Dogfish Head Bourbon Barrel Aged Worldwide Stout

Dogfish Head debuted its World Wide Stout back in 1999. The brewers offered not just a stout, but one that set itself apart from the entire family of stout beers. Most stouts are pitch black, with a strong malt backbone, and usually aromatic and taste elements that feature chocolate, coffee, cocoa, or roasted grains. They are also generally low in ABV, ranging from 4% to 6% but could go as high as 8% to 12% if it is an imperial stout.

Dogfish Head and its brewers sought to transcend even the imperial stout with its World Wide Stout. Everything about this beer is more than the average stout. Somehow, the beer appears more black than a typical stout. Its aromas feature deeper tones of coffee and roasted grains. Its flavors feature fuller notes of the same elements. And, as for its ABV, that runs anywhere from 15% to 20%. For that reason, the World Wide Stout is basically an experience onto its own. 

But, the brewers have not rested with simply the World Wide Stout. They have continued to experiment with the beer, producing versions of the stout like a Barrel Aged World Wide Stout. As a fan of barrel aged beers, I bought a four pack when I was at Dogfish Head's brewpub in Rehoboth Beach. I also did what the brewers suggest, cellaring the beer for a period of time. Now, I have had a chance to enjoy the beer, and, like its predecessors, the Bourbon Barrel Aged World Wide Stout is that singular experience. 

The beer pours pitch black, like motor oil or obsidian. The aromatic elements feature more of the bourbon barrel, which is not unexpected with barrel aged beers, but also a strong alcohol presence (which is also not unexpected given its 18.3% ABV). There are hints, not of coffee or chocolate, but of a boozy fruit, like blackberries or cherries, which I found to be interesting. Those elements came through in flavor as well, providing an unexpected sweetness.

As with anything that has a very high ABV, this is a beer for sipping and enjoying over a longer period of time. It is definitely worth the experience, even though it can be quite pricey in the store. Still, it is worth purchasing to try and keep around whenever you want to just sit back and relax.  Until next time ...

PEACE.