347: World Wide Stout

So, there’s no ABV printed on the label of this beer. I’ve ranted about the omission of this critical information before, and while it seems especially concerning in this case (Worldwide Stout is 18% abv), I think I know why it’s missing on this bottle, and not on some of Dogfish Head’s other beers.

According to Oregon law, beer cannot actually be called “beer” if it exceeds 6% abv.

ORS 471.448 prohibits calling a malt beverage beer if it contains more than six percent alcohol by volume. All malt beverages exceeding six percent alcohol by volume must show in conspicuous type on the label or container the alcoholic content by volume within a tolerance not to exceed five-tenths of one percent.

As you can see from the photo, the label clearly says “beer,” but it doesn’t say how strong it is. And unless you drank one, you’d never know. My theory is that this beer, and especially the label, don’t actually meet Oregon alcohol rules, but by leaving the ABV off, Dogfish flies under the radar. But I’m not a lawyer.

Anyone know the answer?

Beer Name: Worldwide Stout
Brewer: Dogfish Head
Price: N/A
Sampled: December 13, 2010
Rating: 4/5
Notes: Wow. It’s like Pop Rocks were added to Port. Thick, warming stuff perfect for a winter night. Faintly purplish head. Quite good, if a lot for one man. Tobacco.
ABV: N/A
IBU: N/A
OG N/A
TG N/A
Serving Type: Bottle.