Here’s the Oregon beer news for Monday, December 17th; with Christmas just a week away, I don’t expect to be a very busy news week—plus I’m planning on taking next week off from the news blogging for the holiday. In the meantime, I’ll be updating this post periodically throughout the day (as usual) with the latest news, so check back often for updates. And if you have news to share please contact me and I can get that updated as well.

McMenamins Crystal Ballroom (Portland) is having a limited-edition beer tasting (at Lola’s Room) from 6 to 8pm featuring “Run to the Pils”: “A full flavored Pilsner that leaves you wanting more. A high-quality pilsner malt creates a clean and sturdy base for the onslaught of Sterling hops, which create a unique spicy, floral, and grassy character to a still very approachable beer. Lagered for over a month, this beer finishes dry and refreshing without overpowering bitterness. Brilliant name credited to our awesome bartender Zach. Run to the Pils, Run for your life!”

The Green Dragon (Portland): Today at 5pm they’re holding a special holiday book signing event for the new book, Hop in the Saddle, the new book subtitled “A Guide to Portland’s Craft Beer Scene, by Bike” by Lucy Birmingham and Ellee Thalheimer. Both authors will be on hand to sign books and there will be plenty of beer of course as well. If you’re into bikes and beer and Portland, this would be a great event and a great gift to give someone for Christmas!

Gilgamesh Brewing (Salem) received the equipment for a new brew system yesterday, a substantial load of equipment rolling in on a truck which looks like a decent expansion. I don’t know if this equipment is destined for their new “Campus” in Salem (their second location) but it’s nice to see the brewery doing well enough to need to expand.

Full Sail Brewing (Hood River): Their December Brewmaster Dinner takes place this Thursday, the 20th, at their Hood River pub, featuring four courses paired with their holiday beers. “This month we’re serving up a spin on a traditional holiday feast, with a little mountain lodge cuisine thrown in. This is one superb menu that’s guaranteed to sell out and that you won’t want to miss! All four courses are expertly paired with our award-winning holiday beers, all for just $35.” As with their other dinners, I believe this starts at 6pm and it seats on a first-come, first-served basis.

Lompoc Brewing (Portland) has a meet the brewers event taking place at their Oaks Bottom location on Thursday the 20th, which sounds like a good evening: “On Thursday, Dec. 20th from 5 to 7pm, join us for Meet the Brewers Night at Oaks Bottom Public House (1621 SE Bybee). Join Bryan, Josh & Irena as they release Prime Directive IPA, the first in our Sci-Fi IPA series. Plus, Irena will be on the patio with vintage bottle tastings of Braggot, Bourbon BBL Aged C-sons Greetings & Bourbon BBL Aged Tavern Rat. We’ll also have bottles of vintage Braggot for sale.”