Here’s the Oregon beer news for Tuesday, April 3rd (later-in-the-day-edition as I’ve been busy). As usual I’ll be updating this post periodically throughout the day so if you have some news to share, please contact me and I’ll get it updated.

Beer writer Brian Yaeger was in Bend last month and the fruits of his “labors” (because really, beer travel? Hardly laborious!) have been published over on Real Food Traveler. It’s a good writeup and overview of Bend’s beer scene that’s worth checking out. I had a chance to have a beer or two with Brian and his family at Bend Brewing when they were here; and yes, Brian knew the name of “Crux Fermentation Project” before anyone else, even though he couldn’t reveal it before it broke on the blogs.

The Bier Stein (Eugene) has their “Starkbierzeit” starting tomorrow the 4th and going through the next day: “Say goodbye to Winter and usher in Spring with some strong ales! We are pulling out some big guns for the 1st ever Bier Stein Starkbierzeit! All kegs will be tapped @ 11am TOMORROW and run through close on Thursday. Build your own flight or have a glass of your favorite!” Among the offerings are beer from The Bruery, Sierra Nevada, DogfishHead, Deschutes, Stone, Block 15, Flat Tail, Firestone-Walker and Full Sail.

It’s a bit last minute, but tonight Deschutes Brewery in Bend is holding another of their “Deschutes Brewery University” classes at 6pm, and the topic is Wheat Beers. “Join Brewer Owen Woods as he walks you through the history of wheat beer while sampling six or eight different styles from around of the world. And for you homebrewers, Owen will walk you through a recipe formulation to provide some insight on how we do it at Deschutes.” The cost is $25 and there are still 4 tickets left as of this writing.

Pints Brewing (Portland) is holding their grand opening Friday, April 13th, according to the New School. “Apparently not the superstitious type, Head Brewer Zach Beckwith will have all 4 of the core year-round beers available on tap by then (Tavern Ale, RedBrick Rye, Steel Bridge Stout and IPA), plus a new spring seasonal, a malty NW Red Ale. Also on tap will be the Lompoc/Pints collaboration beer, Legalize Wit, that was brewed alongside Lompoc’s Dave Fleming for the upcoming Portland Cheers To Belgian Beers Festival.” It all starts at noon, with food on the grill all day and live music starting at 7pm.

This is fun: Bend Brewing Company here in Bend is going to be brewing a collaborative beer with the owner of the Bier Stein, Chip Hardy, this week—a “New IPA” (without specifics). Before opening the Bier Stein Hardy was a brewer at Steelhead Brewing in Eugene so that should be an interesting collaboration.

Cascade Brewing (Portland): Their Tap It Tuesday tonight features LIVE Bourbonic Plague Vanilla: “This vintage 3-year-old NW style sour ale is a special offering, just because we can! Bring a driver, it’s 11.7% ABV – $8/glass, $3/taste.” Tapping starts at 6pm and this one sounds just lovely.