Dogfish Head is known for their experimental brews, but a beer brewed with mace? Yes, THAT mace—the stuff you have on your keychain in case something sketchy goes down—is the main ingredient in IN YOUR MACE! the newest creation from the Delaware brewery.

The beer, a 5% ABV coffee milk stout, was dreamt up by Dogfish founder Sam Calagione and his friend Eric Crawford, the Vice President of Sales at Mace Security International (you know, the dudes who make the pepper spray).  The two decided to take a food-grade version of the chili oils found in the self-defense product and make a beer out of it for Boston’s Extreme Beer Festival earlier this month.

In a blog post, Caglione said, “IN YOUR MACE! is one of our most fun and personal partnerships to date and I’m super proud of this small-batch team-up with our friends at Mace Brand pepper spray. Any day we get to brew a beer wearing full body suits, face masks and respirators is a memorable day in the brewhouse.”

It’s true the brewers had to wear protective gear because in their natural state the pepper oils used in Mace International’s spray are very dangerous.  One would think such strong pepper would brew an unpalatable beer, but according to Dogfish the brew came out as a smoky, slightly sweet stout with just a spicy finish that won’t completely burn your face off. Other flavors you’ll get from the dark beer include cinnamon, coffee, chicory and milk sugars.

The beer is available at Dogfish Head’s Milton, Delaware tasting room and they’re also doing a very limited 200 bottle release on Saturday, February 17. Bottles are 750ml and cost $18. Doors open at 11 AM.

Photo via Dogfish Head Brewery