Located about an hour east of Portland and at the confluence of the Hood and Columbia Rivers in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, the city of Hood River, OR hosts scenic mountain and water vistas, fruit orchards, historic landmarks, hikers, wind surfers, and brewing excitement. Lewis and Clark discovered Hood River on Tuesday, 29 October 1805. The site served as a major stopping and ferry point on the Oregon Trail during the 1800’s.

View from Hood River, OR

Today, you will find a plethora of breweries in the Hood River area, but none more exciting than pFriem Family Brewers (pFriem is pronounced “freem”). Josh Pfriem started pFriem in 2012 with support from friends and business partners, Ken Whiteman and Rudy Kellner. Pfriem Family Brewers produces artisanal beers with strong Belgian influences but rooted to the Pacific Northwest.

You’ll find pFriem in Hood River just south of the Washington State border. They are situated across the street from a beautiful Waterfront Park and the Columbia River. Enjoy breathtaking views while savoring pFriem’s beers inside or around the fire-pit on the outdoor patio.

Josh Pfriem enjoys a beer on the outdoor patio at pFriem Family Brewers

Most of pFriem’s beers have been influenced by the great brewers of Belgium. More importantly, Pfriem artisanal beers are tributes to brewing flavor and balance. In fact, The Beer Connoisseur® magazine named pFriem their Brewery of the Year three times out the last four years (2016, 2018 and 2019). Most impressively, The Beer Connoisseur® magazine named pFriem the best brewery in the world this year.

Visiting pFriem Family Brewers

I’ve tried many of pFriem’s beers. One of my favorites was their special release Belgian Tripel (9.5% ABV / 38 IBU). This delicious beer provided zesty, earthy flavor with hints of pear and apricot. Another favorite was the Belgian Strong Dark (10.25% ABV / 38 IBU). The beer provided rich and complex flavors of figs, toffee, and dark chocolate.

Pouring “brews in the Hood”

In addition, a restaurant co-located in the brewery’s tasting room provides excellent food and great service. A Belgian-influenced menu offers courses made with locally sourced ingredients. And each course is designed to pair with one of pFriem’s beers.

If available, be certain to try the fresh Wild King Salmon.

Hood River provides a wide range of beautiful and exciting vacation activities. And Pfriem Family Brewers is a must stop for anyone in the area seeking fine food and world-class beer.