(Brooklyn Center, MN) – Label approval came through much earlier this year for the 2013 edition of Surly Darkness Russian Imperial Stout.

In past years, we have seen it unveiled roughly around September 1st but some breweries appear to be getting wise to the TTB’s rising stack of paperwork and getting in labels a bit early.

Despite the early approval, Surly Brewing Co.’s Darkness Day is still set for the end of October, the 26th to be exact.

Darkness Day details weren’t announced until October 9th so you may need to exercise some patience.

Josh “Jawsh” Lemke created this year’s artwork in which we are introduced to the character, “Brewcifer.”

He is pure evil.

From the depths of the Brewhouse he arises! Enveloped in raging flames, his shadowy visage commands submission to the dark nectar in his goblet. Brewcifer holds before you a massively opaque black brew with notes of chocolate, coffee, dried tart cherries and raisins. The thick body of this Russian Imperial Stout finishes sweet, with a piney resinous hop character.

But he also has some helpful Sesame Street-level tips.

Brewcifer commands that you enjoy this creation in a tulip glass, to capture the complex aromas and flavors. Brewcifer would suggest that you share with a friend, Brewcifer doesn’t want you to be a jerk.