Longmire's Walt And His Favorite Beer

In the Western series *Longmire*, Sheriff Walt Longmire is known for drinking Rainier beer, which is also the only beer he drinks. In the pilot episode, Walt explains his preference for the beer, stating, Every man who's ever had a beer with me knows – I drink Rainier beer, always have, and always will. In the books, author Craig Johnson explained that Rainier beer was a staple in Wyoming, where he worked as a cowboy, and it became Walt Longmire's signature drink. Rainier beer is a popular choice in the Pacific Northwest, known for its affordability and crisp flavour, and has become synonymous with the character of Walt Longmire, reflecting his authenticity and appreciation for life's simple pleasures.

Walt Longmire's preferred beer is Rainier Beer

Walt Longmire, the title character of the Western series *Longmire*, is known for his preference for Rainier Beer. In the pilot episode, a colleague accuses Walt of drunk driving after spotting beer cans in his car. Walt explains, "Every man who's ever had a beer with me knows – I drink Rainier beer, always have, and always will."

Rainier Beer is a staple in the Pacific Northwest, particularly Washington state, where it originated in Seattle in the late 19th century. It is also popular in Montana and Wyoming, where the fictional town of Durant in *Longmire* is "based." In these states, Rainier was an affordable alternative to the big-name brews, and its lower price point and crisp flavour made it a favourite of cowboys like Craig Johnson, the author of the Walt Longmire Mysteries series of novels, which the TV series is based on.

In an interview, Johnson explained that he chose Rainier Beer as Walt's signature drink because it held a special place in his heart. He also wanted to give the working-class, blue-collar protagonist a drink that wasn't a "shaken-not-stirred martini." The choice of Rainier Beer for Walt's character was so fitting that it even led to a brief shortage after the show aired, and some bars on the high plains started serving a "Longmire" as a code for Rainier Beer.

Rainier Beer is still available today, although it is no longer brewed by the original brewery. It is now brewed under contract in California by the Pabst Brewing Company.

In the pilot episode, Walt explains his preference for Rainier Beer

In the pilot episode of the Western series *Longmire*, Sheriff Walt Longmire explains his preference for Rainier Beer. After a colleague accuses him of drunk driving due to the beer cans found in his car, Walt states: "Every man who's ever had a beer with me knows – I drink Rainier beer, always have, and always will."

Rainier Beer is a staple in the show, with Walt drinking it in almost every episode. It also makes an appearance in the *Longmire* book series, written by Craig Johnson, where the author explains that Rainier was a staple in Wyoming when he worked as a cowboy there. Johnson also mentions that a six-pack of Rainier Beer cost only $1.50, making it a go-to beer during hot summer days.

In the show, Walt's preference for Rainier Beer is more than just a beverage choice; it becomes a symbol of camaraderie and his connection to the untamed Wild West. His moments with a cold Rainier Beer provide a glimpse into his authenticity and serve as a brief respite from the weight of his responsibilities as Sheriff.

Rainier Beer is a classic in the Pacific Northwest, known for being affordable and having a crisper flavour than its competitors. It is also the last major American brewery to use stubbies—short, 11-ounce bottles. The beer is currently brewed in Irwindale, California, under license to Miller Brewing, but it is no longer produced by the original brewery, Rainier Brewing Company, which was sold and closed in 1999.

Rainier Beer is Walt's signature drink

In the Western series *Longmire*, Sheriff Walt Longmire is known for his love of Rainier Beer. In fact, it's his signature drink, with the character declaring in the pilot episode: "I drink Rainier beer, always have, and always will."

Rainier Beer is a staple in the Pacific Northwest, particularly Washington state, where it's been a popular brew since the early 20th century. The beer is named after the famous mountain in Washington and has a long history in the region. It's even been to the top of Mount Everest, accompanying the first American to summit the peak in 1963.

The choice of Rainier Beer as Walt's drink of choice is a nod to the show's setting in Wyoming, where the beer was also popular. In the books the series is based on, author Craig Johnson explained that Rainier was his go-to beer when he worked as a cowboy in Wyoming during the summer. He wanted his protagonist, Walt, to have a signature drink, and Rainier Beer held a special place in his heart.

Rainier Beer is known for its affordability and refreshing taste, making it a perfect choice for Walt, a working-class, blue-collar kind of guy. It's not a premium craft beer, but it's definitely a step above the basic light beers. It's a beer that's easy to find in the Pacific Northwest and is a favourite among locals, with some even sporting merchandise featuring the famous "R" logo.

So, if you're ever in the Pacific Northwest and want to channel your inner Walt Longmire, be sure to grab a cold one—a Rainier Beer, that is!

Rainier Beer is cheaper than Coors, Miller, or Bud

In the Western series *Longmire*, Sheriff Walt Longmire is a dedicated drinker of Rainier Beer. In almost every episode, Walt can be seen drinking this beer, which is cheaper than Coors, Miller, or Bud, and has a crisper flavour.

Rainier Beer is a staple in the Pacific Northwest, particularly Washington state and Wyoming, where the series is set. In fact, in the pilot episode, Walt explains that "Every man who's ever had a beer with me knows – I drink Rainier beer, always have, and always will."

The choice of Rainier Beer for Walt's signature drink was a deliberate one by the author of the original book series, Craig Johnson. Johnson explained that when he was a cowboy in Wyoming and Montana in the 1970s and 1980s, Rainier was trying to launch its beer in the region. It was cheap—a six-pack cost just $1.50—and it was popular. So, it became Walt's signature drink in the books and, later, the TV series.

Rainier Beer is still available in stores and bars, although it is no longer brewed by the original brewery. It is now brewed under contract in California by Miller Brewing.

The author of the Longmire Mysteries series, Craig Johnson, explained why he chose Rainier Beer as Walt's drink of choice

In an interview, Johnson shared that he wanted his protagonist to have a signature drink. As Walt is a working-class, blue-collar type of guy, Johnson knew it wouldn't be a martini. He also wanted to support a smaller brewery rather than a big-name brand. At the time, Rainier Beer was facing possible closure, so Johnson decided to make it Walt's drink of choice.

The choice of Rainier Beer for Walt has had a significant impact. Johnson noted that the TV show 'Longmire' caused a surge in popularity for the beer, even leading to temporary shortages. Johnson himself has been named the Rainier Beer Person of the Year, and Rainier Beer is now one of the sponsors for 'Longmire' events.

Rainier Beer is described as a light, refreshing lager with a crisp flavour. It is considered a step above the basic Coors or Bud Light, offering a good balance of taste and affordability.

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