Here’s the news in Oregon beer for the first Monday of March, the 7th. As usual, I’ll be periodically updating this post throughout the day with the latest news as I find it, so check back often. And if you have news to share, please contact me and I can get that posted as well.

Laurelwood Brewing (Portland) announced the expansion of their six-pack offerings with the addition of their spring seasonal, Green Elephant IPA, in 12-ounce bottles. From the press release: “Green Elephant will join the Portland brewery’s current collection of well-known six-packs on the shelves – Workhorse IPA, Free Range Red, and in cans, Red Elephant India Red Ale (IRA). Green Elephant boasts big pine, floral, and citrus hop flavors, while remaining a wonderfully drinkable IPA. It was previously bottled in 22 ounce bombers, with this release being Laurelwood Brewing Co.’s second seasonal six-pack; the first, Vinter Varmer Brown Ale, ran from November 2015 to last month.” It will be on the shelves through June.

The Green Dragon (Portland): Tonight they are hosting a Russian River Release Night starting at 5pm: “One of the most popular events of the year, the Russian River Release Party is coming to the Green Dragon on Monday, March 7th. Tickets are extremely limited and sell out fast. Call (503) 517-0660 to reserve your spot. Here’s what’s on tap. A $30 ticket gets you a pour of each of the following Russian River brews. Pliny The Younger, Pliny the Elder, Temptation, Supplication, Consecration, Blind Pig.” It might still not be too late to call about a reservation.

Crux Fermentation Project (Bend): Their Monday night BEER’ducation series is examining some very different beers side-by-side, dubbing tonight’s event “The Unusual Suspects”: “Comparing three very different beers: Snow Cave (Winter Warmer Ale), Southern Sister (Experimental IPA) and the Enigma Saison. Join us in exploring the wonderful nuances and breadth of craft beer every Monday evening in our Tasting Room. Our BEER’DUCATION SERIES of beer menu specials are designed to stimulate greater appreciation and understanding of craft beer through the self-guided experience of comparing and contrasting variations in styles and brewing processes. Each Monday evening, a different Crux beer will be highlighted via a special beer menu offering that includes a tasting guide to help you make the most of your experience.” It takes place from 4 to 9pm.

Bend’s Silver Moon Brewing will be at Belmont Station in Portland today, rolling out their new canned beers with a tasting from 5 to 7pm: “Silver Moon’s first canned beers will be here to taste: IPA 97, Get Sum Pale Ale and Chapter 2 Pale Ale. Plus we will have Maui Wowie Double IPA pouring in the taproom.”

BridgePort Brewing (Portland) and the baseball team the Hillsboro Hops have extended their beer-and-baseball partnership, according to a press release issued last week: “The Hillsboro Hops and BridgePort Brewing Company announced today that they have extended their partnership. BridgePort will continue to produce the award-winning Hillsboro Hops special brew known as “Long Ball Ale”. The popular brew is available at Ron Tonkin Field during Hillsboro Hops home games, at BridgePort Brewing’s BrewPub located in the Pearl District of Portland, on-tap at select bars and restaurants, and at select grocery stores in Oregon, Washington and Idaho.” Long Ball Ale is an English-style Summer Ale, one you’ll be able to continue to enjoy at the Hops games.

Oakshire Brewing (Eugene): This Saturday, the 12th, is their third annual Hellshire Day & Barrel Aged Beer Fest, celebrating the release of their Hellshire VI as well as pouring amazing barrel-aged beers from all over the country. “From noon to 8pm on Saturday, we’ll showcase 50+ barrel-aged beers from our brewer friends around the country. The fest will feature the release of Hellshire VI {our sixth barrel-aged beer released under the Hellshire label}, a rare opportunity to purchase reserve bottles from Oakshire’s cellar, hourly Buzz Beer tappings, live bands, local food and more. Ticket price includes entry, commemorative Hellshire VI tasting glass and five tasting tickets.” Online tickets are here for $25; it’ll cost you $30 at the door.

Also this Saturday, the second annual Baker’s Dozen Coffee Beer and Doughnuts Fest is taking place at Culmination Brewing from 10am to 3pm: “In a city with as many coffee roasters as there are craft brewers, the marriage of the two brews is a natural pairing, that itself pairs majestically with doughnuts. Paid admission includes a souvenir beer glass and 4-oz samples of all 13 coffee beers as well as samples of all 13 doughnuts. (Additional drinks may be purchased at the bar.) New this year is a Doughnut Decoration Station for kids and non-kids. Actual coffee will be provided, too, along with house-made breakfast sandwiches available for purchase. Live music can be enjoyed throughout the fest. Tickets are limited and only for those 21+.” I attended last year’s inaugural event and it was a lot of fun, and this one is even bigger and I’m sure will be better. Be there!