You try to keep an open mind. Life is better that way. Or so it seems.

And then your big, dumb open mind lets you fall in love at first sip. A psychedelic red-eyed rabbit graces the bottle cap of this bomber of chocolate spicy deliciousness called Ca Cao, an amazing imperial stout from 5 Rabbit Cerveceria. That crazed rabbit image should be taken as a hint of things to come.

This deep, dark beauty first seduced me at the Door County Beer Fest VIP brunch. It was one of a half-dozen offerings that morning, all decent beers, I’m sure, but I was sucked headfirst into the 5 Rabbit world with my first sip. There is so much to lose yourself in…lose yourself…lose yourself…Grace Slick is singing about white rabbits…

“When logic and proportion have fallen sloppy dead
And the white knight is talking backwards
And the red queen’s off with her head
Remember what the dormouse said
‘Feed your head! Feed your head!’”

…uh, sorry, I just lost myself there for a moment. Easy to do with this trippy beer. Dark cocoa and bright berries and stewed prunes and devil’s food cake and raisin pie, with cinnamon and the righteous and primeval burn of chile peppers.

The label advises that you serve this beer in a “ceremonial goblet.” I like the idea, but I saw that piece of advice well into my second glass poured into an English half-pint. Next time I find Ca Cao in my possession, I will definitely polish up my ceremonial goblet because this beer is nothing if not ceremonious.

I can’t help thinking of port and exotic wines as I drink this incredible, indelible beer. Yes, there is something winey about this beer.

Or maybe it is whatever your mind wants it to be. Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds in a bottle.

Let’s put it this way: If you see it, buy it. You will be glad you did. And you are welcome!