Here’s the beer news from around Oregon for Tuesday, July 3; I’ll be taking tomorrow “off” from doing an Oregon beer news post and pick back up again on Thursday. (So happy 4th of July everyone!) As usual I’ll be periodically updating this post with the latest news as I find it, so check back often. If you have news to share please contact me and I can get that updated as well.

McMenamins Old Church & Pub (Wilsonville): Today they have their Church Firkin Tuesday limited beer tasting today, starting at 5pm and featuring “Terminoir”: “Black as the darkest night, rich as the most decadent dessert and complemented by the flavor of a French oak pinot noir barrel, Terminoir is for those who enjoy the finer things in life. This is a full-bodied and flavor-packed ale which draws its robust complexity from kiln-baked specialty grains and the earthy flavor of pinot noir. Look for a wide array of toasted, chocolate, dark fruit and coffee-like flavors in this one-time special cask release!” Sounds like a barrel-aged Imperial(ish) Terminator Stout, at 7.1% abv. Yum!

Deschutes Brewery (Bend): Tonight is their DBU (Deschutes Brewery University) on the topic of Brews & BBQs, just in time for the 4th. “Our focus this month is on Deschutes beers paired with tasty BBQ food because these two go hand in hand during the summer months. Join Brian Dioguardi, pit master at Baldy’s BBQ, and Brian Faivre, Deschutes Brewmaster, for BEER & BBQ education. You will learn about the style, cooking technique, history, spices, sauces, and wood use in creating BBQ, and find out why BBQ pairs well with particular beers during the warm summer months. We hope you can join us for this taste bud pleasing adventure!” For $25 per person, 18 tickets remain, and it takes place tonight from 6 to 8pm at the Bend Pub’s Tap Room (upstairs).

Cascade Brewing (Portland): Tonight’s Tap It Tuesday at 6pm is featuring a preview of their 2011 Kriek: “This live NW style sour ale is a blend of red ales that were barrel aged for up to eight months before aging additionally on sour pie and Bing cherries for another eight months. Aromas of dark cherries, black currants and oak are noticed up front. Sharp, tart cherry notes, cinnamon and a hint of toasted almonds on the palate lead to bright sharp flavors of deep, rich fruit and a tart, dry finish.  This would go well with a big meal or simply be enjoyed as a night cap. 7.5% ABV, $6 a glass.”

Most places are closed tomorrow for the July 4th holiday, but there are a couple open with things going on:

• 10 Barrel (Bend) is holding their 2nd annual “Pray for Sun Parking Lot Blowout Party“—from 1 to 9pm featuring BBQ ribs, beer, and live music: “10 Barrel featured musician MOsley WOtta will be headlining and bringing it home from 6 to 9. A full 3 hour set with lots of new material! Ben Union, straight outta Tacoma, will be tearing down the stage before that (if you saw them at Pray for Snow, you know this is a can’t miss!! and if you missed them then, you’ll kick yourself for missing it now)! And our boy Tony Smiley will be opening up for both acts!”
• Burnside Brewing (Portland) will be open and featuring a new “Smokey the Beer”: “We’re burnin’ one down with Smokey the Beer today…. S’Mores in a glass: Campfire-smoked porter with mallow root, graham cracker spices and chocolate. On tap at the pub today, or come sip on one tomorrow, because WE’RE OPEN ON THE 4TH!” Sounds intriguing; I love a smoked beer but I’m not sure how it would work with sweet components.