In a landmark merger of two pioneers in New England’s craft beer scene, Mass. Bay Brewing Company, owner of Harpoon, and Finestkind Brewing LLC, parent company of Smuttynose, have announced the formation of Barrel One Collective. The combined company will operate 14 brands and eight brewery-taprooms across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York, making it the largest craft producer in New England and the 14th largest in the U.S. with an annual production of nearly 165,000 barrels (193,515 hl).
The merger unites the long histories and legacies of these two companies. Mass. Bay Brewing contributes its well-known brands, including UFO, Long Trail, Clown Shoes, Otter Creek, and The Shed. Finestkind Brewing adds its portfolio, including Wachusett and Five Boroughs, alongside Smuttynose, New Hampshire’s original craft brewery. This combination creates a collective of Northeast originals, with Harpoon, Long Trail, and Smuttynose being the longest-operating craft breweries in Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire, respectively.
"This merger represents a shared passion for brewing excellence and community," said Dan Kenary, Co-Founder and CEO of Mass. Bay Brewing. "We aim to honor our legacies while creating an exciting future for the Northeast craft beer industry."
The newly formed company will focus on expanding its craft beverage experiences while maintaining its commitment to community engagement and innovation. Steve Kierstead, CEO of Finestkind Brewing, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the collective aims to act as a hub for creativity and engagement in the regions they serve.
The merger follows a broader trend in the U.S. craft beer market, where consolidations have become more common. Recent examples include the acquisition of Bell’s Brewery by New Belgium Brewing, a subsidiary of Lion Little World Beverages (inside.beer, 2024-09-15), and the merger of CANarchy Craft Brewery Collective with Monster Beverage Corporation (inside.beer, 2024-08-22). These moves illustrate the growing strategy of combining brands under unified platforms to remain competitive. "This is about more than growth," said Kenary. "It’s about preserving our heritage while driving innovation for the future."
Barrel One Collective plans to operate breweries, retail spaces, and hospitality locations in Boston, MA; Westminster, MA; Worcester, MA; Hampton, NH; Brooklyn, NY; Windsor, VT; Bridgewater Corners, VT; and a new facility opening in Manchester, NH, in spring 2025. Large-scale production at the Hampton, NH, brewery will pause temporarily, though hospitality operations at the site will remain unaffected.
Barrel One Collective will be headquartered in Boston, MA, with offices in Hampton, NH, and Windsor, VT. Key executives include Dan Kenary as CEO, Steve Kierstead as Chief Commercial Officer, and Nathaniel Davis as Chief Operating and Strategy Officer. The company has expressed interest in welcoming other like-minded brands to join its collaborative platform.
