Widmer

The legend goes like this: During the 1970’s, a decade remembered by some for its various social movements, Kurt and Rob Widmer began to formulate a movement of their own. After graduating from Oregon State University (Rob) and the University of Oregon (Kurt), respectively, the Widmer brothers set out into the “real world” only to find out the “real world” wasn’t for them. Each falling victim to the proverbial “quarter-life crisis,” fueled in part by jobs that barely benefited their wallets (let alone their souls), Kurt and Rob Widmer set forth on a path toward opening the brewery we know today.

It began in the late-seventies when Kurt Widmer packed his bags (minus the suit and tie) and moved to Germany to soak up the culture. After 2 years in Germany, traveling from town to town enjoying great tasting European brews, Kurt returned to Portland, Oregon on a mission to create American interpretations of authentic European beer styles. After convincing Rob to quit his job and join him (it wasn’t hard), Kurt’s quest for an original beer experience led him back to a brewery in Düsseldorf where he studied recipes native to the famous brewing hub. Kurt would bring back a unique brewing yeast obtained from the world-renowned Brewing Research Institute in Weihenstephan, Bavaria. It’s that extraordinary yeast that has been maintained at the brewery ever since and remains an integral part of the Widmer Brothers brewing process.

A short time later, after quitting their jobs to follow their dreams and brew beer full-time, the brothers had barely enough money for food let alone build a brewery. As a result, Kurt and Rob enlisted the financial support of their closest friends and family. In 1984, after raising enough money (and writing a few I.O.U.’s), the brothers were able to found Widmer Brothers Brewing Company, honoring their family’s name. Two years later, following a number of sleepless nights in which the brothers brewed in the AM and delivered in the PM, Kurt and Rob were able to pioneer the world’s first American-style Hefeweizen. What is now affectionately known as the Widmer Hefeweizen has since grown in popularity and stands today as one of America’s most popular wheat beers.

What began as a dream for two ordinary brothers who just loved beer is now a reality for two ordinary brothers who just love beer.

Find more WIDMER here!

Brew Vids:


Widmer Hefeweizen

Our Flagship – America’s Original Hefeweizen

A golden unfiltered wheat beer that is truly cloudy and clearly superb. Ever since Widmer introduced Hefeweizen to America in 1986, ours has been the standard by which all other Hefeweizens are judged.
1998 and 2006 GABF Gold Medal Award Winner

2004 and 2008 Gold Medal Beer Cup


Widmer Drop Top Amber

A rich, flavorful Amber that’s smooth and easy to drink. Drop Top is fermented by an American Ale yeast to produce beer with a clean flavor and fruity aroma. The velvet texture is from using Honey malt and a touch of milk sugar. The Alchemy bittering hops provide soft bitterness. Simcoe, a newly developed hop variety, adds unique hop flavor and aroma.

2004 GABF Gold Medal Award Winner

2008 GABF Gold Medal Award Winner

goes well with richer foods such as BBQ, meats, pizza and burgers

availability year-round
bitterness 20 IBU
alcohol by volume 5.0%


Widmer Drifter Pale Ale

With its unique citrus character, smooth drinkability, and distinctive hop character, Drifter Pale Ale is truly an original. Brewed with generous amounts of Summit hops, a variety known for their intense citrus flavors and aromas, Drifter has a taste unique to the Pale Ale category. True to style, the bittering hops are perceptible enough to give the beer a crisp, clean, quenching finish, yet also soft enough to keep the beer smooth and balanced.
2006 GABF Silver Medal Winner

Best With: A variety of fresh seafood and shellfish, but also has the malt backing to stand up to hearty offerings like grilled steaks.

ABV: 5.7%
IBUs: 32


Widmer Broken Halo IPA

Broken Halo IPA is a beer produced in the spirit of traditional IPA products shipped from the UK to India in the late 1800s. The almost excessive amounts of Cascade and Columbus hops used in Broken Halo give it notable citrus and grapefruit aromas and flavors. The beer bitterness measures high but tastes smooth due to the full-bodied, Caramel malt sweetness. The finish is juicy, clean, and short lived. A devilishly bold, heavenly smooth India Pale Ale.

Best With: Spicy hot foods like Mexican, Asian dishes, or hot wings.


Widmer Sunburn Summer

Inspired by the long and hopefully hot days of summer fun, Sunburn is a refreshing tribute to the Brothers Widmer and their unending dedication to making beer people love as much as they do. This radiant golden ale is the perfect protection factor as the mercury climbs. The light caramel body and Citra dry hopping provide a balanced and flavorful beer that’s sure to refresh any summer afternoon.

ABV: 4.3%
IBUs: 15


Widmer Brewmasters' Release W'10 Pitch Black IPA

Our Brewmasters’ Release – Pitch Black IPA is a Pacific Northwest twisted tribute to an IPA style of beer. It is almost a traditional IPA but it is instead brewed to the emerging style of Cascadian Dark. We add a modest amount of a specially made debittered black malt to give this IPA a very dark color but without the characteristic dark malt flavors. Pitch Black IPA is hopped generously in the brewhouse and then again later during the dry hopping process. Hopheads of the world will certainly enjoy this dark version of IPA, as will beer drinkers looking for something new and experimental to fill their pint glass.

