"Widmer" news and stories

On April 2, 2009, Widmer Brothers Brewing celebrates its 25th Anniversary.

Started by two bothers, Kurt and Rob, back in 1984 with money scraped together from friends and relatives, Widmer is now the 11th largest brewery in America. The brand is best known for their flagship Widmer Hefeweizen, considered the first American-style Hefeweizen, and still a refreshing and drinkable stand-out, especially in the summer months.

In honor of the event, Widmer Brothers is releasing a limited-edition 25th Anniversary brew, a double alt beer dubbed "84/09," brewed with a reflective eye towards the brothers' very first offering back in 1984, Widmer Alt. And what would an anniversary be without a little reflection? Kurt Widmer (shown in a then and now picture above) was gracious enough to answer some questions about the big event. ...

Mike Pomranz: It's the big 25 year anniversary! Congratulations! Did you ever think you'd be where you are today when you launched Widmer Brothers back in 1984?

Kurt Widmer: Thank you! No, we are continually surprised at how large and quickly we have been able to grow as a company. It's much more than we ever anticipated.

MP: What were your goals for the brewery back in 1984 compared to your goals today?

A number of news sources are reporting this morning that five Oregon state lawmakers have proposed a 1,900% increase in the state's tax on beer -- an increase that opponents are calling the single largest beer tax hike in the nation's history.

The numbers speak for themselves: Currently, the excise tax on beer in Oregon is $2.60 per barrel. If these legislators have their way, that tax would be raised to $49.61 per barrel. In a CNN video, Kurt Widmer of Portland, Oregon's nationally recognized craft brewer, Widmer Brothers Brewery, says that could amount to an increase of $2 - $4 per six pack.

Oregon ranks next to last among states in its malt beverage taxation rate which hasn't been raised since the 1970s -- probably one of the many reasons why Oregon has such a healthy number of breweries to begin with, featuring award-winning and highly recognizable names such as Rogue Ales, Hair of the Dog and Full Sail (among a laundry list of others). So yes, though a tax hike might bring in more revenue to a state that desperately needs to close a budget gap during these tough economic times, such a price increase could also reduce sales, raising the possibility of lost jobs, which certainly wouldn't help the Oregon economy.

It's the kind of economic riddle being debated all across the country as America tries to dig itself out of its economic crisis. If you happen to have such a conversation over a beer brewed in Oregon, it's one more reminder that no one is immune from the hardship.

[via kgw.com and CNN.com]

Source