Here’s the Oregon beer news for Thursday, the first of December. The Holiday Ale Festival is in its second day in downtown Portland’s Pioneer Courthouse Square, and if you’re heading down there you should check out Angelo’s write-up of must-try beers over on Brewpublic. In the meantime, I’ll be updating this post with additional news throughout the day. Please feel free to contact me if you have beer news to share.

Ambacht Brewing (Hillsboro) has their Ambacht Honey Triple coming out today, made with wildflower honey, and you can sample it directly at the brewery from 4 to 6pm this afternoon.

Standing Stone Brewing (Ashland): They have their annual holiday Barley Wine on tap—which of course sounds good enough to make a special trip to Ashland! “Our 2011 blend is reddish brown and full boded. It offers aromas of toffee swirl with vinous, prune and raisin-like flavors.  This beer will warm your heart, not to mention your soul, with its big malt flavors.  Best enjoyed at a cellar temperature of 50 F. 9.9% abv.”

Beer Valley Brewing (Ontario) is releasing their seasonal “Judas Yeast Winter Ale” in Portland tomorrow (Friday) the 2nd. The release will be at Saraveza from 6 to 9pm. (No stats on the beer that I can find yet.)

Seven Brides Brewing (Silverton) is holding a beer tasting/Meet the Owner on Friday the 2nd (tomorrow) at Cutsforth’s Marketplace in Canby, from 4 to 7pm: “[Josiah] will be sampling a variety of our fine locally produced ales and lagers. As a bonus, Cutsforth’s will be tapping a special keg: Weezin-ator Doppelbock and filling growlers to go. So stop by for a taste and say hi to Josiah!”

Coalition Brewing (Portland) is releasing their Lost Glove Strong Ale today—their first winter seasonal of the year. Lost Glove debuted at the Holiday Ale Fest, and is going on tap at their pub today.

Ninkasi (Eugene) will be hosting a Beer Maker’s Dinner at June restaurant in Eugene on Monday, December 12th. It will run from 7 to 10pm: “Join us by the fireplace at June for an evening of beer and food! Jamie Floyd, owner of Ninkasi Brewery, will lead a guided tour of select Ninkasi beers, paired with a delicious five course menu of seasonal goodness. Seating is limited. Call 541-968-2077” And the menu for the event is posted as well (revealing a price of $60).