NOTE: Please see letter above for important changes to Hopslam's release in 2012.

Many of you have asked on a variety of platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and via email) when Hopslam will be available. Until now, we could only say January, as important packaging and logistic issues were still being finalized.

Today, we have more details for you – actual release dates.

Please know that we have been working very hard for months to ensure this beer gets to as many of you, our fans, as soon as possible.

To make that happen, there were a number of important factors to consider. One is the dry hopping process, which like Two Hearted Ale, limits how much we can produce at one time. Another very important factor is the $52 million construction and expansion project that is ongoing here in Michigan.

Because of these and other factors, Hopslam will be available a little later than in the past.

Here are the release dates for Hopslam in 2012.

Hopslam on draft: Jan. 25

Hopslam in bottles: Feb. 8

We appreciate everyone’s continued support and patience as we transition into our new brewhouse and look forward to completing this project in 2012.

For more information on where Hopslam will be available in your area, please consult our Beer Finder and contact the distributor for your county. You can also contact your favorite bar, retailer or restaurant to inquire if and when they will have it as well.

We want to remind everyone that the Eccentric Café in downtown Kalamazoo will be closing early on Dec. 24 at 5 p.m. The Café will also be closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.

Please also note that tours of our original brewery will not be offered Dec. 24 or Dec. 31. Free tours will return Jan. 7.

Plans to ring in the New Year?

You can catch Strange Arrangement of Chicago not once, but twice at the Cafe.

On Dec. 30, they will be joined by special guests The Coop. On New Year’s Eve, Strange Arrangement will be joined by The Twin Cats, who recently announced that they will be heading to the 2012 Super Bowl to serve as the house band for ESPN’s SportsNation.

Tickets are $10 and $15 respectively. Both shows are 21+.

You can get tickets for both shows online at http://bellsbrewery.frontgatetickets.com/ or in person at the Bell's General Store.

Speaking of the new year, you can also purchase advance tickets for three other shows coming up in 2012:

• An evening with Dark Star Orchestra on Feb. 7

• An evening with Cornmeal on Feb. 10

• Conspirator on Feb. 19

Here is a look at Bell's beer events this week in Pennsylvania, Georgia, Michigan and Indiana.

Pennsylvania

Dec. 19

Beast Feast at M.o.M.'s
This beer dinner tonight in Doylestown will pair dishes like wild boar tenderloin, grilled buffalo sausage and venison with Bell's Consecrator Doppelbock, Christmas Ale and more. Call 215-340-1880 for more information.

Dec. 21

Celebrate the darkest day of the year at Devil's Den
Black Note, Expedition, Cherry, Double Cream and other Bell's stouts will featured on the longest night of the year in Philadelphia. Call 215-339-0855 for more information.

Georgia

Dec. 19

Hanukkah vs. Christmas
Steinbeck's Ale House in Decatur will host this six course beer dinner featuring beer from Bell's and Shmaltz Brewing Co. Tickets are $50 per person. Take a look at the menu here. Call 404-373-1116 for more information.

Dec, 21

Christmas Xtravaganza at Midway Pub
Bring a canned food donation instead pf paying admission to this holiday celebration featuring Black Note, Christmas Ale, Hopsoulution, Quinannan Falls Special Lager, Sparkling Ale and more. Call 404-684-0335 for more information.

Special tapping at Ale Yeah
This all day event will feature Amber Ale, Expedition Stout, Hell Hath No Fury … Ale, Quinannan Falls Special Lager, Two Hearted Ale and Winter White Ale. Call 404-371-4331 for more information.

Michigan

Dec. 22

Holiday taco and beer dinner
This six course beer dinner will feature Two Hearted, Best Brown, Christmas Ale, Winter White, Special Double Cream Stout and Bell's Lager at City Park Grill in Petoskey. Call 231-347-0101 for more information. Check out the full menu here.

Indiana

Dec. 23

Deer Park Christmas Party
Celebrate the holidays with a firkin of Two Hearted plus Best Brown, Winter White and Christmas Ale starting at 5:30 p.m. at Deer Park Pub in Fort Wayne. Call 260-432-8966 for more information.