Here’s the Oregon beer news for Tuesday, the 22nd of January. 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 updated.

It’s a beer dinner kind of day; first, Dragon’s Gate Brewery (Milton-Freewater) is teaming up with Walla Walla’s Fat Duck Inn for a Gastropub Dinner this Saturday, the 26th: “Just a few seats left. You don’t want to miss this great benefit dinner for J.U.G.S., our local breast cancer awareness charity! Dragon’s Gate Brewery will be pouring all of our beers during the dinner. To make reservations call Cynthia (Fat Duck Inn) at 509-526-3825.” There are 8 different menu items and cost is $85. (Yes, Walla Walla is technically in Washington, but it’s literally like 5 miles from Milton-Freewater.)

And then, Burnside Brewing (Portland) is teaming up with Riffle NW (they for whom they brewed the Urchin Ale) for a Beer Pairing Dinner on Monday the 28th: “Riffle NW’s Ken Norris and Burnside Brewing’s Jason McAdam are teaming up for yet another delicious collaboration, this time a 5-course beer pairing dinner on January 28 at 6:30 PM, held at Riffle NW. Dinner begins at 6:30 PM at Riffle NW and is $65/person with pairings.” The Urchin Ale will be featured of course, but other Burnside brews will be on hand, including the “Almond Joy Porter” (brewed for Night of the Living Ales, I believe) for dessert. You can call 503-894-8978 to secure a spot at the dinner.

Falling Sky Brewing (Eugene): They have a new release today hitting the taps: Upside Brown Ale. “Join us today to celebrate the release of Upside Brown Ale: flavors of malt, toasted nuts and a hint of chocolate with an off-dry finish makes this an exceptionally drinkable but flavorful ale. Grab a pint and this limited shirt for $13! (Save $6)”  Kind of a cool design on that shirt (in the picture they posted).

Cascade Brewing (Portland): Their Tap It Tuesday tonight at 6pm at the Barrel House is featuring “Live” Barrel Aged Chocolate Casanova. “This rare non-soured barrel aged beer comes direct from the brewers and was aged 80+ days in a Heaven Hill Bourbon barrel on organic cocoa nibs and organic black mission figs. Aromas of rich, dark sweet chocolate and Bourbon vanillin are the first to be noticed. Flavors of dark Belgian chocolate, sweet Bourbon and hints of dark fruit lead to subtle notes of cherry skins and coconut on the palate with a silky smooth chocolate mouthfeel that leads to a lingering finish of dark chocolate. 6.5% ABV, $7 glass, $2.5 taster.”

Silver Moon Brewing (Bend): This week’s Growler Power Hour picks are Bavarian Winter Lager and Hound’s Tooth Amber. Silver Moon’s “Growler Power Hour” gets you $6 growler fills of the selected beers from 4 to 6pm on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Alameda Brewing (Portland) is joining with Portland’s Dan & Louis Oyster Bar for a Brewers Dinner tomorrow (Wednesday) at 6pm: “Join us for a truly exceptional dining experience! Chat with the Alameda and Dan & Louis crew about all things beer & cuisine while dining in one of Portland’s most historic landmarks – the oldest family-owned restaurant in town! Dinner is $60pp or $50 w/two cans of food. At a time when so many in our community are going hungry, we hope you’ll join us in sharing some food with others. Please call Dan & Louis for reservations: (503)227-5906.”  The dinner features 4 courses that should not only be paired with Alameda beers, but are also made with them—nice!

MacTarnahan’s Brewing (Portland) is going old school: they are going back to the original “Portland Brewing” name! From the press release today: “The company that brews the beloved MacTarnahan’s Amber Ale and other craft beers is going back to its original name and will once again operate as Portland Brewing Company, beginning in February 2013. The main change for consumers will be that the company, its beers and packaging will once again proudly carry the Portland Brewing Company name. Beer drinkers will still see the company’s flagship brew – MacTarnahan’s Amber Ale – continue, along with many new offerings.” Portland Brewing was founded in 1986 by Fred Bowman and Art Larrance, and switched over to the MacTarnahan’s name under current owner North American Breweries.