More beer notes to wrap up the week…

Bell’s Brewery: The big news of the day…Bell’s announced that it will begin canning beer in 2012. They haven’t committed to what brands they will can but I would be surprised if they aren’t going to do everything in their power to get it up and running for Oberon season.

Per MLive: “Bell’s Brewery Inc. is planning to install a 500-cans-per-minute canning line at its Comstock Township facility by spring of 2012 as part of an on-going expansion project, president Larry Bell said Wednesday. By comparison, the main bottling line at Bell’s, Michigan’s largest brewery, runs about 260 bottles a minute.”

Goose Island: GI contacted the brothers Beer Advocate and provided some additional insight on the sale to Anheuser-Busch. One of the interesting tidbits gleaned was the first mention of Bramble Rye Bourbon County Stout, a beer coming in “the latter half of 2011.” If there was any doubt, Christmas Ale will also return.

Troegs Brewery: They blogged at length about growth and a new facility.

The Alchemist: Here’s a mockup of the upcoming Heady Topper IPA can.

Half Acre Beer Co.: They set a release date for Marty Stouffer’s Wild America Barleywine Ale for Friday, April 8th.

Short’s Brewing: Rumored upcoming releases on Beer Advocate include Mama’s Strawberry Milk, The Gambler Bourbon Barrel Tobacco IPA and Whiskey Sour.

Flossmoor Station: .357 Magnum Imperial Pilsner should be ready for the Pre-Dark Lord day party on April 29th and another batch of Barrel-aged Hi-fi is in planning.

Portsmouth Brewery: They’re working on a 20th anniversary collaboration beer (need Facebook). Also noteworthy, albeit a bit late, Seacoast Beverage Lab had a live blog going of Kate the Great Day. He even had a live webcam stream up on his site. Impressive.