Widmer Brothers Brewing celebrates 40 years by bringing back classic beers
One of Oregon’s oldest breweries Widmer Brothers Brewing, is celebrating more than four decades by bringing back old iconic beers that haven’t been seen in awhile. The new anniversary campaign ‘40 Years of Cheers’ is a multi-stage celebration that will feature the re-release of 4 classic recipes that will be available on draft at select Portland-area pubs, bars, and restaurants.
40 Years of Cheers has already kicked off with the re-release of Altbier, the first beer brewed and sold by Widmer Brothers in 1984. A traditional German-style ale known for its amber hue, assertive bitterness and clean, roasted finish, Altbier combined Rob and Kurt Widmer’s love of beer and affinity for homebrewing; the brothers brewed the original batches with a mismatched variety of reclaimed equipment—including a retired dairy tank, shrimp cooker and a 1970 Datsun pickup “borrowed” from their dad—in what is now known as Portland’s Pearl District, building the foundation of a legacy that would eventually launch Widmer Brothers into the zeitgeist of American craft beer.
“A lot can change in 40 years, but great beer still brings people together,” says Alex McNamara, Senior Brand Manager at Widmer Brothers. “40 Years of Cheers not only pays homage to four decades of craft beer innovation, but sets the foundation for where we are planning to take the brand. With 40 years of experience under our belt—and a Widmer Hefe in hand—we can’t wait to bring new and old Widmer beers to Portlanders and write the next chapter of Widmer Brothers.”
Pouring exclusively on draft at select Portland locations, Altbier returns as the first beer of four to be rereleased throughout 2025. The returning beers, known collectively as the “Beers Through the Years,” will roll out in succession and feature one beer from each decade of Widmer’s historical 40-year-and-counting tenure. Details on the next rerelease, a fan-favorite summer seasonal from the 2000s, will be announced in the coming weeks.
The Beers Through the Years will be available in limited, small-batch quantities at the following locations with availability expected to expand as the campaign develops:
• Nob Hill Bar & Grill
• Dublin Pub
• Spirit of ‘77
• Jolly Roger West
• Tom's Bar
• John's Market - Multnomah & Powell
When the last keg blows that will be it!
To learn more about Widmer Brothers, 40 Years of Cheers and upcoming beer releases, visit www.widmerbrothers.com
ABOUT WIDMER BROTHERS
In 1984, Kurt and Rob Widmer quit their jobs to follow a lifelong passion for making great beer that could be shared with friends and family. From the very first pitcher, the Widmer Brothers sought to make beer that’s easy to enjoy and perfect for sipping on the back porch or wherever life takes you. A lot has changed since then, but the truth that started it all remains - great beer brings people together. Widmer Brothers is proud to be celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2024-25 and looks forward to many more decades of delicious brews.