The rumors are true. Often whispered about in the darkest corners of the beer community, World Wide Stout just got a little more complex and whole lot more sought-after. Brewed with a ridiculous amount of barley, you might be wondering how this boundary-pusher could get any more boisterous. One word – Utopias.

Chock full of intricate aromas and warming flavors, Sam Adams Utopias is a unique blend of aged ales dating back more than 25 years – the perfect complement to an already complex World Wide Stout. And thanks to a shipment of freshly emptied Utopias barrels from our friends at Sam Adams, we were able to see just how well these two beloved brews would mingle. After sitting in the barrels for a full seven months, Utopias Barrel-Aged World Wide Stout was born.

The result is a jet-black, rich and roasty beer with balanced notes of espresso, cocoa, sherry and vanilla that clocks in at 17.3% ABV. Limited quantities of this exclusive brew will be available throughout Delaware in 4-pack 12 oz. bottles beginning Friday, Mar. 27. 

“At Dogfish Head, we are always searching for innovative ways to push the boundaries of craft beer. Whether that’s discovering a new-to-brewing ingredient, like using monk fruit to create our full-flavored, lo-cal IPA, Slightly Mighty; inventing a new-to-brewing culinary ingredient, like continual hopping, the process behind our 60 Minute IPA and 90 Minute Imperial IPA; or bringing a classic, off-centered ale to life in a new way, like we are doing with Utopias Barrel-Aged World Wide Stout,” says Dogfish Head founder Sam Calagione. “And what better way to personify our explorative mindset than by borrowing some barrels from our pals at Sam Adams to integrate two pioneering bold and ageable craft beers?”

Originally released in 1999, World Wide Stout is dark, roasty and complex, with a depth similar to that of a fine port wine. Since its inception, we’ve released numerous variants of World Wide Stout, including – Oak-Aged Vanilla World Wide Stout, aged on oak with real vanilla beans, and Bourbon Barrel-Aged World Wide Stout, aged in freshly-emptied bourbon barrels still wet with spirits. Meanwhile, Sam Adams debuted Utopias in 1994 and releases it every two years. Reminiscent of a vintage port or fine sherry, each release of Utopias boasts a distinct blend of aged ales for a truly unique tasting experience.

‘Beyond the Barrels’ Dinner at Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats

*This event has been postponed.* To celebrate the release of Utopias Barrel-Aged World Wide Stout, our very own Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats will host a special beer experience, titled ‘Beyond the Barrels,’ on Friday, Apr. 3. ‘Beyond the Barrels’ will include four delicious courses, each perfectly paired with a barrel-aged beer. During dinner, Dogfish Head brewmaster Mark Safarik, Sam Calagione and Samuel Adams brewers will chat with guests about the barrel-aging process – discussing everything from the history of World Wide Stout and Utopias, to the story behind Utopias Barrel-Aged World Wide Stout. Tickets for the ‘Beyond the Barrels’ dinner are priced at $85 per person, and include four courses, four complementary brews, gratuity, an exclusive event glass and a 12 oz. bottle of Utopias Barrel-Aged World Wide Stout signed by Sam Calagione. Tickets will be available at starting at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Mar. 11 (click here to purchase).

First Course
‘Charred Stone Fruit Salad’ with tender greens, goat cheese air, crispy quinoa and a SuperEIGHT vinaigrette
Paired with: Assemblage (13.2% ABV) – a blend of a Russian imperial stout and an English-style barleywine aged for one year in Knob Creek bourbon barrels

Second Course
‘Pork Belly Bao Bun’ with pickled daikon, pickled carrots, spicy mayo and cilantro
Paired with: Rye Barrel-Aged 120 Minute IPA (16.5% ABV) – Dogfish Head’s iconic, continually hopped 120 Minute IPA aged for eight months in Sagamore Spirits rye whiskey barrels

Third Course
‘Braised Short Rib’ with creamy polenta, cippolini onion, mushroom duxelle, bacon lardons and braising jus
Paired with: Utopias Barrel-Aged World Wide Stout (17.3% ABV) – Dogfish Head’s World Wide Stout aged in freshly-emptied Utopias barrels from Sam Adams

Fourth Course
‘Utopia Finish’ with a double chocolate brownie, house-made Utopias Barrel-Aged World Wide Stout ice cream, cold brew froth and Luxardo cherry puree
Paired with: Utopias (28% ABV) – 2019 vintage aged in bourbon casks and finished in a mixture of Aquavit, Carcavelos and ruby port barrels