Happy Solstice! Today’s the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year and the first official day of winter, and there are a number of related events taking place today in Oregon’s beer news. As usual, I’ll be periodically updating this post throughout the day with the latest news, so check back often for updates. If you have news to share, please contact me and I can get that updated as well.

McMenamins Murray & Allen (Beaverton) has their Sippin’ in the Suburbs beer tasting today from 5 to 8pm, featuring Rip City Red: “This malty, hoppy wonder is an India Red Ale. It’s a bit more mellow than our Kris Kringle, but a bigger beer than Hammerhead. Deep red in color with an off-white head, this is a nice middle-of-the-road Winter Ale. Malty flavors of prune, bread and chocolate balance the noble style of Brewers Gold Hops that provide tea and floral flavors.”

Full Sail Brewing (Hood River): Today to celebrate the solstice they are throwing their Shortest Day Bash starting at 4:25pm today: “The shortest day of the year means the longest night, with more time to celebrate at our Shortest Day Bash on Wednesday, December 21, the shortest day of the year. Get a taste of the dark side with a vertical Shortest Day CDA tasting starting at sunset (4:25 PM). We’ll be tapping a pub-exclusive cask-conditioned Shortest Day CDA, alongside our CDA on draft. We’ll be raffling off prizes including a CAPiTA Snowboard, showcasing local artist renderings of the PNW outdoors and we’ll even have live music by the Hazelnuts on the deck.”

Portland’s Ground Breaker Brewing is also celebrating the solstice with a three-course Winter Solstice Dinner that starts at 4:30: “We are celebrating the longest night of the year with a special menu on the solstice, Wednesday, December 21. Dinner is served when the sun sets at 4:30. Alongside a few of our favorites off our regular menu we will have a special menu with beer pairings.” All of the beers are variations on a Dark Ale which seems appropriate for the longest night!

McMenamins 23rd Avenue Bottle Shop (Portland) is releasing bottles of Longest Night of the Year Barleywine today and you’re going to want to get some: “We’re releasing Edgefield Brewery’s Longest Night of the Year Barrel-Aged Barleywine. This behemoth of a brew will be available in bottles of a very limited quantity. We’ll also have Longest Night on tap for a time that we can only assume will not match the length of this evening. The event will feature a special Taster Tray and we’ll be offering progressive discounts throughout the evening.” This starts at 5pm and runs until midnight.

Bend Brewing Company is hosting a holiday beer pairing dinner tonight starting at 6:30pm. “Bend Brewing Co. is hosting a one of a kind holiday dining experience where you’ll learn the secret to successfully pair different styles of beer with dishes that create harmony, contrast, and balance. In-house Cicerone Certified Beer Server, Seo Martinez, will guide you through the thoughtfully selected beers from our award winning cellar and four courses of uniquely prepared and delicious food offerings. Arrive at 6:30pm for a welcome beer before the first course. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased at the link above.” They did post that this is sold out but if you’re interested it’s always worth a phone call to see if you can get in!

Cascade Brewing (Portland) has a solstice-themed beer release today: “Happy Winter Solstice! In honor of the shortest days of winter, we’re releasing Dark Day IPA on draft today. This fruity-resinous, hop-forward Black IPA is brewed with a healthy dose of Pacific Gem, Mandarina Bavaria and Hallertau Blanc hops. If you’re looking for a beer with silky smooth, dark malt character and gripping hop bitterness, you’ve found it! Available at both pubs.”

Portland’s Montavilla Brew Works is having a solstice party and barleywine release at Beer Bunker bar tonight from 5 to 11pm: “Celebrate the longest night of the year with us at the Beer Bunker! Special tapping of Montavilla Brew Works 2015 “Old Fellowship Barleywine”. Michael Kora will guest bartend 5pm-7pm. Raffle giveaways!”

Ex Novo Brewing (Portland) has a solstice bottle release of an Imperial Stout today: “[Today] is the solstice, and with it we bring the first bottle release of Kill the Sun! Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout, 12.5%. Delicious now or add to the cellar. Available at the pub at 3pm and at fine beer stores around town.”

Wild Ride Brewing (Redmond) is hosting a customer appreciation night and ugly sweater party tonight: “Come out to Wild Ride [tonight] from 4pm-7pm for our Customer Appreciation Party! Beer specials, swag giveaways and of course prizes for your ugliest sweaters!” Should be fun!

The Green Dragon (Portland): Tonight’s Green Dragon Brew Crew release at 5pm is featuring HefeSpritezen: “HefeSpritezen is the latest and fourth beer in a series of wheat beers brewed by the Green Dragon Brew Crew this year highlighting the enjoyable drinkability of wheat. Brewed with 36% German wheat, german pilsner and a touch of caramel wheat for color and aroma. This unique beer gets its name from the lemon-lime characteristics provided by the Lemon-drop and Sorachi Ace hops. A touch of lime zest was the only fruit added near the end of the boil.”