Here’s the news in Oregon beer from around the state for this Thursday, May 17. As usual I will be updating occasionally throughout the afternoon, so check back in on this post from time to time for any updates. And of course feel free to send me any beer news that I can get posted as well.

BridgePort Brewing (Portland) has a new pilot brewing system and today starting at 4:30pm they brewery is opening it up to the public for a Pilot Party to officially inaugurate it: “Join BridgePort Brewing to celebrate the lift-off of our new experimental pilot beer system. Enjoy $1 half pints and try out all of our brand new beers. We will have Belgian Blonde, German Hefeweizen, Portland Style Red, German Helles and Mexican Lager.” BridgePort will also be previewing its upcoming Rosé IPA (dubbed as “the beer of the summer”).

Bend’s Worthy Brewing is hosting an event this evening sure to interest hop hobbyists and entrepreneurs alike: Marketing your Hops. “Zak Schroerlucke, Crosby Hops Marketing Specialist, will be here to talk about marketing your hops. Whether you’re a new farmer, thinking about farming, or been in the game for a while, there’s always more to learn! Meet in Worthy Brewing’s Hop Mahal at 6pm. There is no charge for this event. Beer and food allowed (must purchase in the restaurant/bar).”

McMenamins Kennedy School (Portland) has a limited-edition beer tasting today from 5 to 7pm. No details posted on what the beer being featured will be, but check it out if you’re around.

Central Oregon Beer Week starts today—or tomorrow, or Saturday, depending on how you want to track such things. The logo says May 17, the website countdown starts on the 18th (tomorrow), and the first official listed event (Wild Ride’s four year anniversary and COBW kick off) takes place Saturday the 19th. Whenever you’d like to start celebrating, it’s a good time to drink some Central Oregon beer!

The Bier Stein (Eugene) is hosting a tasting with Cyderish, a new Eugene cidery, this evening from 5 to 8pm: “Come enjoy some of the freshest Spring/Summer cider you’ll taste! Our Cucumber infused Gin & Lime Cider is already proving to be a hit with several orders all around Eugene. Both the cucumber & lime are organic, infused into Think Tree Gin.”

Belmont Station is hosting a tapping of Coconut Rye Parabola from Firestone Walker this evening: “Come enjoy this racy reinterpretation of the Firestone Walker classic! The story of this beer begins with a select lot of Parabola racked into premium rye whiskey barrels for extended aging. A year later, the FW crew toasted shaved coconut over coals of rum barrel wood, then commingled it with the rye-aged Parabola for one month. The inclusion of the caramelized coconut amplifies the natural coconut notes found in regular bourbon barrel-aged Parabola, while the influence of the rye whiskey barrels adds a distinct peppery character.” That definitely sounds interesting.