Happy Hump Day! Here’s the news in beer from around Oregon and the web for Wednesday, March 9. 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.

Lompoc Brewing (Portland) has a release party today for their Derail Olde Ale at the Sidebar starting at 4pm: “Join us at Sidebar on Wednesday, March 9 from 4pm to close for the bottle and draft release of Barrel Aged Derail Olde Ale. This English style Olde Ale was aged in Heaven Hill Distillery Rye Whiskey barrels for eight months and features a fruity nose with a malty body and flavors of toffee, oak and a hint of sherry. 5.6% ABV. A collaboration with Lompoc bartender Cody Bottorff!”

McMenamins Thompson Brewery (Salem): Their Savor in Salem beer tasting taking place today from 3 to 5pm is featuring Noche Cigano (Dark Gypsy): “Inspired by dark summer nights where shadows are made amongst the fire light as dancers and musicians gather. The euphoria of the breeze as it stirs the warm air of grasses and flowers. Gypsy guitar, deep cello and accordion play as a large ceramic carafe of this ale is passed around. Palates embrace warm notes of Black Currant and Dark Sweet Cherry, resting on a body of shadowy Stout. Notes dance upon the mouthfeel of Cabernet as this blended beauty warms all on an evening that will forever live in memories.” I believe brewer Jen Kent will be on hand to talk about the beer as well.

Belmont Station (Portland) is hosting McMinnville’s Golden Valley Brewery today for a barrel-aged beer tasting from 5 to 7pm: “Taste samples of a wide array of barrel-aged beers from Golden Valley, including Barrel-Aged Old Relic Scotch Ale, Pinot Barrel Aged Vallee D’Or and Bourbon Barrel Aged Black Panther Imperial Stout. We will be pouring Barrel Aged Atlas Elevator Doppelbock and Barrel Aged Tannenbomb in the taproom as well.”

The Green Dragon (Portland): Tonight’s Green Dragon Brew Crew release is featuring American Spring Break Lager: “The Danube River meets the Willamette in this week’s offering from the Green Dragon Brew Crew. American Spring Break Lager is based on a traditional Vienna Lager recipe that the Brew Crew imperialized for the palates of Northwestern beer drinkers. Clean, crisp, moderate bready malt with low floral and spicy hop aromas, American Spring Break Lager combines the best of Vienna and Portland. Drop by the Green Dragon this Wednesday and get an early start on Spring Break.” It starts at 5pm.

The Platypus Pub (Bend) is hosting Salem’s Gilgamesh Brewing for a beer tasting tonight from 6 to 8pm: “Gilgamesh Brewing Representative Tony Cratty will be here Wednesday evening at 6:00 to discuss all things Gilgamesh. We will have Oedipus IPA and the Terry Porter on tap and available for samples.”

Plank Town Brewing (Springfield): They are holding a fundraiser today for the organization Forests Today & Forever, kicking off at 5:30pm: “Forests Today & Forever promotes forest stewardship through education. All you need to do to show your support for FTF is show up on March 9 and enjoy a drink or have a delicious dinner 5:30-8:30pm and 10% of the proceeds will be donated.”

Golden Valley Brewery in McMinnville is also holding a fundraiser today—Pints for Paws: “Golden Valley will donate $1 for every pint of beer sold between 11am – 10pm! From 4pm – 6pm, there will be a raffle vent with raffle prizes and raffle tickets for sale. Bring a bag of Purina indoor cat chow or Purina kitten schow to help feed the cats! All proceeds go towards Oregon’s first no-kill non-profit animal shelter.”

Beerworks (Medford) has Portland’s Ecliptic Brewing in the house tonight for a tasting: “We will have some exciting kegs on tap including the incredible Hypernova Triple IPA. Erin from Ecliptic will be on hand to talk about the brewery and the tasty beer. Join us from 6pm-9pm. Cheers!”

10 Barrel Brewing (Bend) has a new beer coming out in bottles this month: “Meet the new girl, Estonya! She’s a limited release Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Porter that was inspired by a Baltic version designed by Tonya Cornett. Nuances of milk chocolate, figs, and carmel are brought to life by subtle notes of dried fruit and vanilla. The complexity of this beer creates a unique experience that any beer lover will enjoy. Estonya will be going out to select bottle shops Mid March. Get in touch with your local shop to make sure they bring her in.”

Sunriver Brewing (Sunriver) has a sneak peek today of something special: cans! “Fuzztail and Rippin can printing day in Fairfield, CA!” Nice—can’t wait!

Arch Rock Brewing (Gold Beach) has beer going into a barrel for the first time: “The first barrel of many to come for Arch Rock Brewing Co. This Absinthe barrel from Immortal Spirits is now filled with State of Jefferson Porter! We are excited to finally get some beer in a barrel!”