Happy 12/12/12 day! The big news in the beer world is the (non-Oregon-related) release of Stone Brewing‘s Vertical Epic 12.12.12 ale and associated tastings, but there are other Oregon beery things happening as well, which I’m endeavoring to cover here. 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 Green Dragon (Portland) has some of the Vertical Epic on tap today starting at 12pm (appropriately). I don’t believe they have the previous vintages (or are doing any vertical tastings of the multiple years) but it’s a good chance to try the new 12.12.12 fresh.

Hop Valley Brewing (Springfield) meanwhile is holding their own non-Stone-related “12.12.12” event featuring the release of “Eleven” starting at 6pm. Eleven is a Cascadian Dark Ale that was originally brewed on 11/11/11, so releasing it this year on 12/12/12 makes for a fun evening. There will be food specials and other special beers from the “brewers stash” available too.

Today is also the day that the most-coveted beer in the world, Westvleteren 12, goes on sale here in the U.S., selling for $85 for a special six-pack that also includes two chalices. Jeff has helpfully provided a list of the bottle shops here in Oregon that have Westy 12 on sale: Corvallis Beer Supply; Market of Choice in Corvallis, Eugene, Portland, and West Linn; the Bier Stein and 16 Tons in Eugene; and in Portland at Belmont Station, the Beer Mongers, Saraveza, the Hop & Vine, and John’s Market. (Although note that Saraveza posted that they’ve already pre-sold-out of it.) Go forth and score some Westy!

The Bier Stein (Eugene) is also hosting a Sierra Nevada flight night and tasting tonight starting at 6pm: “Flight Night and Tasting with Sierra Nevada Brewing next Wednesday starting @ 6pm. We will be presenting 4 strong ales in a flight including: 1. Ovila Dubbel 2. Ovila Barrel-aged Dubbel 3. Aged Bigfoot Barleywine 4. Narwhal Imperial Stout. Bobby Marler from Sierra will be here raffling off some cool gear and pouring FREE samples of this years Beer Camp brews along with Celebration Winter IPA and Kellerweiss on draft and on special! This is not an event to be missed! Cheers!”