Here’s the Oregon beer news for Thursday the 20th; the week is winding down, but it always seems like Thursdays have more things going on than earlier in the week for some reason! As usual I’ll be periodically updating this post throughout the day, so check back often for the latest news. If you have news to share, please contact me and I can get that updated as well.

Rock Bottom (Portland) is holding their “Rocktoberfest” tapping party tonight from 5:30 to 7pm that’s looking to be a fun event: “$2.00 pints of Rocktoberfest and free samples of our new seasonal menu will be served during the event. There will also be a costume contest for the most Ex-STREAM fish outfit as well as other opportunities to win Rock Bottom merchandise, gift certificates, and other prizes donated by the Tryon Creek Watershed Community. All event proceeds will benefit Tryon Creek Watershed Council.”

McMenamins Edgefield (Troutdale) is holding a special pre-release tasting of their Thundercone Fresh Hop Ale today, starting at 5pm (and lasting until the keg is gone). Thundercone is the wet-Cascade beer that McMenamins rolls out every year, with the official release date being tomorrow the 21st. And in addition to the pre-release, Edgefield also has a rare opportunity: “We will also be featuring a keg of the 2011 Thundercone that has been lagering for over a year for a unique opportunity to do a side by side tasting of the 2012 and 2011 vintages!” Definitely worth checking out.

Belmont Station (Portland) has a tasting and meet the brewer tonight with Pacific City’s Pelican Pub & Brewery, from 6 to 8pm, promoting the release of Pelican’s new Silverspot IPA. “Pelican’s newest beer joins their ranks in bottles and draft this week. Silverspot, an English Style IPA, will be available in bottles and on tap. The beer is named after a butterfly that lives along the west coast and Pelican Brewing is donating a portion of their sales to help fund the conservation efforts of the Silverspot Butterfly. Details coming soon.”

Crux Fermentation Project (Bend) is now entering the barrel-aging game just today: “A first ever today at Crux: some Strong Dark Belgian Ale made its way into a few barrels…” They also have a new album starting to document the project. I don’t know exactly what type of barrels are being used but at a guess I’d say brandy barrels. Very exciting, can’t wait to taste the beer to come out of these!