Dogfish Head World Wide Stout 2002 (23%)

Formerly brewed at Dogfish Head Brewery
Style: Imperial Stout
Milton, Delaware USA

12 oz bottle Enjoyed at An Evening with Pantanap #4. Thanks for this one tytoanderso. Pours black with no head. Lots of oxidized notes in the nose. Soy, vegetal and alcohol. As it warms those notes fade to allow chocolate, roasted malts, and dark and dried fruits. Sweet chocolate flavors. Anise, toffee, and raisins. Finishes with a little alcohol and creamy chocolate. Good beer, thanks for this one Tyler!

Because I’ve seen things in a slightly new light, I’ve come back to alter my rating slightly. I have done this for a variety of reasons; the main one being the suspicious feeling I’ve been too harsh. Previously, I gave this beer a 2.7. My changes have been made to the aroma and flavor (+1 each), and overall categories (+2). I had trouble with the insane alcohol content. It was extremely rough on both the nose and the palate, which I guess is to be expected with 23% alcohol. As for the aroma and flavor, I was too harsh on this beer because I was comparing it to others of this ’style.’ As has been pointed out by those who are more knowledgeable than me, this really isn’t an imperial stout (a barley wine?). The aroma really is nice if you can avoid the alcohol burn. The flavors are quite strong, and do what they can to cover the alcohol. I did not like the lack of roasted qualities, but the port wine aspect is pleasant, all things considered. I apologize for my short-sightedness. However, I hold to the fact that the alcohol is too strong. I applaud DFH for their effort with this beer. To me, it falls short of the mark. However, it is worth trying and I’m glad I did. I wouldn’t go back and change that, even if I could.

from the bottle. It's like drinking a port. You would't have a whole bunch of these. Has that high ABV nose. Sweet and strong.

strong beer tasting '04: black, small ring of bubbles. vinous aroma with red liquorice and chocolate notes. flavour holds fruity plums and raisins with some molasses and chocolate. sweet and boozy finish. nice.

Medicinal alcohol aroma burns the eyes and a couple of nose hairs. . .an abyss, sucks in light from all around. The aroma is intriguing, so I go in for more. . . Another burn. I understand that it is 23%, but the alcohol still took me by surprise, it was like spiked grape jelly. I was expecting a lot more complexity to follow, but was disappointed. Acidic sugar mixed with alcohol . . . much for me. The 18% is a superior beverage right now, we’ll see again in several years.

12oz bottle. Been sitting on this one for a looooong time. Thought it apt to share with the Chicago crew as they treated me so well. Initially the nose is quite hot. The massive 23% does diminish as the beer opens, however. Along with the alcohol, a touch of chocolate and vanilla as well. Pours near pitch black with no head. Virtually lifeless. Flavor has plenty of alcohol (as expected) but lots of chocolate, maple syrup, pour and nutty sherry. Fairly sweet. Thick and chewy mouthfeel. Minimal carbonation with a sweet, boozy finish.

Malty currenty aroma, like you would expect from a liquer, WOW!! very sweet raisin malty alcohol taste, alcohol not disguised but not offending, nicely warming down the throat. an elegant sipper

Pours like used motor oil with no head. Chocolate and coffee along with alcohol in the nose. Goes a bit more port and soy. Viscous mouthfeel and not a lot of alcohol in the flavor, considering.