Here’s the Oregon beer news for Tuesday, January 5. Plenty of beers to drink as we’re hit by snow and various weather around the state! As usual, I’ll be periodically updating this post throughout the day, so check back often for the latest news. And if you have news to share, please contact me and I can get that posted as well.

McMenamins Fulton Pub (Portland) has their first “Sip & Chat” beer tasting of the new year today from 5 to 8pm, featuring Vanilla Bean Stout and a chance to chat with brewer Ryan Mott. “This rich and flavorful Stout has a nice roasted malt flavor that blends nicely with the vanilla bean that’s hammered right inside of the keg and allowed to age with the beer. The hops are assertive at first but fall away to reveal a pleasant sweet quality. Smooth, rich, and delicious!”

Sunriver Brewing (Sunriver) has a big new beer on tap: Cinder Beast Imperial Red. “Bold. Hoppy. Red. This full flavored ale features a depth of malt character, ranging from caramel and biscuit, to toffee and light roast. High hopping rates make for a firm bitterness and provide layers of earthy pine resin, fresh cut citrus and ripe tropical fruit.” It’s 9.4% abv so drink cautiously!

Gilgamesh Brewing (Salem) has a giant beer of their own out, available in bottles: Mega Monster! “Let us introduce the new Mega Monster. We’ve been aging this in our tanks waiting for the right time for release. Brewed only with only hop pollen, and 11% this year. The bitterness builds after every drink. Its hitting the market this week.”

Block 15 Brewery (Corvallis): They are releasing “The Prophecies,” the second volume in their Seasonal Bottle Conditioned Series: “Inspired by one of our favorite ales brewed in the Ardennes Mountains, this Belgian-style Quadrupel Ale was brewed in the shadow of the Cascade Mountain range with Pilsner, Munich and specialty malts, and dark Belgian candi sugar. Gently hopped for balance and fermented with select Trappist yeast, The Prophecies hints of dark fruit, Dutch cocoa, and oak aged rum with a long warm finish.” It is released in 500ml bottles, available at both of Block 15’s locations, and around the state at various tap rooms and specialty shops. Sounds amazing!

Coming up this Saturday, January 9th, Corvallis’ Mazama Brewing is holding their third annual Dark Days Winter Ale Fest! It takes place at the brewery from 2 til 10pm and costs $15 for the glass and drink tickets. “Dark Days is a celebration of the darkest days of winter when the only cure for the cold weather is to gather with friends around locally crafted beverages. We will have our own seasonal and limited release beers on tap including Nightside Eclipse, Mazamanator, Dubbelganger, and some new beers! In addition, we will have beers from 10+ other local breweries, cideries, & meaderies on tap to enjoy.” The beer list on the event page looks pretty terrific, so if you’re in the valley area Saturday because to check it out!

Cascade Brewing (Portland): Their Tap It Tuesday at the Barrel House tonight at 6pm is featuring Framblanc: “a blend of sour Blond and Triple ales aged in oak wine barrels for up to one year with white raspberries. Using fruit grown within 12 miles of our Blending House facility, this project showcases bold flavors of raspberries, grapefruit zest, white cranberries and peaches. Look for a limited run of bottles and draft in the coming weeks!”

Three Creeks Brewing (Sisters): Their fourth annual beer and dessert pairing is taking place Saturday, January 23, starting at 3pm: “Our annual Beer & Dessert Pairing is back. We will be pairing four delicious TCBC brews with four mouthwatering desserts. Join us as our head Chef Mark and Brewers Zach & Jordan walk you through each pairing. $25/person, gratuity included. Seating is limited. Reservations required. Call today to reserve your spot at the table. 541.549.1963.” Beer, desserts, what’s not to like? Make sure you’re on the list.