Happy July and happy Independence Day! Since the holiday is tomorrow, I’m rolling the Oregon beer news for the 3rd and the 4th into this Monday post. 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.

McMenamins 23rd Avenue Bottle Shop (Portland) is hosting the can release for Sunflower IPA today starting at 3pm. “Sunflower IPA is back for the 22nd summer, and this time, it’s available in brand new 16-oz. cans! These won’t last long, so grab a 4-pack while you can. McMenamins Sunflower IPA was first introduced in the summer of 1995 at our West Linn Brewery. Inspired by the bountiful sunflowers grown in the pub’s beer garden, our IPA has a deep golden color and distinct yet subtle citrus flavors that satisfy both the diehard IPA drinker and those who prefer a lighter palate. Sunflower IPA is truly a beer for the masses.”

Hopworks Urban Brewery (Portland) has a release party today from 5 to 8pm, featuring Oyster Beer and Eveyln Sunshine: “Summer is in full effect in the Pacific Northwest and we have just the beers you need to cool off. Grab a pint of these limited summer sippers with us on Monday, July 3 at 5pm. Bruce’s Beach House Oyster Ale – Tart and refreshing Gose-Style beer with Pacific Seafood’s Oysters, handmade Willapa bay salt, and lemon zest. As a food pairing, we’ll have an Oyster Po’boy sandwich special as well. Evelyn Sunshine Imperial IPA – A big beautiful Imperial IPA featuring a bouquet of resinous, citrus and tropical hops. Brewed in honor of Evelyn Sunshine Ettinger’s birthday, this beer is a fan favorite as well as a favorite among our staff and brew crew.”

Rock Bottom Brewery (Portland): Their $3 pint special on Blueberry Ale continues through the holiday: “Cheers to America! We are celebrating with $3 Blueberry Ale Pints all weekend long until the 4th of July. Hit the Blues Festival on the Waterfront and hop on up 2 blocks for your Blueberry Ale.”

McMenamins is celebrating Oregon Craft Beer Month all through July with $4.50 pint specials at all locations, with a different “theme” each rough week or so. Right now, through the 9th, Jam Session ISA is the featured beer. “The entire month is officially dedicated to celebrating the craft brewing phenomenon that started here in Oregon more than 30 years ago. All our Oregon McMenamins locations will offer $4.50 pints all day (excluding brewmasters reserve & high-gravity beers), every day, on a certain brewing style. So relax and order up the refreshing special:
July 1-9: Jam Session ISA
July 10-16: Fruit Beer
July 17-23: IPAs
July 24-31: 50/50 Blends (Rubinator, Rubberhead…)”

4th of July

Portland’s Ecliptic Brewing is hosting a Fruit Fest Frenzy on the 4th: “Join us on Tuesday July Fourth for a Fruit Fest Frenzy! We will have 10+ Ecliptic fruit beers available including some limited barrel-aged releases! Special flights available designed to let you try all of the beers. Beers will also be available individually. No cover charge or tickets required.”

Fort George Brewery (Astoria) is celebrating the 4th at the brewery all day with live music in the evening and great views of the fireworks at night: “Celebrate America’s birthday with locally sourced food & beverages (brewed right here in the US of A), and good ol’ fashioned Americana. Fort George hosts a full lineup of North Coast favorites that will make you proud to be an Astorian and an American. Fireworks over the Columbia River start at dark (best viewed from the east end of the pizzeria). All ages are welcome. Friendly pets on leashes are allowed in the outdoor spaces. And as long as this is the Land of the Free, never a cover.”

Astoria will be a place to be for the holiday, as Buoy Beer Company is hosting their Red White & Buoy from 11am to 5pm: “BEER • LIVE MUSIC & ART • RIVERVIEWS – Come hang out on our 8th Street dock this 4th of July. This year will be a “Tuesday-version” of our Red White & Buoy shindig. That said, we’ll be rocking the house with Astoria’s musical favorites, cold beers, delicious foods, and summer-time games.”

Coin Toss Brewing (Oregon City) will have a Red, White & Crowler day for the 4th from 3 to 8pm: “Happy 4th of July! Celebrate with $7 Crowlers, $12 Growler Fills & $4 Pints!”