Sam Adams Utopias

[RonB]

30% alcohol and sold in a ceramic bottle for $250, ( I don't remember the actual price.)

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/money/would-you-try-this-super-strong-sam-adams-beer-is-illegal-in-15-states/ar-AA1OYbXE

[barelfly]

In NM, Total Wine offers this Utopias as a lottery option only. I’ve haven’t participated in the lottery, but would be curious to hear from someone that has tried this. 30% beer is wild!

[Jfrosty27]

I have had this. It was a while ago. Maybe 10 years ago? I really don’t remember.

My son got it through a guy he knew. I do remember it was extremely expensive. It was OK. Not great. Certainly not worth the money in my opinion. I am a dedicated beer drinker. This wasn’t beer to me. But hey. What do I know? I drink PBR daily. It’s probably just way outside my range.

[jtw]

I have a few ounces left from maybe a 2023 release? I won a lottery at my local store and paid MSRP which was like $229 at the time.
First and foremost, I don't regret the purchase. Do I love it? Not really. I do appreciate the dedication to producing something as unique and extreme as this, and I do enjoy the ounce or so that I sample from it at special occasions here and there.

[barelfly]

Being 2 years old, is it still the same now as it was when you first cracked it open? I’m guessing it’s more of a spirit than a carbonated beer, so it hasn’t gone flat?

Just curious about it, since Total Wine offers it through the lottery. I wouldn’t buy it, but like to learn about these things a bit.

[jtw]

it's been a few months since i've had some, but last time i had it, i don't recall it being significantly different from when i opened it. i don't think they bother to carbonate it since that wouldn't last anyway.

it certainly won't improve with more age (oxidation), but i haven't noticed major degradation either.

the packaging is certainly interesting and at least as collectible as a set of Blanton's toppers anyway...

[surfdog]

Oh yeah! Had it a few years ago. Knew a bar owner that was privy to a couple bottles. It was…meh. Keep in mind that my beer of choice are imperial stouts that hover around 11-15%.

Other than saying, “I got a bottle” (read: bragging rights) if that means anything to you…it’s a pass for me. Much like the “Frank Sinatra” Jack Daniel’s…not enough there to justify the markup IMO.

[Richard Chrz]

I was gifted a bottle of Sinatra Jack, yeah nothing there at all. Honestly you could empty that bottle and just fill it back up with another bottle of old #47 and you would likely not know the difference. Or so I think.