Widmer Brothers Releasing Hefe Cans

Hefe has been the brewery’s flagship beer for 30 years, and the Original American Hefeweizen is still the best-selling craft beer in Oregon. To celebrate Hefe’s 30^th anniversary this year, the storied, award-winning beer will be available in 12-ounce cans in six- and 12-packs for the first time ever in the Oregon market exclusively.

Kurt and Rob Widmer, co-founders of Widmer Brothers Brewing, first brewed their improvised version of Hefeweizen in 1986. Initially, beer drinkers didn’t know what to think of the cloudy beer served with a lemon slice, but it didn’t take long for the distinctive beer to catch on in Portland and eventually elevate Widmer Brothers Brewing to national acclaim. Widmer Brothers is also credited with creating a new beer style with Hefe: American-Style Wheat.

Widmer Brothers is launching Hefe in bright yellow cans in the Oregon market to give fans of Oregon’s Favorite Craft Beer even more opportunities to enjoy their favorite beer starting this summer. The new cans will allow Oregonians to enjoy Hefe while appreciating the endless number of outdoor activities and natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

“With 30 years of history, Hefe has hit quite a few milestones,” said Rob Widmer. “In 1996, which is amazingly 20 years ago, we thought Hefe being bottled was a major step forward. Now to see Hefe in cans after 30 years, it really is a big moment for us. We hope Oregonians agree, and enjoy the new Hefe cans.”

Hefe is making its first public appearance in cans this Sunday, March 13, 2016, at the Shamrock Run, the famed Portland running season kick-off event that Widmer Brothers has sponsored for 16 years. Hefe cans will be available to finishers of the race who are 21 years of age or older free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis, and for purchase at the finishing area at Tom McCall Waterfront Park.

Widmer Brothers Hefe (pronounced: “Hay-fa”) began as an improvisation inspired by brothers Kurt and Rob’s love of German style beers. Brewed with golden wheat, Hefe’s unique cloudy appearance, bold flavors, and citrus notes defined the American-style Hefeweizen. Multiple awards and three decades later, Hefe remains the gold standard and Oregon’s favorite craft beer. Prost, to the Original!

World Beer Cup gold award winner in 2004, 2008 and 2014. Great American Beer Festival gold medal winner in 1998 and 2006, and silver medal winner in 2014. Oregon Beer Awards gold medal winner in 2015.

Malts: Pale, Munich, Wheat, Caramel 40L

Hops: Alchemy, Willamette, Cascade

Original Gravity: 11.75

IBU: 30

ABV: 4.9%