Here’s the news for Oregon beer for Thursday, December 8th. As usual I’ll be updating throughout the day, contact me if you have news to share.

Cascade Brewing (Portland) is holding a 4-year vertical tasting of the Sang Noir today starting at 4pm, to celebrate the release of the 2010 Sang Noir. You’ll want to get in on this if possible: “Today at 4 pm at the Barrel House, we will be launching the release of 2010 Sang Noir with a four year vertical tasting of all of our Sang Noirs…. The ’07, ’08 and ’09 Sang Noirs will only be available as part of a vintage vertical, which also includes ’10 and sells for $10, with 3-ounce pours of each. The ’10 Sang Noir can be purchased separately in an 8-ounce glass for $6.50.”

Full Sail Brewing (Hood River): Their Pub and Tasting Room is closed all day today for the Full Sail employee holiday party, but rest assured they will be back open tomorrow.

Breakside Brewery (Portland) is releasing two new bottles of barrel-aged beer next Wednesday the 14th: Bourbon Barrel Aztec and Soursop Wheat. “Bourbon Barrel Aztec is an oak-aged version of the Aztec Ale. This is the second batch of this beer, and the first sold out very quickly! The new batch has a big bourbon-y nose, restrained heat, and a rich oak character. Soursop Wheat is a blend of sour Belgian beers that were aged on soursop fruit in an Old Tom Gin barrel. Soursop is a sweet and savory SE Asian fruit, and this is a complex and layered sour.” Both sound fantastic!

Upcoming tastings, releases, and “Meet the Brewer” events:

• The Bier Stein (Eugene) is holding a sampling event with Redmond’s Cascade Lakes Brewing tonight from 6 to 9pm. Free samples will be poured and there will be two special small-batch beers on draft.
• The Green Dragon (Portland) is hosting a Meet the Brewer for Montana’s Bayern Brewery tonight from 5 to 8pm. Bayern specializes in German-style beers.
• The APEX Beer Bar (Portland) is hosting a rare tapping of Ale Industries Grand Cru tonight starting at 5pm, of 1 of only 10 1/6bbl kegs in existence: “Servings will be in a 6 oz. glass, so there will be just over 100 served.”
• Widmer (Portland) is having a Brewers Dinner this Saturday the 10th at The HighCliffe in Oregon City, starting at 6pm for $30 per person: “Meet, drink, and be merry with Widmer Master Brewer, Ben Dobler, and Highcliffe Executive Chef, Chris Greer.  The event will feature 4 unique courses paired with 4 Widmer products, along with a welcome reception glass of Widmer  Hefeweizen.  Participants will also receive a gift package containing items to commemorate the evening.  Tickets MUST be purchased in advance at The Highcliffe during any of our normal business hours.” Also look for a “surprise 5th course.”
• Alameda Brewing (Portland) is releasing their Papa Noel Moonlight Reserve tonight, starting at 6pm. This is the bourbon barrel-aged version of the Papa Noel Olde Ale and is available for sale in wax-dipped bottles as well. And $2 pints specials!

Southern Oregon Brewing (Medford): Brewpublic breaks the news that SOB will be releasing a new Imperial Stout in January, Black Heart Imperial Stout. “This weighty 8.5% ABV ale will be a nice addition to SOB’s portfolio of delicious beers that include Woodshed Red, Nice Rack IPA, Na Zdravi’ Czech Pils, Gold Digger Golden Ale, Old Humbug Winter Warmer, a Pale, and a Barleywine.”

Natian Brewery (Portland) will be on-hand during the grand opening of the new beer store Uptown Market in Beaverton on Saturday the 10th. “Ian will be on hand to help celebrate & to offer up some tasters of the “Autumn” Chocolate Amber & talk beer with anyone who will listen!” Uptown Market will be offering some 500 bottled beers as well as offering two taps to enjoy (or to fill a growler).