Samuel Adams Utopias® has earned a prestigious reputation since its inception in 2001 as one of the world’s strongest, most enigmatic, and sought-after beers. With its deep ruby-black hue and absence of carbonation, it carries the essence of a vintage Port while approaching the alcohol levels found in fine Cognac. According to Founder and Brewer Jim Koch, “Utopias 2023 is brewed, not distilled, and it is definitely beer!”
Utopias, now released biennially, is a blend of multiple batches of the brewery’s earlier Extreme Beers, which undergo additional aging in various types of barrels. In the case of Utopias 2023, it continues to be aged in charred whiskey casks while introducing a broader array of barrels for more complex flavors. This year’s edition incorporates imported Scotch and peated whisky barrels, contributing a hint of smoke to the flavor profile. Additionally, Ruby Port and Carcavelos casks from Portugal and Cognac barrels from France infuse dark fruit notes. A novel addition to Utopias 2023 is the use of barrels from Pineau des Charentes, a rare fortified French aperitif wine. Despite its European influences, Utopias 2023 remains a distinctly American innovation.
This exceptional beer involves a collaborative effort from Boston Beer coworkers in four states. It is brewed and fermented at the Samuel Adams Cincinnati Brewery, aged in the cask room at the Samuel Adams Pennsylvania Brewery, sampled and blended with previous vintages at the Samuel Adams Bier Keller in the Boston Brewery, and finally bottled at the Dogfish Head Brewery in Delaware. Utopias is bottled in ceramic vessels crafted by Brazilian artisans, resembling classic copper brew kettles.
Samuel Adams Utopias® 2023 is best enjoyed in two-ounce portions at room temperature, served in a snifter to capture its full range of aromas. The beer is available at select specialty beer and liquor stores starting October 30th at a suggested retail price of $240 per 24.5-ounce bottle. Due to its high alcohol content, Utopias is illegal in 15 states but is perfectly legal in the remaining 35. Samuel Adams, an independent American craft brewer, is renowned for its role in the craft beer revolution and remains dedicated to innovation and the relentless pursuit of crafting exceptional beers.
The Boston Beer Company, the parent company of Samuel Adams, is a respected name in the craft beer industry and has an extensive portfolio of brands, including Truly Hard Seltzer, Twisted Tea, Angry Orchard Hard Cider, Dogfish Head Brewery, and more. They continue to focus on elevating and growing the American craft beer industry while providing support and education through their philanthropic program, Brewing the American Dream, which assists entrepreneurs and fellow brewers in pursuing their dreams. For more information, visit www.SamuelAdams.com or follow @SamuelAdamsBeer.
