Samuel Adams Barrel-Aged ‘Extreme Beer’ Is Illegal in 15 States
Drink this ultra-powerful new brew at your own risk.
Samuel Adams new “extreme beer” is so ridiculously strong, it’s literally illegal in 15 states.
The Boston-based brewery’s latest release in the barrel-aged Utopias line, which was first launched back in 2002, boasts an intoxicating 28 percent alcohol by volume (ABV). For comparison’s sake, Sam Adams’ stalwart Boston Lager clocks in at 5 percent ABV.
A spokesperson for Samuel Adams confirmed to Fox News that due to its high level of alcohol, this already rare brew is banned in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, Vermont and West Virginia.
This year’s Utopias is presented in a 25.4-ounce ceramic decanter modeled after copper brew kettles and consists of a complex blend of past batches that were aged in bourbon casks from Buffalo Trace.
Forbes has further details on the brewing process:
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 also 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 wild ale that is fermented for two years in Hungarian Oak foeders at the Boston Brewery.
Samuel Adams Utopias is available at select beverage retailers for $210, but that price is sure to vary by market and availability as only 77 barrels of the ultra-strong stuff were made.
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