Bend Beer: A History of Brewing in Central Oregon

Jon Abernathy, creator of The Brew Site, examines the evolution of beer production in Bend, Oregon. The narrative begins with the pre-Prohibition era when a growing brewing sector and numerous saloons supported frontiersmen in Central Oregon. The text details how the prohibition years halted this activity before describing the resurgence fifty years later through pioneers like Deschutes Brewery and Bend Brewing Company. Abernathy traces the hoppy history from early settlement to the present, sharing stories behind famous breweries and the communities that fostered them. This work suits readers interested in regional American history and beverage industry development. It may not appeal to those seeking contemporary recipes or technical brewing instructions rather than historical context. The book covers traditions and periods including the pre-Prohibition boom, the teetotaling twenties, and the modern renaissance. Abernathy uses his background as a brew site creator to provide insight into the local culture. The organization moves chronologically through key eras of Central Oregon's development. Readers will find information on how the area became a beer mecca with more breweries per capita than any other Oregon city. The text focuses on the people and places that shaped this specific Pacific Northwest industry.