(Kalamazoo, MI) – Bell’s Brewery has received the long-awaited label approval for Black Note Stout in 750ml bottles. Black Note Stout is an Imperial Stout that has been aging in bourbon barrels since the end of 2010.

Bell’s introduced 750ml bottles earlier this year for sale at the brewery’s “General Store.” We’ve seen beers like Sparkling Ale and Quinannan Falls Lager released in the big format but none of the 750ml releases has been more anticipated than Black Note Stout. It sits at #3 in the world in RateBeer’s Top 50.

Here is the beer description from Bell’s website:

One of the most sought-after stouts in Bell’s history, Black Note Stout blends the complex aromatics of Expedition Stout with the velvety smooth texture of Double Cream Stout and ages the combination in freshly retired oak bourbon barrels for months. The resulting harmony of flavors captures the finest features of all three components: malty notes of dark chocolate, espresso & dried fruits, all buoyed by the warmth and fragrance of the bourbon barrel. Aimed squarely at the stout and bourbon aficionados, Black Note makes a grand statement about the art of the dark.

One thing to note is that label approvals like this one are not necessarily ‘final’ meaning that the brewery may still decide not to release the beer in bottles or may change the packaging/design. Also note that the bottle count on the label may not be accurate.

Bell’s has not yet released any official details about the release of Black Note.