The 21st Amendment Brewery’s cans debut on store shelves today in San Francisco and BevMo stores around California. The two beers, Brew Free or Die IPA and Hell or High Watermelon Wheat, are the first to be distributed by the San Francisco landmark. There will be a release party tonight at 6pm at the Toronado Pub (SF).

Lagunitas Brewing is having a Hop Stoopid release party in Chicago on Thursday, July 24. Risque Cafe is confirmed as having it on tap that night and those in the area should call around to see who else might. It is the brewery’s highest-rated beer to date.

Saint Arnold Brewing recently released its Christmas Ale down in Texas as part of the brewery’s ‘Christmas in July’ promotion. The beer will be available in casks in Austin and at stores in various cities. The best source for where to find it (aside from contacting the brewery!) is this thread at Beer Advocate. Here is a press release from last year with more background info.

I posed the question of bottles to Minnesota-based Barley John’s Colin Murphy where there had been some rumblings recently. He squashed those rumors but did say that the Dark Knight Returns, among the top 50 beers at RateBeer (and which just ran out on tap), should return this fall. He will also be brewing up his triple fermented Rosies Old Ale in two weeks.

Finally, somewhat far into the future, Midnight Sun Brewing announced that the next beer in the Planet Beer Series will be Pluto, a golden strong ale aged in French oak Chardonnay barrels with brett. The brewery also released Panty Peeler Tripel earlier this month and will be releasing Monk’s Mistress in August. The Pluto release party is set for August 21st.