Here’s the news in Oregon beer for Tuesday, the 13th of October. As usual, I’ll be periodically updating this post throughout the day, so check back often for the latest news. If you have news to share, please contact me and I can get that updated as well.

McMenamins on Monroe (Corvallis) has a special beer release tonight from 5 to 9pm, featuring a porter named Rilee’s Choice: “Porter is a kinder gentler than its big brother Stout. Crystal malts provide most of the flavor and color in porters. The bourbon soaked oak spiral lends a vanilla aroma with a slight hint of bourbon.” Bourbon oak spirals is a good addition.

Laurelwood Brewing (Portland): They are hosting a beer dinner tonight from 6 to 10pm at their Southeast Public House, and it looks good: “Our very own Chef Richard Blake and his team will be cookin’ up an Asian-inspired six-course feast, each paired with a beer carefully chosen or brewed by our brewery. Beer dinner attendees will have the chance to try an all-new Helles lager, as well as a new Autumn Saison, brewed exclusively for this event — that’s some special treatment! All this can be yours for only $45, including gratuity. Reserve your spots online, or in person at either Laurelwood pub.”

Various sources have reported this, but I believe I saw it on the New School first: Kurt Widmer, founding partner of Widmer Brothers Brewing, is set to retire at the end of the year. From the press release: “Mr. Widmer has served as Chairman of the Board since Craft Brew Alliance was formed in 2008 through the merger of pioneering Pacific Northwest craft brewing companies Redhook Brewery and Widmer Brothers Brewing. Previously, Mr. Widmer served as President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Widmer Brothers Brewing Company from 1984 until 2008. … [He said,] ‘Many of us who set the foundation for today’s booming craft beer market are thinking about the next chapter in our lives, and my wife Ann and I have been discussing the fact that there’s still a lot we want to do. So while I’ll miss walking into my office at the brewery every day, I’m admittedly looking forward to more time with my family and doing more of what I love to do – whether it’s traveling around the world or home brewing in the basement.'” It’s a well-earned retirement for sure.

Portland Brewing (Portland): The latest beer in their Guild’s Lake series of benefit beers is a pumpkin ale: Rico Sauvie Pumpkin Ale with Spices. “The seasonal brew celebrates Sauvie Island, which at 26,000 acres is one of America’s largest fresh water islands, and one of Portlanders’ most cherished fall getaways. This benefit beer also supports the Oregon Food Bank. With Rico Sauvie, the pumpkin patch never tasted so good. This draft-only beer, brewed specifically for fall, showcases notes of roasted pumpkin and a balanced blend of spices. Featuring a huge malt bill and bustling with high-roasted malts including Chocolate, Black and Special Roast, Rico Sauvie presents the perfect canvas for strokes of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove and ginger, along with a slight aroma of Willamette hops to round out the experience.”

Worthy Brewing (Bend): Their new Newberry Eruption Imperial Red is out now: “In honor of the 25th anniversary of the National Monument, Newberry Eruption Imperial Red is available now in stores and at our pub! $1 from every bottle of this volcanic-inspired beer goes to Discover Your Forest. Snag one of these commemorative bottles and drink for a good cause.”