Here’s the Oregon beer news for Wednesday, January 18th, but there’s also another significant milestone today that you should be aware of: the Stop SOPA movement. I haven’t blacked out the entire site today but to show support I’ve got visitors redirected to a Stop SOPA page when they hit the blog the first time, and I hope you take the time to read the page now as well. In the meantime, I’ll still be updating this post periodically throughout the day as well, so if you have some news to share contact me and I’ll get it posted.

The New School blog today has an extensive 30-minute video interview with Greg Koch of Stone Brewing posted today—and it’s only part 1 of 2, so there will be more on the way tomorrow. If you’re a fan (or not) of Stone, CDAs (or Black IPAs if you prefer), and the beer industry in general, you need to find some time today to watch.

Laurelwood Brewing (Portland): On February 8 they have a unique Collaboration Brewers Dinner event, where Laurelwood has collaborated with guest brewers to produce unique beers to match up with a five course dinner. Brewers include Vasili Gletsos of Laurelwood, Van Havig of Gigantic Brewing, Alex Ganum of Upright Brewing, and Tom Bleigh of Hopwork Urban Brewery. Tickets for the event are $50 which you can pick up at the northeast Portland and Battle Ground (Washington) Laurelwood locations. This should be an amazing dinner event you won’t want to miss.

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

• The Green Dragon (Portland): Tonight is their latest Big Beer Month release from the Green Dragon Brew Crew, Alternator Doppelbock, from 5 to 8pm: “A proper dopplebock brewed with Bohemian pilsner malt and supplimented with Munich, Vienna, and carafa II malts. A triple decoction resulting in a beautiful amber color with layers of malt flavor. Hopped with German Hallertauer hops providing complexity and just enough hop character to work with this malt forward beer.” 8.3% abv.
• Seven Brides Brewing (Silverton): “Another Meet the Brewer promo tonight, this time down in Corvallis at Greenberry Store and Tavern on 99W… Josiah will be on hand pouring pints of Ember and talking about Seven Brides, so if you are in the area stop on in for a pint!” (via Facebook)
• Fort George Brewery (Astoria): Tonight is their Indian Food and IPA Brewer’s Dinner featuring five courses plus dessert all paired with great Northwest-style IPAs. It takes place from 6 to 9pm and costs $65 per person or $120 for a couple; I think there are still tickets available.
• Ninkasi Brewing (Eugene) will be in Bend tonight at the Reed Pub (1141 SE Railroad St. just off Reed Market) from 5:30 to 7:30pm, with beer and schwag to hand out.