Here’s the news in beer from around Oregon for Thursday, the 10th of May. As usual I’ll be updating this post periodically throughout the day, so check back often for the latest news. If you have news you’d like to share, please contact me and I can get it posted.

Oakshire Brewing (Eugene) has a big pub crawl going on tonight for Eugene Beer Week, starting at 6pm and going to… whenever! “Meet the Oakshire Team at Hot Mama’s Wings at 6p- then join us as we bike to Cornucopia’s Maize Lounge (7p), Max’s Tavern (8p), The Webfoot (9p), Rennie’s Landing (10p), and ending at Wild Duck Cafe (11p). See you there!” This would be a blast and you get to hang out with some of the Oakshire folks—win-win!

This Sunday, May 13th (and Mother’s Day) is FredFest! One of those premier Portland events that celebrates writer Fred Eckhardt. “What started as a small surprise 80th birthday party for world-renowned beer writer Fred Eckhardt is coming back around in its seventh year as one of the most anticipated beer events of the year. Attendees will be treated not only to a rare assortment of hand-selected beers, but also light fare cooked in beer and a birthday cake — complete with a round of “Happy Birthday” — just for Fred. Cheeses, chocolate, candy and even cereal will be offered in abundance so attendees can experience some of Fred’s famed beer-and-food pairings.”  Tickets are $60 and it looks like there are still some available; and it takes place at Hair of the Dog on Yamhill from  2 to 6pm.

McMenamins Edgefield (Troutdale): Today they’ve got a limited-edition beer tasting featuring “Crazy Christina’s Caramel Corn Ale” which, yeah, given the name I wish I could try. (Christina Canto is the brewer who created the Bellini Cream Ale that was at the Oregon Garden Brewfest.) “Like a trip to the state fair… with Weird Al headlining the big-top! Originally brewed for Cornelius Pass Roadhouse’s Unique Side of Beer tasting coming up in late May, this ale was brewed with generous amounts of flaked corn and caramel Vienna malt. The flaked corn gives the beer a nice creamy mouth feel and subtle sweetness, and the caramel Vienna malt lends flavors of caramelized sugar thus adds a wonderful hue to the ale. Hops predominantly known for their spiciness allow the beer to finish with a nice crispness. The addition of a vanilla bean, added directly to the keg, adds smoothness and completes the nostalgic experience; you can probably hear the carnival organ now.”  It’s just over 6% abv and will be tapped at 5pm; and because it’s limited, when the keg is gone, it’s gone.

Old Mill Brew Werks (Bend) is introducing a new growler fill deal: “Local’s night tonight launches Grub N Jug days at OMBW! Buy a meal and we will fill your growler for $6 from a nightly rotating tap. Tonight’s taps are MacTarnahan’s Amber and Dark Saison Widmer.” That’s a good deal! And joins the ranks of other growler deals around town, such as Boneyard (Wednesdays) and Silver Moon (Tuesdays and Wednesdays).

Block 15 (Corvallis): They are doing a tap takeover at 16 Tons Taphouse in Eugene (part of their Beer Week) tonight with a number of delicious offerings: “We are bringing King Caspian(Imperial Red) on Nitro, Alpha IPA, Wandlepad(Belgian Blonde), Hatter’s Riddle(Belgian Saison), and Golden Canary(Sour Wild Golden).”

Breakside Brewery (Portland): Their 2nd Anniversary is this Saturday, the 12th, and they’re holding a big block party from 1 to 7pm to celebrate! “The Block Party will feature live music, special release beers, and guest “celebrity” chefs on the outdoor grill, with an additional 8-10 beers on tap outside to augment what is on in the pub. The ticket package will be $15 for a commemorative tasting glass and 5 drink tickets for our outside tent. As a party plus, we’ll be selling mixed six packs of all of the anniversary and barrel-aged beers for that day only. Additionally, we’re getting special release ‘birthday beers’ from our friends at Upright, Burnside, Widmer Bros. and The Commons.” It’s going to be quite a party!