Here’s the news in Oregon beer for Thursday, July 6. As usual, I’ll be periodically updating this post throughout the day, so check back often. If you have news to share, please contact me and I can get that posted as well.

Yes, I had originally had this incorrectly listed for yesterday: Portland’s Saraveza is hosting “Benvention” today, a fundraiser for the late Ben Flerchinger: “Benvention is a beer brewed in honor of Ben Flerchinger. It was an idea for a beer that he never got to brew. The first batch was brewed at Lucky Lab by assistant brewer Martin Maywalt with Bolt Minister of 54’40°, Van Having of Gigantic Bewing, Patrick Barnes of Kell’s Brewpub, Preston Weesner of Holiday Ale Festival, Dave Fleming of Coin Toss, Nicole Kasten of Beer Connections and Margaret Flerchinger, Ben’s wife. Benvention will be tapped on Wednesday, July 5th at 5pm in honor and memory of Portland brewer, Ben Flerchinger. Many will remember Ben as a kind and gentle soul who spent years brewing at Lucky Lab followed by work at Gigantic and 54-40. A Dry Hopped Imperial Mild comes in at 5.4% ABV and 50 IBU’s. Benvention is on a rotating brewery schedule since Ben had such a big impact on so many breweries; this one is brought to you by Coin Toss Brewing. Proceeds from Benvention will go to cover Ben’s medical bills.” This sounds like a great opportunity to help out the community and Margaret Flerchinger, make sure to get down there and help out tonight.

Belmont Station (Portland) is welcoming Gigantic Brewing for a tasting from 5 to 8pm: “Save the date for this tasting with Gigantic’s new rep, the inimitable Morgan Miller. Lots of great Gigantic beers to try!”

McMenamins 23rd Avenue Bottle Shop (Portland) is hosting a Lagunitas Super Sour Popcorn Pop-up from 6 to 8pm tonight: “Lagunitas will pair three of their Sour Beers with delicious popcorn treats. The taster tray for purchase will include Dark Swan, Eroica and Aunt Sally Dry-Hop Sour. We’ll also be pouring Lagunitas’ Pilsner and Dog Town Pale Ale.”

10 Barrel Brewing (Bend) is holding the grand opening party for their new east Bend pub location today from 6 to 9pm: “We want you all to come celebrate the grand opening of the 10 Barrel East Side Pub! We’ll have live music from Precious Byrd and some awesome beer specials! Precious Byrd: 7pm-9pm; Events Beers: $3; Family Friendly”

Widmer Brothers Brewing (Portland): Their Thursday Tap Day is featuring Ser Jalbanheim Chili Blonde Ale: “This week at Widmer Brothers, we’re saying hello to Ser Jalbanheim, a chili blonde ale with some serious spicy-hot pepper credentials. The innovative geniuses at our small batch innovation brewery decided to give ‘dry peppering’ a go, with two rounds of serrano, jalapeno, habanero, and Anaheim peppers dunked into this mildly sweet blonde ale.” Interesting one to pair with the summer heat…