Yes, I know, this phrase probably sounds incredibly familiar.  It doesn’t? I would guess then, reader, that you are not likely to be a sports fan.

I admit that I am slightly borrowing the title from ESPN’s signature phrase, “ESPN: The Worldwide Leader in Sports.” But, I am also recognizing the power of such a claim.  By stating, worldwide leader, ESPN is confidently saying that their delivery of sports content, globally, is unparalleled.

Is this truly the case?  Does stating that one is the greatest, command that much respect?  When making such a gasconade, aren’t the expectations to deliver, incredibly heightened?  Doesn’t using the word, worldwide, imply that the noun its directed towards be the greatest on the planet?

I’m sure that there are those that believe ESPN is the true, worldwide leader in sports.  To many the claim of being the best on the planet holds true.  There are some who probably disagree.  There are many, who sincerely, couldn’t care at all whether the vaunt was made, let alone delivered upon.

For those not interested in the sports application of the term worldwide, I present to you an example of its use in the craft beer world.

Dogfish Head World Wide Stout – This brew is a pure obsidian liquid, no light gets through this beer, and it practically darkens the environment around it.  A mocha head graces the top of the beer when it is poured into a glass, but it quickly dissipates leaving a languid ring around the edges, and a wispy, odd shaped, foamy, formation that floats atop the beer.  This stout smells of rich, roasted barley, toasted grains, and marshmallow.  Trailing these elements, the smell also hints at port wine, subtle spiciness, and mild licorice accents.  Taking a sip of this beer affords the drinker a slightly thin mouthfeel, which is more reminiscent of a wine or american strong ale consistency, though this is not unexpected given the alcohol content.  The taste though, is robust, complex, and assertive.  It demands the attention of ones palate.  The taste provides an anise forward, roasted, barley-heavy flavor, with a sweet, sugary and caramel infused aftertaste.  8/10

Does this beer live up to the expectations of “worldwide?” To be completely honest, that all depends on your palate, and whether you interpret the name World Wide Stout, to mean the best stout on the planet.  If you view it as a colossal, intensely flavored, and certainly massively alcoholic beer, it absolutely delivers.  If you look at it as a craft beer fan, who mostly drinks ipas, the complexity and tasting notes mean very little.  If you aren’t a beer fan and have no idea how a stout is supposed to taste, than the evaluation is predominantly pointless.

But if you value experiences, regardless of your stance on sports, craft beer, or any other hobby, this is a great one to have.

My recommendation to you is, find a bottle of this and try it, share the bottle too, if possible.  And truly, ignore the potentially boastful name.  Who cares what superficial nomenclature is anyway?

Its what’s inside that counts.

Humbly yours,

J