Happy Hump Day! We’re now exactly one week from Christmas Day! A reminder that I’ll be taking the holiday week off next week (and possibly the week after) from the beer news posts; but for now here’s the news from around Oregon. As usual, I’ll be periodically updating this post throughout the day 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.

Deschutes Brewery (Bend) is celebrating the release of their Red Chair NWPA seasonal today at both the Bend and Portland Pubs, all day long (from 11 to 11). Red Chair will be available both on draft and in bottles, with swag and food specials on hand as well. And just in time for Christmas, you can get photos with Santa on the Red Chair (presumably the red ski lift chair for which the beer is named)! Red Chair is classified as a Northwest Pale Ale, coming in at 6.2% abv and 60 IBUs.

McMenamins Murray & Allen (Beaverton) has a limited-edition beer release today that should appeal to Star Wars fans: TaunTaun Whiskey Stout. “The force is strong in this one. A keg of Rhino Stout was left to age for 3 months in a barrel from our own Hogshead Whiskey. Crafted with just enough pale malt to give the brew substance, and just enough dark malt to render a pronounced coffee and roast character, TaunTaun Whiskey Stout will warm you from the inside.” The beer will be tapped at 3:30pm, and from 6 to 7 the brewer will be on hand to chat about it.

Alameda Brewing (Portland) today is holding their Phat Santa Holiday Beer and Cheese Pairing Party kicking off at 6pm, featuring artisan cheeses provided by Portland’s Cheese Bar specially selected to pair with five Alameda beers: 2010 and 2011 Papa Noel’s Special Reserve, 2010 Ol’Alger Barley, 2012 Nightbeer Before Christmas, and this year’s Siberian Bear Russian Imperial Stout. I don’t know if you can get a sampler tray of all five beers paired with the cheeses, or if it’s by the glass, but either way this sounds like a winner.

PFriem Family Brewers (Hood River) has a new beer release hitting the taps tonight: “Have you been naughty or nice?? Let’s hope nice b/c we’ve got an early Christmas present for you all [tonight]! Double IPA Release @ 5:30PM Wed 12/18/13 in the tasting room! Ripe Papaya, Baked Grapefruit and oh so much Hoppy Goodness!! Be careful though, it’s 9% ABV & 95 IBU’s…this beer ain’t messin’ around!”

The Green Dragon (Portland) has a Green Dragon Brew Crew release today, kicking off at 5pm, featuring Tannenbaum XX-mas Ale. “This holiday ale pours dark brown with red highlights and a tan head. The aroma is of caramel, spice, & pine. The flavor: a rich medley coffee, dark sugar, licorice, a restrained smoke character, spices & simcoe hops. Sip & be transported fireside, christmas tree in the background, and gingerbread cookie in hand.”