Back to Monday! I hope your weekend was great but it’s time to get back into the thick of things. Here’s the Oregon beer news for November 7; as usual, I’ll be periodically updating this post throughout the day with the latest news as I find it, so check back often. If you have news to share, please let me know and I can get that updated as well.

Bend Brewing Company (Bend): They are in the middle of a “Dozen Days of Drafts” that started on the 2nd and continue through the 14th: “BBC is celebrating our brand new draft system with a “Dozen Days of Drafts” running November 2- November 14. Now that we have twelve taps at the pub, we’ll feature a new beer each day offered at ‘Locals Day’ prices. Check out the schedule and come in to try them all!” Today, the 7th, they are featuring Razz Tafari (raspberry sour).

The second annual Cherry Festivus has been announced, to take place at Portland’s Bazi Bierbrasserie on Friday, November 18 to run through Sunday the 20th. “From the organizers of the Portland Fruit Beer Festival comes this more intimate unique tasting event that focuses on one of the world’s most popular fruits, with rare and one-off beers and ciders plus cherry food specials and cherry cocktails. The major addition this year, artisinal chocolate pairings and even a cherry beer flight with an optional chocolate pairing flight.” General admission cost is $20 which gets you the glass plus six tickets, and additional tickets are $2 each.

The inaugural Bend Ale Festival is coming up in Bend this Saturday, November 12, paired with the Bend Ale Run half-marathon. “Join us in Bend’s Northwest Crossing Neighborhood to sample some of the region’s best beers during this one-day celebration. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample more than 40 beers from 20 breweries. Runners can also join the Bend Ale Run half marathon and 10K. The Bend Ale Run finishes at the Ale Festival, the perfect spot for thirsty runners to celebrate.” It will run from 11am to 9pm and will cost $10 at the door for just a tasting glass, or $20 for a tasting package which includes 10 tokens. Additional tokens will be $5 for 4. Looks like it will all mostly be Central Oregon breweries pouring which will be a good local showcase.

The Tap and Growler (Eugene) has been hosting their Great Tap & Growler Beer Fest over the past week, and it will continue to run through Wednesday the 9th. “The great Tap & Growler Beer Fest features over twenty five beers that received awards at The Great American Beer Fest, one of the most prestigious beer festivals in the world. This is a rare opportunity to expose your palate to an abundance of nationally recognized beers. Celebrate Oregon’s wins with us & DRINK America’s Greatest BEERS!” In addition to having a solid tap list of winners, they’ve been hosting breweries for events, and today they welcome AleSong Brewing & Blending in from 6 to 8pm.

There are a couple other interesting events coming up this Saturday to check out:

• Breweries in the Gorge (the group representing the 12 breweries around the Hood River area of the Columbia River) is presenting The Big Swig, taking place from 11 to 4pm: “Washington and Oregon Breweries in the Gorge come together for a one-day event inviting craft beer fans to get a sneak peek behind the scenes. Join us for a fun day of touring, tasting and learning how our Breweries in the Gorge work.” Sounds a bit like Zwickelmania.
• Bailey’s Taproom in Portland is holding their seventh annual BelgianFest all day starting at noon. The fest features Oregon-brewed, Belgian-inspired beer, and they’ve been posting the planned taplist on the event page. Not to be missed!

PFriem Family Brewers (Hood River) has a new beer available: “Introducing pFriem El Dorado Single Hop Pale – the newest addition to the Single Hop series! Take in the sweet aromas of watermelon, passion fruit and pink lemonade. Savor the soft flavors of pear, cherry, blood orange, with just a touch of cocoa. This ale finishes clean, fruity, with a delightful hop twang. 6.3%, 45 IBU’s”

Rogue Ales (Newport): They announced today the release of their latest Voodoo Doughnut inspired beers, Voodoo Doughnut Grape Guerrilla Ale. From the press release: “Voodoo Doughnut Grape Guerrilla Ale is based on Voodoo’s Grape Ape, a raised yeast doughnut with vanilla frosting, grape dust and lavender sprinkles. In this collision of crazies, Rogue Ales and Voodoo Doughnut continue to rally in their fight against boring beer. Voodoo Doughnut Grape Guerrilla is available in serigraphed pink-painted 750-milliliter bottles worldwide starting in November.”

And Rogue’s Astoria Public House posted about a beer just tapped that I would like to try: “What happens when you take our award winning Dead Guy Ale and age it in Dead Guy Whiskey barrels? We just tapped this special release of Dead Guy! Come and get yours before it’s gone!”

Laurelwood Brewing announced today that Ben Dobler has been hired to be their new Director of Brewing Ops. From the press release: “Before coming to Laurelwood Dobler was with Widmer Brothers for about 20 years. In this position he was involved in all aspects of beer from brewing to packaging, sales, and marketing. Previously, Dobler was with Bridgeport Brewing Co. for 2.5 years. This is where he started his career in the brewing industry. He quickly learned the ins and outs of brewing as well as cellar and packaging operations. “I’ve been very lucky to have seen so many evolutions in the beer business. Craft Brew Alliance opened so many doors and educated me in so many ways I’m still blown away at what I’ve learned,” says Dobler. With the departure of Laurelwood’s current Brewmaster, Shane Watterson, Ben saw the opportunity for a new challenge. Laurelwood has a rich history of great Brewmasters who have gone on to do great things in our industry. “Those are some big shoes I have to fill,” says Dobler. “Laurelwood is a 15-year-old heritage brand that is deeply woven in to the brewing fabric of Oregon. Mike and his team have built a great brand and make great beers. I look forward to a long and successful future with this brewery.” The transition from former brewmaster Shane Watterson to Dobler will take place over the next few weeks, until Watterson’s departure to Level Beer around the end of November.” Interesting that there’s no mention of Mt. Tabor Brewing, for which Dobler left Widmer earlier this year to become their head brewer.