Widmer Brothers Brewing Ups the Ante with Imperial Hefe
Through its nearly four decades of existence, Widmer Brothers Brewing is best known for its Hefeweizen. Now known as just Hefe, this American Hefeweizen from Rob and Kurt Widmer helped blaze the trail for the craft beer movement during the early 1990s..
Over the past decade, Widmer has released different takes on its classic Hefe. There’s been shandys, fruited versions and on occasion as a draft only offering, Imperial Hefe. Now Imperial Hefe is back and is packaged in both 12oz cans and 19.2oz cans, alongside being kegged for draft.
Imperial Hefe is brewed with a Wheat and 2-Row malt bill and with Citra, Vista and Idaho-7 hops. It offers up pleasant tropical aromas that’s followed citrus flavors that continue on into the finish.
As compared to its original counterpart, Hefe, there is definitely less yeasty esters in the new Imperial Hefe. It may be that the heftier alcohol content of 8.0% ABV masks some of this. Regardless, it’s a nice easy drinker beer that teeters on the more robust ABV range
Imperial Hefe is available in 12 oz can 6 packs and 19.2oz cans across Oregon and Washington. To locate Widmer’s Imperial Hefe or any other Widmer Beer, use the Widmer Beer Finder.
About The Author
DJ
D.J. is a Portland, Oregon based writer that spent his formative years in the Midwest. With over 25 years under his belt of drinking beer at festivals across America and the world, he has developed a strong appreciation and understanding of craft beer and the industry that surrounds it. He can be found in any of the great breweries or beer bars that make Portland the best beer city in the world. His writing can also be found in the archives of Northwest Brewing News and can be followed on Twitter and Instagram at @hopapalooza.