Dunkin’s Latest Drop Is Perfect for Beer Fans
When brew masters unite, things get interesting. That’s exactly what happened when Dunkin’ and Harpoon Brewery teamed up for a new release: the Harpoon × Dunkin’ Nitro Brown Sugar Shakin’ Espresso Stout. This isn’t a gimmicky crossover, it's a true meeting of crafts. One side brings decades of roasting expertise, the other fine-tuned brewing precision, and together they’ve built a stout designed for pure enjoyment.
At 6% ABV, the new release blends real Dunkin’ espresso beans and brown sugar into "Harpoon’s first ever first-ever fully-nitrogenated standalone packaged beer–which means each and every sip is naturally creamy, bringing out the richness of the espresso in a whole new way," according to a release from Dunkin'. The result is a dark, dessert-leaning stout that feels equally at home on a bar top or in your fridge. It pours with that signature nitro cascade: smooth, slow, and endlessly photogenic. The flavor lands somewhere between rich mocha and toasted malt, with just enough sweetness to balance the roast.
What Makes Nitro Special
What separates this beer from others in Harpoon’s lineup is the method behind the pour. Unlike widget-based systems that rely on a small capsule to release gas, this one is fully nitrogenated inside the can. Nitrogen is less soluble than carbon dioxide, which means the bubbles are smaller and more tightly packed, creating that velvety, creamy mouthfeel found in the best nitro pours. It softens bitterness, heightens the malt body, and brings out the espresso’s natural richness in a way traditional carbonation can’t match.
Before you open it, there’s even a ritual. Harpoon’s can instructions tell you to shake it first—yes, really. That light agitation redistributes the nitrogen throughout the liquid, setting the stage for what comes next: a hard pour into a chilled glass. As the beer hits, the nitrogen releases in a slow cascade, producing a mesmerizing waterfall effect that settles into a dense, frothy head. For an extra flourish, pop the glass in the freezer for a few minutes beforehand and you’ll get a pub-quality finish right from your kitchen counter.
More than a limited-edition novelty, this collaboration feels like a lesson in what happens when experts from two different corners of the beverage world swap notes. Harpoon’s mastery of malt layering and Dunkin’s deep roast knowledge come together in a stout that’s flavorful but not heavy, smooth yet complex. It’s beer brewed with the same care you’d expect from a single-origin espresso, and roasted with the same balance you’d find in a flagship craft stout.
Available now in six-packs of 12-ounce cans and on draft at select locations, the Nitro Brown Sugar Shakin’ Espresso Stout marks a fresh chapter in the brands’ long-running partnership. It’s proof that when brewmasters unite, the result isn’t just a clever collab—it’s a pour worth savoring.