Happy Hump Day! If you’ve been following the events in Eastern Oregon you know last night and today has been pretty crazy. So let’s focus on news in beer instead for this 27th of January. As usual, I’ll be periodically updating this post throughout the day with the latest news, so check back often for updates. And if you have news to share, please contact me and I can get that updated as well.

Belmont Station (Portland) has Stone Brewing in the house for a tasting today from 5 to 7pm: “You’re probably not worthy of this tasting. But in case you are, there will be a full line up of Stone’s beers to be sampled. Plus we will be pouring the newest Enjoy By on draft. This one, Enjoy By 2.14.16, is a change-up from the previous ones. It’s a Black IPA, also known as a Cascadian Dark Ale in these parts. A fitting tribute to Valentine’s Day (2.14.16)? You will just have to come and see for yourself!”

The Green Dragon (Portland): Their Big Ass Beer Month release with the Green Dragon Brew Crew continues tonight, with the release of Descenso del Diablo: “The Brew Crew concludes Big Ass Beer Month with the devilishly named, Descenso del Diablo. Based on a Russian Imperial Stout, this brew was aged on cocoa nibs, vanilla beans, cinnamon sticks, and a variety of locally-grown ancho poblano, jalapeño, and habanero peppers. If Pancho Villa and Catherine the Great ever got together for a collaborative brew, it might taste something like Descenso del Diablo.” It’s 10% abv, and the release starts at 5pm.

Hopworks Urban Brewery (Portland): Their spring seasonal, Rise Up Red, will be hitting the market next week, according to their press release that went out today. From the release: “Hopworks Urban Brewery (HUB) today announced the February release of its award-winning seasonal beer Rise Up Red India Red Ale. This classic Northwest-Style Red is available in four-packs of 16oz. cans, 22oz. bottles and on draught throughout HUB’s distribution area, and on tap at both Hopworks brewpubs. Rise Up is deep mahogany in color, full-bodied, and balanced with a blend of organic caramel malts and a touch of organic chocolate malt. Hopped to the rafters with locally grown hops that showcase citrus and resinous flavors, the beer is also dry-hopped for an extra blast of hop aroma. The beer checks in at 65 IBUs and 6.1% ABV.”

McMenamins Cornelius Pass Roadhouse (Hillsboro): Their “Ominous Offerings” series of beer tastings is taking place today from 6 to 9pm and featuring three beers: Whiskey Widow 2015, Cherry Soured Oak Stout, and CDA of Cain. “Brady Romtvedt has been brewing for McMenamins since 2008 & his overall inspiration is the beautiful complexity of the natural world and our consubstantial connection to all that is. Chris Oslin got his start with McMenamins in the early 90’s at the Thompson Brewery in Salem. His proudest achievement was serving as the catalyst for a company wide change in the brewing process for Ruby, one of our most popular beers. They have a strong local following and rightly so. Get over and meet Brady & Chris to find out why.”

McMenamins on Broadway (Portland) has a beer tasting tonight, in their “The Tasting Technique” series, from 5 to 8pm, featuring Specification IRA: “This Irish Red Ale maintains a nice light body with an amber color, moderate hop and malt aroma and a delightful creamy head. It has a nice medium level of bitterness with bready flavors. This beer started as a Homebrew, hitting all the specs along the way.” About The Tasting Technique: “Make your way up the front staircase and you’ll find an English-style pub. This is where Highland Brewer Karl Lorentson will be showcasing one of his many unique brews, produced not far away. So get over to Broadway Pub & bring your curiosities. Enjoy this one time offering because when it’s gone, it will be no more.”

Gigantic Brewing (Portland) has their newest beer, The Business, releasing tonight at their tasting room: “The Business. It’s our new Brit-American Pale Ale. Releasing in our taproom TONIGHT on draft and in 22’s. Keep an eye out at your local markets & hang outs too! Bright orange zest citrus hop aromas, passionfruit hop flavor and British marries otter hops!”