Pfriem Brewing Co 'Japanese Lager', Oregon

pFriem Japanese Lager honors centuries of brewing history while capturing the pristine character of Oregon craft. This bright, floral lager is brewed in the Japanese tradition with rice, delivering a refreshingly dry finish and a sparkling elegance that’s anything but ordinary. From its champagne-toned pour to its crisp palate, this annual release is a refined tribute to the excellence of cross-cultural brewing.

Product Details:

• Style: Japanese-style Lager
• ABV: 4.9%
• IBU: 20
• Flavor Profile: Bright, Shiso Plum, Wild Flowers, Jasmine Rice
• Ingredients:
  • Malts: CMC Superior Pilsen, Weyermann Pilsner, Rice
  • Hops: Perle, Tettnang, Saphir
  • Yeast: Lager
• Brewer: Josh Pfriem
• Owners: Josh Pfriem, Ken Whiteman, Rudy Kellner, Sonya White

Sensory Description:

A dense, snow-white foam rests on a brilliant, straw-colored pour with the clarity of champagne. Aromas of shiso plum, violet, and freshly baked bread create a fragrant introduction. On the palate, delicate notes of jasmine rice, wildflowers, and fresh green tea burst with effervescence, concluding with a brisk, bone-dry finish that leaves the senses invigorated.

Awards & Accolades:

• Gold – World Beer Cup (2023)
• Gold – Brussels Beer Challenge (2024)
• Gold – Oregon Beer Awards (2024)
• Gold – Great American Beer Festival® (2020)
• Silver – European Beer Star (2024)
• 97 Points – Craft Beer & Brewing (2024)
• 94 Points – The Beer Connoisseur (2020)

Brewer's Background:

Founded in 2012 by Josh Pfriem along with Ken Whiteman and Rudy Kellner, pFriem Family Brewers has grown from a shared vision at a child’s birthday party to a Pacific Northwest institution. Built around a deep love for the Columbia River Gorge and a commitment to meticulous brewing standards, pFriem has earned a reputation for beers that marry tradition with creativity. Today, their team includes Sonya White, whose financial leadership supports the brewery’s ongoing innovation and expansion.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve chilled around 38–42°F in a flute or a lager glass. This beer is an exceptional match for seafood, especially sushi, thanks to its light body and floral aromatics. Try it with Emmentaler cheese, roasted peanuts, or a warm Bavarian pretzel. The elegant bitterness and subtle dryness also pair beautifully with tempura and vegetable-forward dishes.

Whether you’re pairing it with sushi or savoring it solo, pFriem Japanese Lager elevates every moment with its clean precision and delicate charm. This is more than just a lager,  it’s a global celebration of flavor, tradition, and craftsmanship in a single, shimmering pour.