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Widmer celebrates 40 years with fresh hop lager release

A beer made from ingredients sourced a stone's throw away

Widmer Northwest Pilsner.
Widmer Brothers Brewing

Prominent west coast brewery Widmer is 40 this year. To say the label has been celebrating is an understatement, as it has released a number of beers as of late paying homage to its crafty heritage. The latest is the Fresh Hop Lager, the third installment from Widmer’s 40 Years of Cheers campaign.

The beer features hops and malts from esteemed Goschie Farms in the Willamette Valley. That makes the beer both exceptionally fresh and very Oregon. Notes of watermelon and rind join a nice bitter hoppy element.

The beer is available at various taprooms throughout the Pacific Northwest. It’s a 5% ABV beer that shows off Widmer’s signature yeast profile. But don’t wait long, as it’s a limited-run beer.

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The news comes amidst a busy craft beer movement. Just recently, Sam Adams turned heads with a 30% ABV beer. More breweries are gearing up to release late fall and holiday beers.

Widmer is celebrating the four-decade mark all year long. Portlanders and visitors to the Rose City are encouraged to check out the local pubs for special pours. Fans can visit the brewery in the north part of town as well.

Widmer Brothers launched in 1984, the same year as Back to the Future. It was started by siblings Kurt and Rob Widmer. The label has produced a number of beers over the years but is arguably most famous for its refreshing American Hefeweizen and bright yellow logo.

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Mark Stock
Mark Stock is a writer from Portland, Oregon. He fell into wine during the Recession and has been fixated on the stuff since…
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