Today is the 80th! anniversary of Repeal Day—the day in 1933 that the 21st Amendment was ratified repealing Prohibition in the U.S.—so in addition to the various holiday beers and events you should dedicate at least one drink today to Repeal! In the meantime, here’s the news for Thursday, the 5th of December. As usual, I’ll be periodically updating this post throughout the day with the latest news, so check back often. And if you have news to share, please contact me and I can get that posted as well.

The Holiday Ale Festival is of course continuing in Portland today, from 11am until 10pm in Pioneer Courthouse Square. The earlier you go, the shorter the lines will be.

Belmont Station (Portland) is hosting an evening of winter holiday beers “with Belgians and Brits” from 5 to 8pm tonight: “Merchant du Vin’s Tom Bowers always puts on a great tasting and this one promises to be no different with samples from some of the best winter beers from “across the pond”: Samuel Smith Winter Welcome, Lindemans Kriek, Lindemans Cuvee Rene, Orval, Rochefort 10, Westmalle Dubbel, and Samuel Smith Chocolate. It’s a great way to find something special to put under the tree or on your own wish list.”

BridgePort Brewing (Portland): Their 5th annual Ebenezer Pub Crawl kicks off tonight in Portland’s Multnomah Village area from 5 to 9pm, with prizes given away at 9. The crawl (featuring Ebenezer Ale, I’m assuming!) will start at John’s Market then hit Journey’s, Renner’s, O’Connors and then finish up at The Ship.

The Bier Stein (Eugene) is having a special all-day Widmer flight event featuring all three version of this year’s Brrrbon barrel-aged imperial  version of Brrr (their Winter Ale), as well as pouring two other Widmer specialty beers, Tiny Tim’s Mild and Les Petits Merveilles. Widmer rep Shannon Mangan will also be there starting at 5pm. It’s all supporting a special toy and classroom supply drive: “We are also sponsoring a toy and classroom supply drive for Relief Nursery. The Relief Nursery is a non-profit child abuse and neglect prevention agency proven to strengthen high-risk families and keep young children safe. Nationally recognized, the Relief Nursery stops the cycle of child abuse and neglect with its blend of therapeutic early childhood services and comprehensive family support, including alcohol & drug recovery support services.” Make sure to swing by to try some great Widmer brews and bring some goods for the Relief Drive.

Golden Valley Brewery (McMinnville): Today at both locations (McMinnville and Beaverton) they are releasing their latest specialty beer: Der Kaffeeklatsch, a Coffee Dunkel that’s an easy-drinking 4.7% abv. “Kaffeeklatsch means “coffee chat” in German.  Golden Valley Brewery’s latest collaborative effort combined fine coffee, roasted by our friends at Caravan Coffee, with a dark German style lager.  First we brewed a Munich Dunkel using noble hops, lightly kilned malts, and our house lager yeast.  After lagering one month this brew was blended with our house roast, Guatemala Antigua La Flor.  A cold brew method was used to make the coffee for this blend, resulting in a smooth flavor profile that allows the delicate aromatics of the coffee to shine.  Caravan Coffee is hand crafted in Newberg, Oregon.” Both locations will tap the beer at 3pm and if it’s like past releases, pints from the first keg will be $2 until it blows.

McMenamins Old Church & Pub (Wilsonville) has a meet the brewer and special beer tasting today starting at 5pm featuring Wet Yer Thistle Barrel-Aged Scotch Ale: “This Scottish Wee-Heavy ale pours smooth as silk. ESB pale malt and Scottish floor malted golden promise make up the base for this beer. A small amount of light peated malt gives a subtle smoke flavor which complements the caramel malt sweetness. This beer has been aged in a Edgefield Distillery Hogshead Whiskey barrel for over one month. The prolonged aging will contribute hints of oak, whiskey, and berries. Enjoy.”

And McMenamins Fulton Pub (Portland) has a limited-edition tasting of their own starting at 5pm, featuring Clock End Pale: “Deep golden in color, this pale ale is characterized by a flowery, earthy spiciness. Clock end Pale is medium bodied with a medium maltiness and a faint hint of caramel. With hop aroma and flavor out front, this recipe is a showcase for the generous amounts of Ultra hops used late in the boil.”

Cascade Brewing (Portland) has their annual holiday beer on tap at the Barrel House: “Glueh Kriek (Spiced Mulled Sour Cherry Ale). This oak aged blend of Bing and sour pie cherry sour red ales has been steeped in spices fresh from Grenada and wildflower honey. It is served hot with a slice of orange and cloves. 7% ABV / $6.50 8oz Glass (no tasters). Happy Holidays!”

GoodLife Brewing (Bend): Tonight they are in Porltand at the Horse Brass for a release party for their Scottish Heart Scotch Ale, which is also a benefit for Angelo de Ieso. The party kicks off at 5pm so swing by, try this year’s Scottish Heart and help out Angelo!