Happy Hump Day! Halfway through the week and counting down the days… Here’s the Oregon beer news for Wednesday, February 21. 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 too.

Portland’s Saraveza is hosting Lederhosen and Leis tonight with Zoiglhaus Brewing and Pono Brewing from 6 to 9pm: “Come celebrate the coming together of beer styles and cultures half a world apart on Wednesday, February 21st from 6-9 PM for the official release of Zoiglhaus and Pono Brewing’s collab “Saving Grace” a hoppy lager made w/ Azacca and Ekuanot hops. This mash up’s got the hefty hop profile of an IPA w/ the light body of a lager with notes of mango, papaya, pineapple, lemon, lime, and fresh peppers. We’ll have a tap list including delicious and unique beers from both breweries and the folks from the breweries will be on hand. Whether you’re German, Hawaiian, or just plain excited about drinking great beer then come on down!”

Astoria Brewing is officially consolidating and rebranding their Wet Dog Cafe (where they started) to the “Astoria Brewing” name. The Daily Astorian has a story about it and includes some of the history behind the Wet Dog. “In 1995, Seaside residents Joe Gwerder and Harry Henke started Wet Dog Cafe at the Astoria Riverwalk and 11th Street. Stephen Allen, a local accountant, joined as a silent partner and bought Gwerder and Henke out in 1997, soon after adding a separate operation, Pacific Rim Brewery, in the same location. In 2005, the brewery portion of the business was renamed Astoria Brewing Co., in commemoration of Astoria Brewery, the city’s first, started in 1872. Astoria Brewing Co., including Pacific Rim, is the city’s oldest active brewery. The Wet Dog Cafe & Brewery name remained for the main pub.”

McMenamins Murray & Allen (Portland) has a limited-edition beer tasting tonight with Oak Hills brewer Dan Black, featuring Coffee Mountain Nut Brown: “As the short days get shorter and the long nights get longer, take a break and recharge with our Coffee Infused Nut Brown Ale. We added McMenamins freshly roasted Coffee Beans to an original recipe from Oak Hills: Lace Mountain Nut Brown. This brew boasts a nice pick-me-up, and complements the complex Nut Brown flavors well.” The tasting is from 5 to 8pm.

Deschutes Brewery (Bend) announced big news today: Brewmaster Karl Ockert is leaving the company. From the release: “Deschutes Brewery announces that Karl Ockert, director of brewery operations, will be leaving the Bend-based organization at the end of March to return to his former role consulting to the craft beer industry. Ockert, a 35-year industry veteran and one of the early founders of the craft beer movement in Oregon, has spent the past three years at Deschutes. With his expertise in brewing and operations, he led the company to new portfolio creations as well as the new pilot brew house and the installation of a new canning line at the company’s Bend facility. He also has been instrumental in the design and planning for the brewery’s new production facility in Roanoke, Virginia.”

Double Mountain Brewery‘s Woodstock Taproom in Portland is hosting the fourth annual Habitap with Columbia Land Trust tonight: “Come toast to nature with Columbia Land Trust at our 4th Annual Habitap event on Wednesday, February 21st at Double Mountain (SE Woodstock, PORTLAND LOCATION) from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Learn about the Land Trust’s new Conversation Agenda and celebrate the spirit of #FearlessNature with staff and our Emerging Leaders Council. We’re excited to continue our partnership with Double Mountain Taproom on Portland’s SE Woodstock Boulevard. Double Mountain is generously donating $1.00 per beer in support of Columbia Land Trust’s conservation efforts. Bring friends, bring family, and partake in trivia with raffle prizes (including swag, growlers, and tours of wild and conserved lands), a photo booth, and general merriment.”

Portland’s Alameda Brewing tapped a couple of beers to beat the snow today: “The snow took a break but there’s HAZE in the forecast! We just tapped Juice Cruise, our hazy IPA, and Saint Brigid Irish Red! Come in before we get covered in snow again and have a pint of each. Hazy’s not your thing? We’ve got 3 other IPA’s on tap!”

Worthy Brewing (Bend) tapped their own snow day beer today: “It’s only cold if you stop drinking.
NOW TAPPED: INDY CRAFT AMBER ALE
5.3% ABV – 20 IBU
Chinook and Crystal Hops.
Aroma & Flavor: Pine, hazelnut, caramel, chocolate, sweet and low bitterness.”

Bazi Bierbrasserie (Portland) is hosting the Portland launch of Tre Fontane today starting at 4pm: “Celebrating the US and Portland bottle release of the 11th Trappist Brewery of the World, The Abbey of the Tre Fontane in Rome, Italy! We’ll be featuring Tre Fontane Tripel in 11.2oz bottles. Also, special flights of ALL Trappist ales will be available, including some on draft.”