Barrel One Collective, a fast-growing craft beer platform in New England, has announced the acquisition of Greater Good Imperial Brewing Company, a Worcester, Massachusetts-based brewery known for its exclusive focus on high-ABV beers. The move expands Barrel One's brand portfolio to 15 and reinforces its presence across four U.S. states, with nine brewery and taproom locations.
Formed in December 2024 through the merger of Mass. Bay Brewing (parent of Harpoon) and Finestkind Brewing (owner of Smuttynose), Barrel One Collective has emerged as a significant player in the evolving craft beer landscape. The deal with Greater Good adds a distinctive element to its offerings, as the latter is the only U.S. brewery entirely dedicated to imperial-style brews. Its flagship beer, Pulp Daddy, was the best-selling imperial IPA in Massachusetts last year, according to Nielsen.
“Greater Good has built a cult following with its bold, flavorful beers,” said Dan Kenary, CEO of Barrel One and a Worcester native. He highlighted the complementary nature of the acquisition: “This is not about folding them in and changing them; we’re here to learn from them and grow together.”
Founded in 2016 by Paul Wengender, Greater Good will continue operations at its 15,000-sq-ft facility on Millbrook Street, which remains a creative hub for brewing and community engagement. Over 90% of existing staff will be retained, and plans are already in place to upgrade the taproom and use the site for brewing smaller Barrel One brands. Wengender will move into an advisory role, while longtime Greater Good team member JT Ethier steps in to oversee operations.
Ethier stressed that the move should not be misinterpreted as a sign of trouble: “This isn’t a bailout. Companies don’t acquire weak brands. This is about how we take the next step.” The integration enables Greater Good to resolve past production constraints—especially on Pulp Daddy, which earlier this year fell 1,000 cases short of demand—and to expand into experimental brews.
The strategic fit was apparent from the start. During early discussions over lunch and Pulp Daddy IPAs at a Worcester restaurant, Wengender and Kenary discovered a shared vision: preserving authenticity while scaling intelligently. “Greater Good fills a gap in our portfolio,” said Kenary, referring to the higher-ABV segment. “These guys are doing it as well or better than anyone in the business.”
Barrel One’s growing stable of brands now includes Harpoon, Long Trail, UFO, Smuttynose, Wachusett, and Greater Good, among others. Its offerings range from traditional beers to fruit-forward beverages, RTDs, and hard Italian ice. The collective reflects a broader shift in the industry toward scale-enabled craft partnerships that maintain local character while expanding reach.
Steve Kierstead, Chief Commercial Officer of Barrel One, emphasized the value: “Greater Good brings a fearless brewing ethos, a commitment to excellence, and a loyal fanbase that we’re excited to welcome.”
As the craft beer industry continues to evolve, the acquisition exemplifies how independent producers are leveraging collective strength to remain relevant without sacrificing identity.
