If you get an 18 percent on your PSYC 111 midterm, you should consider dropping out of Binghamton before the “workload” becomes too much to handle. However, if you get an 18 percent-alcohol beer, you should consider drinking it before PSYC 111.

That’s right, ladies and gents, I’m discussing one of the most powerful beers IN THE UNIVERSE: Dogfish Head’s “World Wide Stout.” As you might have guessed from my amazing introductory paragraph, this towering bellywash sports an astounding 18 percent alcohol by volume. For comparison’s sake, a Bud Light contains 4.2 percent. Like it says on the label, this beer is “brewed with a ridiculous amount of barley.” No shit, son!

The nitty-gritty of this is simple. This is a big-ass beer with big-ass features, and you will either hate it or love it. I’m not here to sway you either way. I just want you to try it.

Seriously, don’t drink this from the bottle. Pouring this out releases all sorts of smells and flavors (collectively known as “volatiles”) that would be otherwise lost spilling out directly from the longneck to your tongue (or nose). Get a nice pint glass. Certainly “don’t” steal one from Applebee’s. *wink*

:;

Anyway, once you poor this out into your ill-gained glass, you’ll immediately notice how black it is. Like Lexington Steele black. There also isn’t much carbonation. The head is fizzy and tan, but it doesn’t last long.

The smell is ripe with toasty bread, which is no surprise in a dark stout like this. A maple syrup-like smell is also present, along with the expected whiffs of alcohol.

This is a beer to warm the soul. The alcohol flavors are present, but do not overpower. When I tasted it, I got hints of licorice and oak-aged bourbon. It goes down creamy (heh) and, for a powerful beer, is surprisingly easy to drink. Still, you better sip this guy. Don’t be a douche: keep the funnel in the closet. Show some respect and drink this properly, you sloppy bastard. You can start pounding Keystones when you’re done.

The only caveat with this beer is the price: $8.99 is pricey for a 12-ounce bottle. Still, I can’t recommend this enough. Ask for it as a birthday gift or something, because this really is worth a try. It’s experimental, it’s unique and it’s a wonderful example of a bold beer done right.