Biography

Founders: Josh Pfriem, Ken Whiteman, Rudy Kellner

Brewmaster: Josh Pfriem

Specialty: Belgian style beer inspired by a commitment to excellence, family, community, and the environment.

Five Notable Beers: Pilsner, Belgian Strong Dark, Frambozen, Flanders Red, IPA

Status:
Currently thriving with two locations, wide distribution across OR, WA, ID, and limited in CA and BC. Core offerings (IPA & Pilsner) now available in sleek 16 oz cans.

Founders:
Josh Pfriem (brand & brewmaster), Ken Whiteman, Rudy Kellner—united by happenstance and fermented ambition since a 2011 birthday-party spark.

Key Milestones:

• 2012: Brewery launch in Hood River

• 2015–16: Burst into the bottle market, expanding barrel program, and Select series launches

• 2025: Milwaukie taproom opens; 100+ beers annually; canned core series; expansive barrel-aged portfolio

Awards Snapshot:

• GABF 2018 Mid-Size Brewery of the Year

• 2025 Oregon Beer Awards: Large Brewery of the Year + seven medal drops

• World Beer Cup 2025: 2 Gold, 1 Silver medals

• Multiple accolades from Beer Connoisseur, SIP NW, Brussels Beer Challenge, Craft Beer & Brewing

Fun Facts:

• The silent “P” in pFriem mirrors the subtle boldness of their brewing philosophy

• Local fruit fuels their lambics and fruited ales—with barrel-aging finesse

• New Milwaukie space merges history and hospitality with three bars, cocktails, and community architecture

Tasting Notes:
At once clean and cerebral (Pilsner), floral and balanced (IPA), wild and stunning (barrel-aged lambics). Believable elegance from Hood River to your glass.

LINK: pFriem Family Brews archives