This is Van Henion Brewing
Tucked in the southern part of Oregon, amidst the breathtaking natural landscape of Bend, Oregon—a city famed for its vibrant and historic craft beer scene—Van Henion Brewing stands out as a beacon of both innovation and tradition. Surrounded by the awe-inspiring Cascade Mountains, verdant forests, and the serene Deschutes River, Bend’s dramatic scenery and adventurous spirit have long nurtured a flourishing craft beer community and culture, meant for anyone and everyone.
Bend’s craft beer history is as rich as its landscape, with the city’s breweries drawing inspiration from the rugged terrain and the active outdoor lifestyle of its residents. Van Henion Brewing, founded with a profound passion for creating exceptional brews, epitomizes this connection to the land and its adventurous culture that the city and surrounding landscape tease and entice out of its residents. The brewery’s commitment to both brewing excellence and community engagement has quickly established it as a must-visit destination for beer lovers and casual drinkers alike.
At Van Henion Brewing, you’ll experience a harmonious blend of innovative brewing techniques and a deep respect for traditional methods, all set against the backdrop of Bend’s stunning natural beauty. The brewery’s atmosphere reflects the city’s unique charm, making it a true gem in the Pacific Northwest’s craft beer scene.
Van Henion Brewing was born from the shared vision of its founders, John, Mark, and Dana. With decades of collective experience in the craft beer industry, their backgrounds include significant work with renowned breweries such as Deschutes Brewing Company, Ninkasi Brewing Company, and Boneyard Brewing. This close-knit trio, united by their deep passion for craft beer, embarked on a mission to create a brewery that fuses exceptional brewing techniques with a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere.
Their journey was fueled by a profound love for craft beer and a desire to add a distinctive touch to Bend’s already thriving beer scene. Driven by their experience and vision, John, Mark, and Dana aimed to establish Van Henion Brewing as a place where innovative brewing meets genuine hospitality, contributing something truly unique to the dynamic craft beer community in Bend.
The name "Van Henion" is a thoughtful blend of the founders' names: John Van Duzer and Mark and Dana Henion. After an extensive period of brainstorming and exploring various potential names for their brewery, the founders finally settled on this combination. When they presented the name to their designer, the immediate response was, “That’s perfect; let me take it from here and see what I can create.” The designer’s compelling typeface and branding design quickly affirmed their choice, solidifying the name for the brewery.
As Van Henion Brewing continues to grow, it remains deeply connected to its founding principles: crafting top-notch beers and fostering a sense of community. The brewery’s atmosphere is designed to be both welcoming and engaging, a space where patrons can enjoy expertly crafted brews while feeling like part of a larger family. In this way, Van Henion Brewing not only adds a distinctive flavor to Bend’s beer scene but also embodies the spirit of collaboration and creativity that defines the city’s craft beer culture.
The taproom is more than just a place to enjoy a beer—it's a celebration and nod to lagers and German brewing heritage. The design of the taproom is a thoughtful blend of rustic charm and modern sophistication, paying homage to the rich traditions of German beer while incorporating elements that reflect the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Upon entering, guests are greeted by an inviting and relaxed atmosphere, where the warmth creates a sense of coziness for one to imbibe in a beverage and the community. The space is thoughtfully arranged to encourage social interaction, with communal tables that invite conversation among friends and strangers alike, as well as more intimate seating areas perfect for those seeking a quieter moment with a finely crafted pint.
As we stepped into the taproom, what immediately captured our attention was the striking wallpaper—a lush, velvet-like wallpaper, with the first section of the taproom being of a royal evergreen and the second section of the taproom a rich, dark red with a Victorian-inspired design. This unique choice of decor combines the elegance of a bygone era with a playful, almost whimsical use of color and texture. The wallpaper of the taproom creates a charming contrast between the traditional, regal patterns and the vibrant, tactile quality that invites a sense of childlike wonder.
The taproom is not just a place to drink; it's a gathering place—a place where anyone and everyone can find a drink and topic of conversation with someone pleasant to enjoy it with. Whether you're there to savor a traditional German lager, or a pint of robust, hearty, and flavorful IPA, the taproom offers a truly immersive experience that transports you to a place where the rich brewing traditions and community of Bend are alive and well in Oregon.
Van Henion Brewing is more than just a place to enjoy a pint—it's a heartfelt tribute to the Bend community and the incredible support they've received over the years. The brewery serves as a vibrant hub where locals gather, not just for a great beer, but to connect, share stories, and celebrate what makes Bend special. Whether it's live music, trivia nights, or showcasing local artists, Van Henion Brewing is dedicated to creating spaces that foster a sense of inclusion and togetherness.
Van Henion’s intention and focus isn’t just on the beer they produce, or the environment they provide for the community, but also extends into the local terroir and agriculture region Bend has to offer. By prioritizing sustainability and local sourcing as much as fiscally possible, they strengthen the regional economy and show their love for the land and people that make Bend unique. Van Henion Brewing's partnerships with local farms and suppliers are a testament to their dedication to supporting their neighbors and preserving the natural beauty of the area. Every event, every locally sourced ingredient, and every pint poured is a nod to the people who have stood by them, reflecting their unwavering appreciation for the community that continues to embrace and uplift them.
Van Henion Brewing stands as a testament to what makes Bend, Oregon’s craft beer scene truly exceptional. This brewery has quickly carved out its place as a beloved institution, thanks to its unwavering commitment to its people, quality, innovation, and a deep-rooted connection to the community. Every pint they brew reflects the passion and craftsmanship that define the heart and soul of Bend’s brewing culture. Van Henion Brewing isn’t just about making great beer—it’s about creating an experience that resonates with both locals and visitors alike.
So, the next time you find yourself in Bend, don’t just pass through. Make it a point to visit Van Henion Brewing and immerse yourself in the magic they’ve created. Take the time to savor not only their exceptional beers but also the warmth and hospitality that define the experience. Raise a glass to their legacy of craft brewing, the joy of community, and the simple pleasure of good company. Here’s to Van Henion Brewing—cheers to great beer, lasting memories, and the people who make it all possible!