Here the news in Oregon beer for Friday, December 2nd, and going into the weekend. I’ll be updating this post throughout the rest of this day so if you have any news you’d like to share, contact me and I’ll get it out there.

Deschutes Brewery (Bend) is having their annual Garage Sale tomorrow, Saturday the 3rd, and it’s going to be the best one yet: in addition to the usual “leftover” merchandise that they sell at these sales (discontinued and overstock items, mostly clothing and glassware), they are also offering some unique, special items available only at this sale: things like lip balm (I don’t know if it’s beer flavored or not), dog collars and leashes, flashlights, and more. The sale takes place at their Lower Warehouse at 399 Shevlin-Hixon Drive in Bend (also different from past years, where it used to take place at their Mountain Room banquet hall), from 9am until noon. Don’t miss out if you can help it!

Also in Deschutes news, this Sunday the 4th their Pub and Brewery in Bend will be closed for the day so they can have their annual employee holiday party. (The Portland Pub will still be open.)

The Holiday Ale Festival is still going strong in Portland, and continues through Sunday. Today’s limited beer releases are worth taking note of (all released at 4pm); in addition to 2009 Sang Noir from Cascade Brewing and 2010 Sour Crown from Deschutes, there are two vintages (2008 and 2009) of Hair of the Dog’s much-lauded Jim—a special blend that was only produced for the Holiday Ale Fest. Ultra-rare and based on reviews from years past, definitely a must-try if you can.

The Commons Brewery (Portland): It looks like their tasting room will open on Saturday the 3rd (tomorrow), according to this post on Facebook. “A few details for the Saturday tasting room opening: We will open 4-9pm. Cash and credit card accepted. No minors allowed (send complaints to the OLCC). Maybe a little patience-we’ll be figuring this out as we do it.” Formerly named Beetje Brewery, The Commons has been expanding (to a 7-bbl system I believe) and producing some interesting-sounding beers.

Pelican Pub & Brewery (Pacific City): The 2011 edition of their Le Pelican Brun (a Belgian-style limited release ale) is out now. “Full of intriguing malt flavors, Le Pelican Brun was conceived by the fertile imaginations of the team of Pelican brewers and inspired by the many brewing traditions of Belgium. With a deep reddish-brown color that suggests an Abbey-Style Dubbel, but a rich yeast-driven aroma reminiscent of a Saison, Le Pelican Brun serves up coffee-like, cocoa and caramel malt flavors with hints of earthiness and a captivating spiciness.” Price is $12 per bottle and you can order it online from the Brewery.