Portland, OR – What do you get when local business owners collaborate with Widmer Brothers innovation brewers in the name of fixing the historic Paul Bunyan statue in Portland’s Kenton neighborhood? Tall Paul Lager, an easy-drinking old-school style lager brewed with the local Kenton businesses to help generate awareness and raise funds to restore the local landmark.

Kenton business owners banded together and are working to restore the statue, first built in 1959 for the Oregon Centennial, by raising $80,000 to cover repairs. Widmer Brothers began supporting the effort last year with donation events and fundraising efforts, and is now unveiling Tall Paul Lager to raise additional funds towards the statue’s repair costs.

“We’re passionate about the Portland community, and excited to be able to combine our love for brewing with giving back,” said Widmer Brothers Innovation Brewmaster Tom Bleigh. “The Kenton business community was very active in the making of this beer, from participating in the brewing process as well as brainstorming the name.”

Representatives from Kenton businesses Salvage Works and Figure Plant spearheaded the effort to get this beer made and to raise money for the statue’s restoration. Multiple Kenton businesses will have Tall Paul Lager on draft, with proceeds going directly to the restoration of the Paul Bunyan statue. Widmer Brothers also pledged to donate an additional $.50 per pint sold of Tall Paul Lager at local bars in March and April.

To launch the beer and effort, Kenton Club (2025 N Kilpatrick St., Portland OR 97217) will tap the first Tall Paul Lager keg and host festivities from 6-8pm on Friday, March 24. Bands will play beginning at 9pm.

Other participating Kenton locations include:

Kenton Club

Kenton Station (8303 N Denver Ave, Portland, OR 97217)

Parkside (2135 N Willis Blvd, Portland, OR 97217)

Swift and Union (8103 N Denver Ave, Portland, OR 97217)

Old Gold (2105 N Killingsworth St, Portland, OR 97217)

Dancin’ Bare (8440 N Interstate Ave, Portland, OR 97217)

Green Zebra (3011 N Lombard St, Portland, OR 97217)

About Tall Paul Lager

Style: Northwest Common Lager

In effort to help North Portland’s Kenton neighborhood refurbish and restore the iconic Paul Bunyan statue, Widmer Brothers Brewing’s Small Batch Brewing Team created Tall Paul Lager, a bright, highly drinkable old school style lager.

ABV: 6% | IBU: 44

About Widmer Brothers

Widmer Brothers Brewing helped create the Pacific Northwest craft beer movement in 1984 when founders Kurt and Rob Widmer, then in their 20s, began brewing unique interpretations of traditional German beer styles. In 1986, Widmer Brothers Brewing introduced the original American-style Hefeweizen, which elevated the brewery to national acclaim. Since then, the brewery’s iconic Hefe has grown to become Oregon’s favorite craft beer. For more than three decades, Widmer Brothers has continued to push the boundaries of craft beer. Based in Portland, Oregon, the brewery currently brews a variety of beers including Hefe, Upheaval IPA, Steel Bridge Porter, Drop Top Amber, Replay IPA, PDX Pils, and a full seasonal lineup. Additionally, the brewery continues to make a series of limited edition, small-batch beers available in Oregon and at the Widmer Brothers Pub in North Portland. For more information about Widmer Brothers Brewing, visit www.widmerbrothers.com.