a new recipe for a stronger and more robust flavor profile,” an effort to elevate Dunkin’s reputation from the budget coffee option compared to the more expensive Starbucks.

The new flavors include a Blueberry Crisp Latte (blueberry and caramel flavors, with whipped cream, caramel drizzle and cinnamon sugar topping), a Caramel Craze Latte (caramel flavor, with whipped cream, caramel drizzle and cinnamon sugar topping) and a Cocoa Mocha Latte (mocha flavor, with whipped cream, mocha drizzle and hot chocolate powder).

All three lattes will be available hot or iced nationwide. Dunkin’ describes its lattes as the creamiest option in its espresso selections, made with two-thirds steamed milk, poured over a shot of espresso and topped with a layer of milk foam. The Signature Lattes feature the extra flavors and toppings.

“We believe that everyone deserves a delicious espresso whether it is a classic drink or a more elaborate creation. Our new espresso experience has established Dunkin’ as the place where even the most discerning espresso enthusiast can enjoy high-quality lattes, cappuccinos and more, served fast and at a great value any time of day,” Weisman said.