In this edition of Beers to Know, we’re rounding up the freshest releases, collaborations, and reboots that have caught our eye. Whether you’re looking for creative label refreshes, luxurious international blends, or citrus-packed crushers, this week’s list serves it up with style. Let’s get to it.
Harpoon and L.L.Bean reboot their lager collab with trail-ready branding
Harpoon Brewery and L.L.Bean have teamed up once again to reintroduce their limited-edition Harpoon x L.L.Bean Lager. This year’s rebrand simplifies the name—originally called Harvest Lager—and positions it as a year-rounder with serious trail appeal. Timed with International Beer Day (August 1), this refreshed release highlights the enduring partnership between two New England institutions known for rugged authenticity and community spirit.
The beer itself is a classic American lager brewed with ingredients that reflect its accessible, go-anywhere vibe: 4.8% ABV, lightly hopped, and ultra-crisp. It’s meant for tailgates, trailheads, or casual backyard hangs. New packaging features an updated design that combines L.L.Bean’s outdoorsy identity with Harpoon’s bold graphics. Expect to see it on shelves and draft lines across the Northeast this summer and beyond.
“After seeing how much people connected with this beer last fall, we knew we had to bring it back,” said Dan Kenary, CEO and Co-Founder of Harpoon. “Made with Maine-grown malt, the lager is the perfect embodiment of the spirit of New England craftsmanship and the values and heritage shared by our two brands.”
Dust Bowl Brewing drops a 10.4% citrus bomb
Dust Bowl Brewing Company out of Turlock, California, has unleashed a new addition to its Big Beer Series—Confused Citrus Imperial Hazy IPA. Clocking in at 10.4% ABV and 60 IBUs, this hop-forward heavyweight hits you with orange and lemon flavors that practically radiate out of the can.
“This beer is as bright and perplexing as its name implies,” says Brett Tate, Founder of Dust Bowl Brewing Co. “We wanted to bring something playful and potent to the Big Beer Series—something that challenges expectations in a fun way. Confused Citrus does just that.”
Confused Citrus is packaged in 16 oz cans and available throughout California. It packs both a tropical punch and smooth drinkability, making it a deceptively easy sipper for its ABV. It’s juicy, bright, and not afraid to flex.
Dark Horse’s Limonata is a Sicilian-style pilsner
Dark Horse Brewing in Marshall, Michigan, has debuted Limonata Siciliano, a Mediterranean-inspired twist on the classic pilsner. This 4.5% ABV brew was crafted to capture the sun-drenched essence of coastal summers, with bright lemon character and subtle herbal undertones.
“Customers tell us that Limonata is beer first and fruit second, with just a hit of lemon, which has helped quickly distinguish this brand as something different, as it fulfills several different priorities as beer tastes evolve,” said Chuck Mascari Jr., Chief Operating Officer of Benchmark Beverage Company. “In just weeks, Limonata has proven to be a fast-growth opportunity for our partners in distribution and retail, consistent with the brand’s tagline ‘When life gives you lemons… squeeze the day.’”
Limonata Siciliano is part of Dark Horse’s limited series and will be available on draft and in 6-packs throughout Michigan. It’s an ideal warm-weather sipper, perfect for patios, porches, and wherever there’s sunshine.
Brewery Ommegang’s Passport Royale blends global brewing chops
Brewery Ommegang is thinking globally with Passport Royale, a 7.5% ABV mixed culture Sour IPA born from a three-way collab between New York’s Ommegang, Belgium’s Liefmans, and Italy’s Birrificio del Ducato. The result is a one-of-a-kind blend: 45% hop-forward Machete DIPA, 50% Pale Sour, and 5% Blueberry Beer.
“Passport Royale is a testament to what can happen when brewers from different traditions work together,” said Jordan Egbert, brand manager of imports at Ommegang. The beer features aromas of tart blueberries and citrus zest, with a flavor profile bolstered by Citra and Mosaic hops, plus spices like coriander and orange peel.
Pair it with strong cheeses, grilled salmon, or summer berry desserts—and enjoy a rare chance to taste three brewing philosophies in a single bottle.
Brooklyn Brewery gives East IPA a sharp new look (same iconic flavor)
Brooklyn Brewery’s East IPA—a NYC staple since 1996—just got a makeover. The rebrand trades its old travel-theme design for something more rooted in the city itself: think subway cars, dive bars, and pick-up basketball courts.
Brooklyn Brewery’s CMO Karli Bainbridge explains: “East IPA has always felt like a true New York beer—unpretentious, flavorful, and built with character. The new look taps into the places and moments that define our city. It’s not about reinvention—it’s about refreshing the design to feel real to who we are and where we’re from.”
The beer itself remains unchanged: a citrus-forward IPA brewed with Centennial, Cascade, Simcoe, and Willamette hops, delivering bright orange peel and stone fruit notes with a clean finish. At 6.9% ABV, it’s built for everything from pizza night to pool hall hangs.
Karl Strauss x Green Cheek bring back Squawk Box IPA—with heart
San Diego’s Karl Strauss Brewing Co. and Green Cheek Beer Co. (based in the City of Orange) are re-releasing Squawk Box, a fan-favorite IPA collaboration originally launched in 2023. The 6.6% ABV citrus-forward IPA is inspired by Orange County’s groves and balances sweet orange and stone fruit character.
“Green Cheek makes incredible beer, and we are stoked to bring this collaboration back to life with them,” said Karl Strauss Brewmaster Paul Segura. “We admire Green Cheek’s commitment to quality and making people smile while enjoying great beer. Brewing Squawk Box together is a celebration of SoCal’s rich craft brewing culture, and we created this tropical IPA to represent both San Diego and Orange County craft lovers.”
Even better, one dollar from every pint sold on release day will go to Restaurants Care, which supports California restaurant workers in crisis. One percent of all California sales will also be donated—part of Karl Strauss’ 2025 pledge to support the nonprofit through its Ridiculously Limited Release Series
