The secret behind an award-winning beverage? Simple: “We make the kind of beer we like to drink,” says Dana Henion, co-founder and brewer at Van Henion Brewing. Indeed, Van Henion’s golden Helles Lager is crisp, drinkable and — as the votes will attest — very tasty. Helles translates to “bright” or “light” in German, and this particular lager fits the bill. Brewed in a classic German style, the beer is also notable for its striking golden color and heady pour. The Helles was the first beer brewed by Van Henion’s team upon opening shop in 2021, and, according to Henion, is still the crew’s favorite libation on tap. The crowd agrees.
Van Henion was founded by longtime Oregon brewers Dana and Mark Henion and John Van Duzer. The trio has a passion for brewing (and drinking) old-style German lagers. Photo by Josh Davis
In addition to the top spot for light beer, Van Henion also earned Runner Up honors for Best Brewery and Best IPA, further solidifying its reputation as a local favorite. Van Henion may be a younger brewery than some, but Dana, her husband Mark Henion and brewer/business partner John Van Duzer are far from new to the industry. Combined, the trio has close to 70 years of brewing experience, which they are now devoting to making their favorite types of beer to drink: lighter, traditional, German-style lagers. When asked if light beers were part of a broader beer-drinking trend, Henion was quick to remind us of quite the opposite, “lagers are one of the most historical beers made. But maybe some people are just now starting to catch on to how delicious they are.”
Looking ahead, Van Henion will continue to focus on its core beers while experimenting with one-off brews. Henion mentioned an Altbier on deck, along with a Fest Bier, which will be available early next month in honor of the Oktoberfest celebration they’ll host Sept. 20. But don’t wait that long to help the brewers celebrate this win. Raise a glass of Helles Lager in the taproom—a cozy and inviting living room-like space, with plenty of outdoor seating and two food trucks on site. Prost!
Runner up: Sweet As – Goodlife Brewing
Van Henion Brewing
Sun. Noon-6pm, Mon.-Thu. Noon-8pm, Fri.-Sat. Noon-9pm
63067 Plateau Dr, Bend
vanhenionbrewing.com
This article appears in Best of Central Oregon 2025 and the Source August 21, 2025.
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