Mashing-In News: Chuckanut and Aslan Collab, Widmer Oktoberfest
GOOD MORNING, SOUTH PUGET SOUND!
Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025 — Ludacris turns 48 today!
From phoenix-rising brewery rebirths to taproom closures, $3 pint polka parties to draft beer’s surprising comeback, today’s craft beer news traces the full spectrum of what keeps the Pacific Northwest (and beyond) endlessly pouring.
Chuckanut and Aslan Unite for West Coast Pils Collaboration
Chuckanut Brewery has revived its original 10-barrel brewhouse for a new collaboration with longtime friends at Aslan Brewing, releasing a hop-charged West Coast Pilsner that honors both their shared history and the future of small-batch lager brewing. (Washington Beer Blog)
Sig Brewing Pulls the Plug on South Tacoma Way Taproom
Sig Brewing Co. has closed its South Tacoma Way taproom just over a year after opening, citing landlord issues and timing, while its flagship brewery in Tacoma’s Brewery District remains strong with pizza, fresh-hop seasonals, and fan-favorite easy-drinkers. (The News Tribune)
Widmer Oktoberfest 2025: Portland’s $3 Pint Party Returns
Widmer Brothers Brewing brings Munich to North Portland on September 27, 2025, with its annual Oktoberfest—free entry, $3 Hefe pints, stein-holding shenanigans, food trucks, live polka, and all-day revelry in true German style. (Brewpublic)
Draft Beer Gains Share in Bars and Restaurants, Report Finds
CGA by NIQ’s new On Premise Draft Opportunity report shows draft beer gaining share in U.S. bars and restaurants despite overall market softness, with imports surging on tap, craft still leading but needing curation, younger and more diverse drinkers entering the space, and well-run draft programs proving more profitable than packaged beer. (Craft Brewing Business)
From Ashes to Ales: Koholā Brewery Reborn as Lahaina Brewing Co.
After the devastating August 2023 Lahaina fires destroyed Koholā Brewery, head brewer Robert Burn and president Mary Anderson resurrected the brand through Big Island contract brewing, a new Wailea taproom, and the acquisition of Mahalo Aleworks—now reborn as Lahaina Brewing Co., a phoenix rising from the ashes. (All About Beer)
Brewer to Brewer: Oak, Lager, and Lessons with Spencer Longhurst
On the Brewer to Brewer Podcast, Barrique Brewing’s Spencer Longhurst discusses his philosophy of brewing oak-mixed fermentation ales and precise lagers with Tennessee-grown ingredients, emphasizing patience, detail, and balance while navigating the challenges of barrels, water quality, conditioning, and the evolving role of festivals in the craft beer community. (All About Beer)
LINK: Peaks & Pints beer and cider cooler inventory
