It’s the first “Oregon Beer News” post for 2012 and there’s been some interesting things going on as 2011 closed out and the new year rolled in. I’ll be collecting news and updating this post throughout the day, so if you have something to share please contact me and I’ll update it here.

Barley Brown’s Brewpub (Baker City): The big news that broke over the weekend (I wrote about it here and here) is that brewer Shawn Kelso is leaving Barley Brown’s, destined to head up 10 Barrel Brewing‘s new Boise brewpub operation. Kelso will have free reign in Boise to brew whatever he likes (presumably along with the house beers) and is likely leaving Barley Brown’s in March (according to Brewpublic).

Deschutes Brewery (Bend): The Bend Pub is now officially closed for much (or most) of the rest of January, in order to complete the expansion project; last night (January 2nd) they held a “wall smashing ceremony” to open up the passageway between the old pub and the new addition, and I was there taking video of the event. The Pub will be closed at least 2-3 weeks, though since construction projects can be unpredictable, there’s no firm date set for the re-opening yet.

Full Sail Brewing (Hood River): Next Thursday the 12th they are hosting their January Brewmaster Dinner featuring a “Breakfast for Dinner” theme. (“Brinner”!) No menu posted yet, but these dinners are typically four courses and paired with Full Sail beers (of course) and cost $30 per person; it starts at 5pm and continues until they run out.

Belmont Station (Portland) has a big event coming up this Saturday, the 7th: Stone Brewing founder Greg Koch will be visiting for a “Meet the Founder” event from 2 to 4pm promoting his book The Craft of Stone Brewing Co.: “This is the story of the 15 year history of Stone Brewing Co. with insights into the entrepreneurial story, and keys to business success. Plus stories behind EVERY Stone beer & 18 homebrew recipes for Stone beers — the largest collection ever. We’ll have copies to sell for the event. Stone 11.11.11 Vertical Epic Ale, Double Bastard Ale, and Stone IPA on tap.” (Read my review of the book here.)

Lucky Labrador Brewing (Portland): The Lucky Lab Public House location on SW Capitol Highway is turning 10 years old this Saturday, January 7th, with special prices and live music: “From 7pm till 12pm, there will be 2002 prices on all Lucky Lab beers. That means that all Lucky Lab pints will be starting at $3.50!!! Also!! There will be live music from 8pm – 11pm by local bands Wild Ones and Ish Phoenix! Come join us in celebration of the birth of our 2nd location and have a cheap pint with friends and family!!” The Public House is located at 7675 SW Capitol Hwy in Portland.

Happy hours, specials, and cheap pours:

• Bend Brewing (Bend): Today is Locals Night, with $2.75 pints from 4pm to closing, and half-price appetizers from 4 to 6pm and 9pm to closing.
• Lompoc Brewing (Portland) features their Tightwad Tuesday at Fifth Quadrant & Hedge House, with $2.50 pints all day long today.
• Three Creeks Brewing (Sisters) has $3.25 pints all day on Tuesday.
• Silver Moon Brewing (Bend): This week’s Growler Power Hour features Hounds Tooth Amber and Bridge Creek Pilsner. The Growler Power Hour runs on Tuesday and Wednesday from 4 to 6pm and offers $5 growler fills on those two beers.

Upcoming tastings, releases, and “Meet the Brewer” events:

• Silver Moon Brewing (Bend): “Silver Moon will be in Portland @ Stotty’s Pub tonight, 1/3/2012, sampling out our HopFury IPA! If you’re in the area swing in for a pint of HopFury IPA from 6-8 pm. 12122 Scholls Ferry Road, Tigard” (via Facebook)
• The Green Dragon (Portland): The folks at The Green Dragon have declared January to be “Big Ass Beer Month” and each week will be featuring a Big Ass Beer: Tomorrow, Wednesday the 4th, they will be releasing The Count Russian Imperial Stout starting at 5pm: “The Count has a deep black color which coats the glass leaving dark swirls on the sides when you set it down. Truly, legs to die for. A tight, creamy head and the aroma of roasted malt complement the smooth delivery of high-octane from the first sip to the last. Layers of flavors with a persistent bitterness and the lasting presence of dark roasted malt make this beer easy to identify as stout. Made with seven malts and a liberal dose of Zeus flower hops this imperial stout is worthy of the royal court although many will not remember much after spending time with The Count (muahahaha).” Stats: 9.5% abv, 106 IBUs.
• Cascade Brewing (Portland): Tap It Tuesday tonight is featuring “Filbert”, a “live barrel of NW-style sour ale that started as a strong blond barrel aged for four months, then additionally aged on pressed filbert nuts for three months”—sounds quite yummy! The pouring starts at 6pm, and it’ll cost $6.50 for a glass (8.2% abv).