Opened: 1985
Annual Production: 335,000 bbl
Contributor: Teri Fahrendorf
Widmer contracted with G.Heileman for nationwide production, but Heileman's facilities just weren't up to the delicate task of producing a proper Hefeweizen (or even a facsimile thereof).
In April 1997, Widmer announced the formation of a distribution and equity alliance with Anheuser-Busch, whereby A-B will make a minority investment in Widmer in exchange for distribution rights.
Widmer was named Mid-Size Brewing Company of the Year at the 2004 Great American Beer Festival.
Craft Brewers Alliance was formed by the merger of Widmer and Redhook in 2008.
Updated: October 30, 2012