
Henry Weinhard's has a rich history of beer innovation and growth. The company was founded in 1856 by Henry Weinhard, a German immigrant who brought his brewing skills to the United States.
Henry Weinhard's first brewery was established in Portland, Oregon, and it quickly gained popularity for its high-quality beers. The brewery was known for its innovative brewing techniques and its use of local ingredients.
Henry Weinhard's beers were often brewed with a focus on quality and consistency, which helped the company build a loyal customer base. The brewery's commitment to quality earned it a reputation as one of the best in the region.
The company's dedication to innovation and quality led to the development of new beer styles, including the popular Henry Weinhard's Private Reserve beer. This beer was brewed with a blend of traditional and modern brewing techniques, resulting in a unique flavor profile that set it apart from other beers of the time.
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Products

Henry Weinhard's is known for its wide range of products, including beer, wine, and soda.
Their beer selection includes the popular Hops & Grain, a seasonal IPA, and the year-round Blonde Ale. The brewery also offers a variety of limited release beers.
Their wine portfolio features a range of varietals, including Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, all made from Oregon-grown grapes.
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Brewery
Henry Weinhard's brewery has a rich history dating back to 1862, when Henry Weinhard moved to Portland, Oregon and purchased an old brewery on the corner of Northwest First and Davis.
The brewery was a fixture in the old industrial and warehouse district, which later became known as the Pearl District in downtown Portland.
In 1864, Henry Weinhard moved the brewery to a new facility occupying two full blocks at Northwest 12th and Burnside.
The Portland brewery survived under several ownership changes until 1999, when it was sold to the Miller Brewing Company, who closed it down.
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Following the closure, Henry Weinhard's was brewed at the Olympia brewery in Tumwater, Washington until it too was closed in 2003.
Some of its beers were brewed under contract at the Full Sail Brewing Company until 2013.
Henry Weinhard's Private Reserve brand was slated for discontinuation as of August 2021, but was revived by Eugene, Oregon based Hop Valley Brewing in 2022.
Louisiana Beer Private Reserve
Henry Weinhard's Private Reserve is a brand of beer that's been around since 1856, first brewed in Portland, Oregon.
The brewery was owned by Henry Weinhard of the Weinhard family, who also made a line of soft drinks that still survives today.
This beer is an American Pale Lager that combines traditional German brewing heritage with the natural ingredients found in the Pacific Northwest.
It's brewed with 100% Cascade hops, which are specially grown in Oregon, to create a crisp and clean flavor profile.
The product comes in a package containing 18 cans, each with a volume of 12 ounces.
Henry Weinhard's Private Reserve has an alcohol by volume of 4%.
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Marketing
Henry Weinhard's was able to regain its popularity through a clever advertising campaign in the late 1970s and 1980s. The campaign featured a fictitious brand of beer called "Schludwiller" beer, which was depicted as being brewed by the "California-Eastern Brewing Co." in California.
In a series of popular television commercials, a "border patrolman" played by actor Dick Curtis asked Earl and Vern, the drivers of the Schludwiller Beer truck, "Well now…where you fellas going with all that beer?" Schludwiller came complete with its own motto in Latin: Quod Nesciunt Sibi Damno Non Erit, roughly translating to "What they don't know won't hurt them."
The clever marketing ploy helped position Henry Weinhard's as a quality microbrew, but unfortunately, it wasn't enough to save the original Portland brewery from closure.
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Advertising Campaign
The Henry Weinhard's advertising campaign in the late 1970s and 1980s was a masterclass in creative marketing. The company positioned itself as a premium beer brand through a series of popular television commercials featuring a fictitious brand of beer called "Schludwiller" beer.

Schludwiller was depicted as a beer brewed by the "California-Eastern Brewing Co." in California, with its own motto in Latin: Quod Nesciunt Sibi Damno Non Erit, roughly translating to "What they don't know won't hurt them". This clever ploy was designed to reposition Henry Weinhard's as a quality microbrew and regain its popularity.
The Schludwiller campaign was a huge success, and the Henry Weinhard's brand was able to sustain its popularity. However, its favored status with beer-drinkers wasn't enough to save the original Portland brewery from eventual closure.
The campaign's use of a fictitious brand and clever advertising tactics is a great example of how to think outside the box and create a memorable marketing campaign. By positioning itself as a premium brand, Henry Weinhard's was able to regain its footing in the market and establish itself as a quality microbrew.
The Solution
Developing a clear written and visual identity was key to helping Hop Valley bring their Oregon original craft to the future. This involved taking inspiration from Henry Weinhard's and Hop Valley's identity as Oregon beer innovators.

A modern twist on a retro vibe was achieved by simplifying the overall design, making it easier to adapt to various applications across print, screen, and environment. This included packaging, point-of-sale, social media, digital touchpoints, and video.
By leveraging nostalgia, Henry Weinhard's was able to connect with established fans while welcoming new ones to the brand. The OG is indeed back, and with a fresh new look to boot.
Henry Weinhard's identity better adapts to a range of applications thanks to its simplified design. This makes it easier for those with good taste to enjoy a sip of an Oregon original.
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Impact
The revival of Henry Weinhard's Private Reserve is a remarkable story of blending tradition with innovation. Hop Valley Brewing Company and AHM Brands successfully reintroduced this iconic brew to a new generation of beer enthusiasts.
With a legacy spanning over 160 years, Henry Weinhard's has a rich heritage that was preserved and upheld by Hop Valley and AHM Brands. This partnership breathed new life into the brand, making it appealing to both old and new fans.
By seamlessly blending tradition with innovation, the brand's values and unparalleled flavor were maintained, ensuring that the legacy of Henry Weinhard's continues to thrive.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Henry Weinhard discontinued?
Henry Weinhard's Reserve was discontinued by Molson Coors in August 2021. However, the Henry Weinhard's brand still exists and offers other products.
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