Jimmy Seifrit got the brewing bug early on, while growing up in Philadelphia. An urge to move west, specifically to a mountain town, landed him in Bend in the mid 1990s. An avid home brewer, he turned professional nearly 20 years ago in the tank rooms of Deschutes Brewery. In 2011, the opportunity to take over brewing operations at Bend’s 10 Barrel Brewing Company was an opportunity Jimmy couldn’t pass up. His approach to brewing is out-of-the-box, with beers that feature sours, barrel aging and innovative non-traditional ingredients. With 17 breweries and counting, Bend is quickly becoming “beervana,” a place where those who love to recreate outdoors can add a wide variety of brews to their itineraries. Here are some of Jimmy’s favorite ways to spend a few days in Central Oregon beer country... because a guy who loves beer as much as he does certainly knows the best places to grab a brew around town!
Stop in at Three Creeks for a Chocolate Porter or a Stonefly Rye. The western vibes and open space make it a cozy place to settle in for a pint, and it's not uncommon to see families with kids hanging out here.
Get out the camera at Crux Fermentation Project. It's the perfect place for a photo and a handcrafted beer. Plop yourself in a comfy chair outside with a world-class German-style pilsner or wheat beer and have someone snap a picture of you with the Cascade Mountains in the background. The vibe is electric.
There's an artisanal brewery nestled in the hills of the Cascade Mountains, where you can truly meet a maker. Founder Paul Arney of The Ale Apothecary ages his beers in oak using old-world brewing methods. Beerheads love his flagship Sahalie and “The Beer Formerly Known As La Tache.” Drop him an email and set up a private tour.
The grounds of Peterson Rock Garden outside of Bend have some really cool eccentric sculptures created in the early 1900s. Visit the grounds then head over to Cascade in Redmond for their Bombshell Blonde. According to Jimmy, you gotta try it once.
National Forest Development Road 33, Ochoco National Forest, Prineville, OR, US
Take a hike around Steins Pillar Trail in the Ochoco National Forest. The trail ascends through the forest, past wildflower-filled meadows and along rocky cliffs until it reaches the terminus at the base of the imposing, 350-foot Steins Pillar, which is an unforgettable sight.
Live music, an energetic crowd, and, of course, outstanding beers make Ochoco Brewing (formerly Solstice Brewing) another must-visit. They still serve their signature Prinetucky Pale Ale, as well as pub grub if you're in the mood for some nibbles.
You honestly can't miss a meal at the Broken Top Bottle Shop & Ale Cafe in Bend, which calls itself a brew ‘hub’ instead of pub. They have an amazing selection of Oregon beers and local foods. I love their Buritto Rojo made with smoked Columbia River salmon and cheddar from Cada Dia Cheese in Prineville.
Even though it’s right in my backyard, a weekend at Sunriver Resort is a total escape because it's a really unique place to get your rest. Get one of their River Lodge rooms overlooking the Deschutes. Be sure and take your bike, because Sunriver Brewing Company is just a short ride away!
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