Here is the news in Oregon beer for this Thursday, January 17. As usual I’ll be periodically updating this post throughout the day, so check back in from time to time for the latest updates. And if you have news show share please feel free to contact me to let me know!

Rock Bottom Brewery (Portland) is hosting its 2nd Annual Battle of the Brigades to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association tonight starting at 5:30pm: “What are two things Portland loves most? Beer and their firefighters, thats what! Five of our firefighting home-brewers from 5 departments across the metro area have been working on brewing their best versions of an “Red Ale”. Come out and support your local stations and vote for your favorite. Brewers are from Portland, Hillsboro, Clackamas, Vancouver and Tualatin Valley. Come in on Thursday Jan 17th starting at 5:30pm and purchase a flight of all 5 beers to try for $10 with 100% of the proceeds benefitting Muscular Dystrophy Association. Each flight will come with a score card and you, Portland, will get to decide the winner. Hillsboro Fire’s own Firefighter Sam Scott will be defending the title form our first annual contest! Not only will the winner receive bragging rights, but a trophy to keep at his or her station and the winning beer will be the recipe for the 2019 Fire Chief Ale!” This sounds like a lot of fun and benefits a great cause—don’t miss out!

Eugene’s Beergarden kicks off its 4th Annual Brews, Blues, and Chowder Fest today, which runs through Sunday the 20th. “The trifecta of specialty menu items from our five food carts, free, live music and a killer tap list to pair make beergarden events one of a kind. Brews, Blues, and Chowder Fest 2019 is no exception. Each of our carts are curating an epic chowder list. We will host blues music from the best talent in our area. And 100% Oregon Coast breweries and cider makers on tap, to round out this epic Coast themed event.” Chowder and beer and live music all weekend long!

McMenamins Kennedy School (Portland) has its monthly limited-edition beer tasting today from 5 to 7pm in the brewery. No mention yet of what will be pouring but you get a chance to meet the brewers and chat about the beer.

Portland Cider is releasing its seasonal Grape Gatsby Concord Grape Cider and hosting the release party today starting at 5pm: “It’s a Grape Gatsby of a New Year at Portland Cider!! Join us to celebrate the official tapping of our latest seasonal Concord Grape! With celebrations at both pubs, we’ll have 2 cider cocktails plus 22oz bottles to go! Our cocktails will have a roaring 20’s theme and if you show up in your dapper & flapper duds, get a special discount on your pint or bottle! Official Release Party is happening at both Portland Cider Co. pubs: Hawthorne Portland Cider House & Clackamas. Concord Grape is our semi-sweet jewel of the Winter, made of 100% NW grown apples and concord grapes. Slightly tart, delightfully juicy & bursting with memories.”

Worthy Brewing (Bend) has a pastry, er, beer in the works: “Ocean Roll beer. Is. Happening. We mashed some @sparrowbakery Ocean Rolls this morning to create a beautiful pastry beer concoction as a special treat for Worthy Brewing’s 6th anniversary next month. The team got in the zone by listening to waves, which have been added to recreate the vibe, and to set the mood for creating a beer with a ‘good bake’.” The Ocean Rolls in question are basically cinnamon rolls, only made with cardamom instead of cinnamon.

Base Camp Brewing (Portland) has a new beer going on tap tomorrow: “Empire Apple Brut IPA- 7.06% ABV⁣. Base Camp Brewing x Wildcraft Cider Works⁣. Our collaboration with @wildcraftcider is finally ready! We added fresh pressed Empire apple juice from Wildcraft to cooled, unfermented wort and allowed the wild fermentation from the natural yeasts in the fruit to work their magic. Then, we finished it off with Cascade and Centennial hops. The result is a very dry, sparkling IPA with hints of tart apple. We’ll be tapping the first kegs tomorrow night (1/18) at 6 pm at the taproom. Join us!”

The Hoppy Brewer (Gresham) welcomes Thunder Island Brewing for a meet the brewer and tasting event tonight: “Don’t miss our beer tasting event featuring Thunder Island Brewing Company. Take advantage of this special opportunity to meet the brewer, Andrew Rosette! Plus, we’ll have live music featuring Bob Voll from 6 PM until 9 PM.”

Solera Brewery (Parkdale) is pouring a new beer today: “We got new snow and a new beer today. Come on out to Parkdale for a pint of Chainsaws and Chairlifts NW lager, solid malt backbone with a generous amount of Mt Hood hops. Snowball fights encouraged.”

The Civic Taproom (Portland) is hosting a tap takeover with Bend’s Silver Moon Brewing tonight starting at 6pm.

Santiam Brewing (Salem) is hosting its Pints for Pets fundraiser this evening starting at 6pm: “We’re bringing kittens and puppies for cuddling, and Santiam will make a $1 donation to the shelter for every pint sold. You won’t want to miss out.”