(Chicago, IL) – Goose Island Pepe Nero labels received approval this week.

[10/27 Update: With updated, more “precise” release dates on BCS/Madame Rose…

Goose Island just tweeted the following within the last hour: “BCS Vanilla Update: Brewers tried it & thought it needed more time so beer is still in barrels. Will keep updated on release date! Cheers!”]

The black saison, which debuted on tap in March as part of the Fulton and Wood Draft Series, was OK’ed for both 12 oz. and 22 oz. bottles, one or both of which will be released sometime next year.

Goose Island Brewer, John Wyzkiewicz, describes the beer as having a grist bill with more dark, roasted malts. Pepe Nero is highly carbonated and somewhat spicy with the aid of black peppercorns. One major change from initial release to bottles is that the beer is going from 6% ABV to 4.6% ABV. (30 IBUs).

In addition, it looks like Goose Island Fleur may be joining Matilda and others in 12 oz. 4-packs soon.

Side note: The latest on BCS Vanilla is that the beer will be packaged in November. As for BCS Rare, there is no release date to report yet.

[10/27 Update: This comes from someone inside GI. Don’t shoot the messenger! And don’t expect GI to confirm these officially..

Bourbon County Stout Vanilla – early November (first week?) delayed, see above…
Bourbon County Stout Rare – late November (week after Thanksgiving-ish)
Madame Rose – early December (first week?)]