Happy Monday—we’re about halfway through the month to Christmas already! Here’s the Oregon beer news for this December 12. As usual, I’ll be periodically updating this post throughout the day with the latest news as I find it, so check back often. And if you have news to share, please contact me and I can get that posted as well.

Deschutes Brewery (Bend) is celebrating the release of Red Chair NWPA today, from 5 to 7pm: “Join us for another year of holiday cheer as we celebrate Red Chair NWPA with Santa and his Elves! Santa will be taking pictures with family and friends from 5-7pm and we will be pouring samples of Red Chair NWPA and serving up culinary specials! Come get your picture taken with Santa Bubbles!”

Bailey’s Taproom The Upper Lip (Portland) is hosting an Abraxas Night tonight from 4 to 10pm: “Running Man Distribution & The Upper Lip presents… Perennial’s Abraxas Draft Release Party featuring… Abraxas, Imperial Stout w/ ancho chili peppers, cacao nibs, cinnamon sticks; Abraxas w/ coffee; Abraxas w/ vanilla; Meriwether, collaboration Saison w/ The Commons (Silver Medal @ 2016 GABF: Classic Saison); and Hommelbier, Belgian Pale Ale.”

Don’t forget that Mondays at all McMenamins locations are “Growler Mondays,” featuring $8 growler fills on any beer on tap ($10 for the high gravity beers, and not including the Brewmasters Reserve series). This is a good deal all around, and many of the various locations have their own in-house recipes on tap to check out—don’t miss out!

And while I’m taking about cheap growler fills, Bend’s Boneyard Beer tasting room has regular crowler fills (the 32-ounce can “growler”) for only $6 (and $5 on Wednesdays), which is a great deal. The “regular” beers are the standard gravity, non-limited ones; the prices scales up a bit for the higher end and stronger beers, but even then you can’t pass them up!

The Ram Restaurant & Brewery has opened its fourth location in Medford, according to the New School (other locations are Salem, Clackamas, and Wilsonville). From the New School post (and press release): “The RAM Restaurant and Brewery will open its second Oregon brewery (in addition to the Clackamas Town Center in Portland) and fourth Oregon location in Medford at 165 Rossanley Drive on Monday, December 12th. At the Medford RAM guests will discover their favorite beer from the 14 selections on tap. Long time, established local brewer Scott Sulsbury brings over 23 years of experience to The RAM. He will head up the Medford RAM brewing team and will bring great energy and new brewing styles to the menu.” This is a nice addition to the Southern Oregon beer scene.

Here’s a roundup of more news from some of the other fine beer blogs in the state:

• Nectar Creek Plans for New Facility and Tap Room in Philomath, Oregon – The New School. Always glad to see the beer-alternatives like cider and mead expanding.
• Charles Porter Officially Announces His New Brewing Venture – Little Beast Brewing – Brewpublic. Porter is formerly from Logsdon Farmhosue Ales.
• Interview With Rogue Ales’ Brett Joyce on the new Rogue Eastside Pub & Pilot Brewery – Brewpublic. D.J. Paul posts a deep-dive interview on the changes coming to the Green Dragon.
• Christmas shopping time — check out the New School’s holiday gift guide installments here and here.
• December – February Northwest Beer Festival Calendar – The Not So Professional Beer Blog. Sanjay did a great job compiling this list.

Mt. Tabor Brewing (Portland) announced their new brewer today: “We are excited to have Rodney Stryker joining Mt Tabor Brewing as our new Head Brewer. Rodney brings 4.5 years of head brewing experience to the team as well as a plethora of creative ideas on new beers to tempt your taste buds.”

Standing Stone Brewing (Ashland) has a new beer on tap: “Our newest specialty, Citrine Pale is on tap now! Golden Brown Color, Strong Citrusy Aroma and Medium Bodied Mouthfeel. 5.6% ABV 40 IBU. Swing by for a Pint of this delicious Pale Ale– and don’t forget your Growler, you’re gonna want to bring some home!”