The “W” Brewmasters’ Release Series is from Widmer Brothers. A new beer every year. Built from the ground up by our hardworkin’ brewmasters. Traditional, experimental, anything goes. Here’s to trying new things.

Pairs well with smokey and spicy type dishes that tend to be richer, Steak with blue cheese butter (black and blue combo), Spicy Mole, Chili, Smoked and/or spicy cured meats, BBQ ribs

availability January – April
bitterness 65 IBU
alcohol by volume 6.5%


Widmer Nelson Imperial IPA (was Deadlift IIPA)

Nelson Imperial IPA is unlike any Imperial IPA you’ve ever lifted from the beer aisle. It has the strong hop flavor you’d expect from an Imperial IPA but no heaviness that could weigh down your desire to take another sip. The unique flavor stems in part from Nelson Sauvin hops imported from New Zealand. Nelson’s other component, a simple but fully braced malt backbone muscles up enough malty sweetness and caramel character to spot the incredibly robust hop flavor and aroma.

Nelson Imperial IPA uses Nelson Sauvin hops from New Zealand’s best hop growing region: South Island’s Nelson. This region produces some of the most flavorful hops found anywhere. These hops have an intense citrus, fruity, berry-like aroma and flavor that makes them unique. The result will surely be a welcome workout for your taste buds.

ABV: 9.5%
IBUs: 70

Taste Buds on Widmer Deadlift IPA.




Widmer Oktoberfest

The full body and malty flavor make Widmer Oktoberfest an ideal beverage for the Fall season. As the style dictates the hopping is delicate enough to allow the malty character to dominate, yet still provides a floral aroma and finish.

Pairs well with grilled bratwurst, burgers & other hearty fall fare

availability Early Aug. – late oct.
bitterness 25 IBU
alcohol by volume 5.5%


Widmer Brrr

Got the holiday blues? Out of ideas as to what to get that special someone? Don’t worry, Kurt and Rob Widmer have the answer – give the gift of beer! More specifically, Brrr! Widmer’s hard working brewmasters have handcrafted this year’s edition special for the holiday season.

Best With: Holiday favorites like turkey and ham


Widmer KGB Russian Imperial Stout

“This long-time favorite brewers’ choice beer was created to help us challenge expectations and keep us true. We now expose it to you. Using roasted barley, chocolate malt and Midnight Wheat, KGB had a color that is as dark as a torrid past, a body as full as a well kept dossier, and a taste as complex as a conspiracy theory.”

ABV: 9.3%

Limited Release


Widmer Prickly Pear Braggot

Our braggot is a strong ale brewed with a blend of honey, red prickly pear juice, and a variety of pale malts. The addition of Alchemy hops help balance the sweetness while still retaining the natural honey aromas and flavors. The prickly pear juice adds a unique hue to the beer as well as a subtle herbal, quenching-like quality in the finish.

ABV: 10%

Limited Release


Widmer Brrrbon

Hidden in the beautiful dark amber color are aromas of vanilla and caramel that compliment perfectly the presence of bourbon. Soft oak flavors transition into a sweet yet slightly dry finish. After aging the ale for four months, the malt and hop complexity of Brrr has melded harmoniously with the bourbon barrels and become a truly one of a kind beer.

ABV: 9.4%
IBUs: 50


Widmer Brothers Rotator IPA

Widmer Brothers Brewing launches its Rotator IPA series with the release of X-114 India Pale Ale. The first beer in the series of IPAs, X-114 was handcrafted by the Widmer Brothers’ brewing team. X-114 IPA is available in limited quantities on draught and in six-packs at select retailers nationwide.

“Our Rotator IPA series was born out of our brewing team’s desire to experiment with and enthusiasm for the IPA style of beer,” said Rob Widmer. “Our brewers are passionate about creating unique interpretations of beer styles and always finding ways to do things a bit differently. X-114 IPA is an aromatic IPA that originated from the experimental hop that we now call Citra. It’s a great, drinkable beer and is the perfect brew to kick off this series.”

X-114 IPA is an aromatic IPA made from Citra hops that balance perfect proportions of big fruit and citrus flavor with hints of peppery spice, caramel malt sweetness and a bitter, but smooth finish.

ABV: 6.2%


Widmer Lemongrass Wheat Ale

Wheat ale brewed with lemongrass and muscat grape juice / 22 oz. & draft

ABV: 9%


Widmer Galaxy

For Widmer’s newest Reserve Series, Galaxy hops are the headlining act. This Australian variety pairs an almost fruit punch aroma with bold citrus and floral hop flavors for an amazing sipping experience. Grab a bottle of this limited release and drink along with us as we explore the beer.

ABV: 9.5%