Well, it looks like I actually reviewed the Widmer Brothers Hefe twice already, and the Drop Top Amber once, but I think this is my first time reviewing the Deadlift Imperial IPA. Besides, it can be interesting to revisit those early reviews and see if my opinion has changed, so I hope this duplication can be forgiven.
EDIT: On further research, it seems Widmer Brothers is no longer even on the fringes of microbrewery definition due to full ownership by AB InBev. I have been trying to largely avoid this global brand since long before the Dylan Mulvaney kerfuffle in current events.
Hefe American Hefeweizen
It's still 4.9% ABV and 26 IBU. This is not very strong, and the hops are much more subtle, allowing more of the malt shine through. I quite like it, and in the sea of IPAs dominating the microbrew scene, this is easy to overlook. Portland might be full of weirdos, hipsters, and commies, but they can still brew a decent yeast-clouded hefe. Highly recommended as a step up from the big brands of cheap lager, especially since this brand is usually not as expensive as other microbrews.
Drop Top Amber Ale
Again, since this is one I have reviewed before, we're still looking at 5.3% ABV and 18 IBU. Slightly more booze, slightly less bitterness. This is another malty beer, and I think I concur with my previous comment of, "it's a bit on the sweet side, but it's not obnoxiously cloying." There's a depth to the flavor missing from Budweiser, Miller, or Coors with their corn (maize) and rice fillers. I do recommend this one, too, although not as much as the Hefe. Your mileage may vary.
Deadlift Imperial IPA
I think this is my first review of this brew. A Portland brewery needs a northwest-style IPA. This is that. Hops take center stage at a whopping 70 IBU, and 8.6 ABV is nothing to sneeze at! They list Alchemy, Cascade, Nelson Sauvin, and Willamette hops, and while I can appreciate this blend, I don't think it's quite to my liking. I'm not saying it's bad, but now that I have tried so many IPAs, I know more about what I like. The herbal notes include pine, citrus, and floral/fruit impressions, but something about the bitterness at the back end doesn't appeal to me. Even more than before, your mileage may vary. And I don't want to sound like this is all complaints. Unlike many IPAs, the malt still lingers, too, instead of being completely dominated by the hops. I do appreciate that effort toward more balance. Give this a go if you can find it, although it is a seasonal release, so availability may vary even if the other two brews are stocked.
Three beers in one post this evening? Time for a country music drinking ballad!
