June 12, 2025. Hood River, OR — Ferment Brewing and Oregon Wildlife Foundation have teamed up again to honor the legacy of Herman The Sturgeon with a limited IPA called High Five, Herman! The beer release takes place in Hood River at Ferment Brewing on June 22 and coincides with Herman’s birthday celebration at the Sturgeon Interpretive and Viewing Center at the Bonneville Fish Hatchery. A portion of all the beer’s proceeds will be donated to the Oregon Wildlife Foundation and this year the beer is available for the first time in 16oz 4-pack cans.
Herman The Sturgeon is estimated to be over 80 years old, weigh over 500 pounds, and measure more than 10 feet in length. Herman resides at the Sturgeon Interpretive and Viewing Center, and is one of Oregon’s top visitor attractions. The Oregon Wildlife Foundation’s efforts to protect and conserve wildlife species, including sturgeon, are crucial for maintaining the balance of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and preserving the biodiversity that makes Oregon a special place.
High Five, Herman! Was brewed using regional, environmentally responsible ingredients from mission-driven suppliers. Hops from Crosby Farms in Woodburn are Salmon-Safe certified, which means they are grown using watershed-friendly and climate resilient stewardship practices that protect water quality and habitats for native fish like sturgeon. The beer sits at 6.5% ABV and has mango, tangerine, and grape flavors from the generous additions of hops.
Celebrate Herman’s birthday with fun, family friendly festivities at the Sturgeon Interpretive and Viewing Center in Cascade Locks on June 22, from 10am-2pm. On top of wishing Herman a happy birthday, attendees can take a group photo with a legendary fish, sign Herman’s birthday card, win some Herman SWAG and pick up souvenirs. Then head to Ferment Brewing in Hood River and enjoy lunch and a pint of High Five, Herman!
After June 22, look for cans and draft of High Five, Herman! throughout Oregon and Washington.
Donations to support upgrades at The Sturgeon Center can be made on OWF’s website here: https://myowf.org/sturgeon-interpretive-center
