Sam Adams Utopias

No need to apologize. I feel pretty much the same way. The freeze distilled beers such as the stuff that Brewdog puts out (Tactical Nuclear Penguin, Tokyo, etc.) are all terrible. Somehow or another it became a contest to see who could create the highest ABV liquid without putting it through a still. Flavor and drinkability were set aside. On the other hand, I feel Sam Adams deserves a little bit of credit for creating the Utopias using "traditional" brewing methods. A lot of time, effort, and ingredients go into Utopias creating a unique experience for the consumer. It is created and sold by a brewery, but I don't really feel it fits into either the beer or distilled spirits category. I somewhat liken it to Buffalo Trace's experimental program in that they are just trying something new. I guess it's no longer new at this point but its general popularity keeps the production going.

What is this supposed to cost? And how hard is it to find? Seems expensive with a quick Google search.


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I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=42.443770,-83.491728

I've seen it recently anywhere from $160-$250. They only bottle it once every two years. I think it is somewhere around 9,000 decanters each time. So yes, it is pretty tough to come by and expensive.

Thanks, would like to try but for the money would probably go for some Pappy 20 and a few four packs of DFH 90.


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I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=42.443915,-83.491619

Passed on a bottle of this recently for $230. A guy I talk to on another forum is a HUGE beer guy, he typically hates everything SA does but absolutely loves the Utopias. However he said he had to leave it open for about four months to really let it mellow out and be enjoyable.

Ive been drinking tons of microbrews and imports over the last 4-5 years. 100s of different beers of every style I can get my hands on. Found some really great stuff this way! My favorites tend to be Belgian Trappist, some of the stuff from Dogfish Head, various beers from Ommegang, Rodenbach Grand Cru (LOVE IT), some of the "champagne" beers like Infinium by Sam Adams and Malhaur Brut Reserve, stouts of all sorts like chocolate stouts, and the newest Innis and Hunn release Highland Casks. Omg is that good brew and has a scotch whisky flavor profile that its amazing. One of my top 10 beers.

Anyway, I did buy and try Utopias. Is it good? Yes. Is the flavor profile similar to something else that is cheaper? Yes. Is it beer? Yes, technically, but unlike any other beer I have ever had, no carbonation and syrupy. The alcohol is very much in check though so kudos to SA for that. The flavors are reminiscent of raisins and prunes. VERY close to a 20 or 30 year tawny port IMO. As an after dinner drink there are much cheaper options with more alcohol and port with slightly less alcohol. Is Utopias worth the money? Not to me, but glad I tried it and still have half a bottle left.

Still a couple around here at <$200 last time I shopped (vs. $250+ on eBay!)

I've procured bottles for Koji's bar in Japan; I do recall an interesting exchange there with Greg Koch of Stone about his distaste for Utopias and "extreme beers" in general. (Also.)