Boston Beer Company's malty, boozy Samuel Adams Utopias brew is back, and it has reached new heights: 30% alcohol by volume.
A pioneer of the craft beer movement, Boston Beer began selling Samuel Adams Boston Lager in 1985 and has produced the barrel-aged extreme Utopias beer biennially since 2001. But this year's edition is the strongest ever – the past three releases (in 2019, 2021, and 2023) all weighed in at 28% ABV.
Utopias have gotten a lot of attention over the years because its strength makes it illegal to sell in 15 states. A high-powered ale, Utopias is a blend of vintages which have been aged up to 30 years, some in barrels and casks that previously held Irish Whiskey, Cognac, Ruby Port and Scotch.
The rich flavors surpass that of typical beers; this edition has "layered flavors of caramel, oak, dried fruit, smoke, and subtle citrus," the brewer says in a news release.
“When we first began the Utopias journey over thirty years ago, we set out to explore the limits of what beer could be,” said Jim Koch, founder and brewer of Samuel Adams, in a statement. “Reaching 30% ABV is a remarkable milestone for Utopias – not for the number itself, but for what it represents: the relentless pursuit of craft without compromise. Every vintage, barrel, and bottle reflects decades of experimentation, innovation, and collaboration, delivering a sipping experience that is truly unparalleled, collectible, memorable, and worth the wait.”
