Mashing-In News: Widmer Bros. Returns, Westies With Our Besties
GOOD MORNING, SOUTH PUGET SOUND!
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 — Michael Palin turns 81 today!
The beer world leans into renewal today — old names finding their footing again, new flavors chasing fresh drinkers, and a steady current of collaboration, community, and quiet reinvention running through it all.
Widmer Brothers Returns to Its Portland Roots
Widmer Brothers Brewing is launching a brand refresh and new beers as it returns to its Portland roots, aiming to reconnect with the Pacific Northwest and a new generation of drinkers. (Washington Beer Blog)
Bale Breaker Celebrates Migrant Farmworkers with Annual Party
Bale Breaker Brewing’s annual Mango Fiesta on May 9 celebrates migrant farm workers with a collaborative mango IPA and a community party supporting Yakima Valley nonprofits. (Washington Beer Blog)
Westies With Our Besties Returns Across Washington
Westies With Our Besties returns May 15 with seven regionally brewed West Coast IPA variants from more than 60 Washington breweries, supporting the Washington Brewers Guild through a statewide collaborative release. (Washington Beer Blog)
pFriem Targets New Drinkers with Tropical Hazy IPA
pFriem Family Brewers is using its new Tropical Hazy IPA as a strategic, audience-first beer designed to attract younger and more diverse drinkers by leaning into fruit-forward flavors and nontraditional marketing approaches. (Beervana)
Von Ebert Releases Twin Mexican Lagers for Cinco de Mayo
Von Ebert Brewing celebrates Cinco de Mayo with the release of Dawn and Dusk Mexican-style lagers, offering pale and dark seasonal options available on draft and in cans across the Northwest. (Brewpublic)
Kulshan Expands NA Line with Zero to Hero IPA
Kulshan Brewing has launched distribution of its Zero to Hero NA IPA, expanding its non-alcoholic lineup with a fruit-forward, hop-driven option available in six-packs and across its taprooms. (The New School)
Temperate Habits Takes the Helm at North Sound
Temperate Habits Brewing has officially taken over operations at North Sound Brewing in Mount Vernon, ensuring the beloved brewery continues with its existing staff and community support. (Washington Beer Blog)
Portland Favorite Reimagines Former Assembly Space
Cliff’s Bar has reopened in Northeast Portland’s former Assembly Brewing space, bringing its neighborhood pub vibe, expanded seating, and loyal following into a newly reimagined setting. (The New School)
Craft Brewers Lean Into Zero-Alcohol Innovation
Craft breweries are expanding into zero-alcohol beer by using advanced techniques and ingredient strategies to deliver full-flavored alternatives that meet growing demand from health-conscious and sober-curious consumers. (The New School)
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