Samuel Adams Utopias is America’s most extreme (and expensive) bottle of beer, reminiscent of a rich vintage Port or fine Sherry thanks to its unique barrel-aging process and proprietary brewing techniques. This special biennial release has earned credibility among the craft beer community and built a strong following since its evolution from Triple Bock when Samuel Adams first pioneered the practice of aging beer in used spirits barrels. Using only the world’s finest ingredients, this time-intensive, multiyear brewing and aging process is well worth the wait.
Like its predecessors, 2019 Utopias is a blend of earlier batches of Samuel Adams extreme beers, a catalog dating back over 25 years, which have been aging in wooden bourbon casks from Buffalo Trace Distillery. Brewers took portions of this beer and transferred them to Aquavit, Carcavelos and ruby port barrels to impart complex flavors to the beer.
This year, brewers experimented with Cognac and Madeira finishing barrels which enhanced 2019 Utopias with distinct vanilla notes and subtle nutty and elegant dark fruit aromas. As a final step, and to add a slightly tart note, brewers blended in a touch of Kosmic Mother Funk (KMF)®, a unique wild ale that is fermented for two years in Hungarian Oak foeders at the Boston Brewery. Only 77 wooden casks of Utopias were brewed this year.
How to Enjoy Utopias: Samuel Adams Utopias is botted in a custom, 25.4-ounce ceramic decanter modeled after the iconic copper brew kettles. A brew as unique and complex as Utopias should be enjoyed in a glass that enhances its aroma and flavor, like a small-bowled Cognac or snifter glass at room temperature in one-ounce pours. Unlike other beers, drinkers can have a portion of Utopias now and save the rest for other occasions.
Pricing & Availability: 2019 Utopias is available nationwide, where laws allow, in specialty beer and liquor stores starting October 15 for an SRP of $210 per bottle. Price varies by market and availability is limited.
For the first time ever, drinkers can exclusively enjoy 2019 Utopias on tap on November 15 to celebrate the Samuel Adams Cincinnati Taproom’s one-year anniversary. This tasting event will take place in the taproom located across the street from where Utopias is barrel-aged at the Samuel Adams Cincinnati Brewery. Tickets and event information will be available soon.