Your weekly roundup

Catching up with more news from the past week in local craft beer:

– The Viking tavern, a longtime local fixture, is preparing to reopen under new ownership. Mid-February is the target date following extensive renovations, according to their new Facebook page .

Spokane’s pioneering craft beer bar in the early days of the movement, The Viking closed without explanation in August.

– Looking past Christmas, two more New Year’s weekend events have been announced: The Steel Barrel’s inaugural New Year’s Eve party , with drink specials and a new winter menu from Zona Blanca ceviche bar, and Selkirk Abbey’s annual New Year’s Day brunch , this year featuring Black Tie Catering .

– Badass Backyard has launched a series of guest beers made on the house system by local homebrewers, starting with this week’s Uncle Red from John Forsman of brewery-in-progress Knucklehead. A cranberry IPA by Travis Collins will follow.

“It’s a cool way for brewers to get some feedback from people who aren’t just their friends,” Badass owner Charlene Honcik says.

– Yelp has named Daft Badger the best brewery in Idaho, based on a formula including the number of reviews by members and their star ratings. Washington honors went to Georgetown.

– Finally, a fond farewell to Benny , Laughing Dog’s namesake yellow Lab who passed away today after almost 14 years of life; he’s survived by a son, Ruger. Even those who didn’t know him felt like they did from the brewery’s beer labels . Rest in peace, sweet boy.