Widmer Brothers is an Americanbrewery founded in 1984 in Portland, Oregon, by brothers Kurt and Rob Widmer.[2] It is the 11th largest brewery in the U.S., [3] and the largest in Oregon.[4]
In 1986 the Widmer Brothers introduced their Hefeweizen to America.[5] It has since gained much popularity throughout the states.citation needed Joe Casey is brewmaster for Widmer Brothers.
In November, 2007, Redhook Ale Brewery and Widmer Brothers officially announced plans to merge, forming a new company called Craft Brewers Alliance.[6] The new company will retain both Redhook and Widmer brands. The two had already been working closely for several years through a licensing agreement whereby Redhook brewed and distributed Widmer beers on the east coast.[7][8]Anheuser-Busch, which previously held a minority stake in both companies, will continue to hold one in the new company.