MORNING FOAM FOR WEDNESDAY, JULY 6 2016: A seven-taster flight of craft beer news …

Ex Novo Brewing — the first nonprofit brewery in Portland and for that matter, the entire country — celebrates it second anniversary with a block party Saturday, July 9. Expect special beers pouring throughout the day, a photo booth, cake, special food menu, outdoor games, giveaways and anniversary beer Duo, a Barrel Aged Peach Lambic.

Because Clackamas County’s beer scene has grown grow steadily (especially in Oregon City) over the last 18 months Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory has announced a passport program that will link beer-lovers with some of these breweries and taprooms.

One of Hood River’s most celebrated breweries of late turns four years old next month. pFriem Family Brewers will celebrate when it hosts its 4th Anniversary Party Aug. 6.

Want to really disrupt the heady beer industry, which is worth more than $300 billion? Try making a lager that beats big beer.

The phrase “cool as a cucumber” isn’t just some meaningless cliché — the green gourds’ thick skin actually keeps its innards about 20 degrees colder than the air outside it. More than that, though, cuke flavor has a soothing, chill-out quality that makes it a favorite addition to ice water at your neighborhood spa. That same sensation can be employed to great effect in the right beer, so put a few slices over your eyes and pour a glass of one of these cucumber-based brews to keep the heat at bay.

In just five years, Camden Town Brewery grew to become one of the largest craft breweries in the UK.

Are their negative aspects of beer? Yes, but don’t let those instances confuse you as to why craft beer has become so popular. It’s because it’s fun.