Brewery – Sam Adams
Beer – Utopias
Style – Barrel Aged Ale
ABV – 28%

Truly the epitome of brewing’s two thousand year evolution, Samuel Adams Utopias offers a flavor not just unlike any other beer but unlike any other beverage in the world. Each release is a blend of batches, some having been aged up to 25 years in the barrel room of our Boston Brewery, in a variety of woods. We aged a portion of the beer in hand-selected, single-use bourbon casks from the award-winning Buffalo Trace Distillery. This flavorful, slightly fruity brew has a sweet, malty flavor that is reminiscent of a deep, rich vintage port, fine cognac or aged sherry.

First released in 2002, Utopias is something really special. It straddles the line between beer and spirits, offering up flavors and a tasting experience unlike anything else you’ll find from another beer. Not only are the bottles rare (and expensive) they’re downright delicious too.

The beer is released to epic fanfare every two years, when beer geeks across the country line up, and scramble to get their hands on a bottle of it.

First evolved from Sam Adams Brewing’s Triple Bock, which was one of the first beers to pioneer the use of spirits barrels for aging beer.

The brewery used barrels ranging from Buffalo Trace Bourbon barrels, to Aquavit, Carcavelos and Ruby Port barrels to impart a depth of complex flavors to the beer, and for 2019 they experimented with Cognac and Maderia finishing barrels to enhance vanilla notes and subtle nutty and dark fruit aromas. If that doesn’t pique your curiosity enough – the beer also get’s a little touch of their Kosmic Mother Funk, a unique wild ale to add a slightly tart note.

This is a unique, and truly special beer… one that deserves every accolade it gets.

My Thoughts On Sam Adams Utopias

In the glass, the beer pours a deep reddish brown color. It definitely has a touch of ruby, wine like color to it. The first thing that separates it from a normal beer is the lack of carbonation. Leaning heavily into the spirits comparisons… this beer is just getting started.

Aromas leap out of the glass… Deep port-wine like aromas swirl with chocolate, dark fruit and a touch of alcoholic burn in your nose.

The taste isn’t as overwhelmingly boozy as I anticipated the first time I tried it. I get that port wine like flavor, and a warming note as it slides down my throat. The slight tartness almost substitutes for the carbonation to help lift and carry the taste around my palate. It’s packed full of really great woody flavors and vanilla-like sweetness, but manages to finish in a burst of mellow dark fruit.

This beer is unreal. Amazing.

Disclosure – I think it should be known to you that this bottle was a gift from the amazing folks at Sam Adams. I welcome gifts from anyone (including breweries or individuals) while gifting me something doesn’t change how I feel about the beer or product, it does ensure that I’ll talk about it!