$150 for a 27% alcohol by volume bottle of beer. Who's in?

[moshquerade]

Boston brewer pushes new limits on extreme beer
Samuel Adams' 'Utopias' has 27 percent alcohol by volume and $150 a bottle

Associated Press

It is banned in 13 states and sure doesn't come in a six-pack.

The maker of Samuel Adams beer has released an updated version of its biennial beer Utopias — now the highest alcohol content beer on the market. At 27 percent alcohol by volume and $150 a bottle, the limited release of the brandy-colored Utopias comes as more brewers take advantage of improvements in science to boost potency and enhance taste.

"Just part of trying to push the envelope," said Jim Koch, founder and owner of the Boston Beer Co. the maker of Sam Adams. "I'm pushing it beyond what the laws of these 13 states ever contemplated when they passed those laws decades ago."

Since the 1990s, craft brewers like the Boston Beer Co. and the Delaware-based Dogfish Head have produced a number of "extreme beers" that challenge old notions of beer and the decades-old laws that have governed them.

By law, these specialty drinks still are classified as beer when they are based on fermented grain. And despite the hefty prices of the high-scale beer, brewers still have to pay the required nickel deposit on bottles.

Paul Gatza, director of the national Brewers Association based in Boulder, Colo., said new yeast research allowed brewers to experiment with the emerging science that pushed the traditional cap of 14 percent alcohol by volume for beer.

"As a result, these new beers, like Utopias, balance sweetness, higher alcohol content and more ingredients," Gatza said.

A few states also have moved to adapt their laws to allow for the emerging craft brew market. For example, Alabama and West Virginia recently passed laws to allow higher alcohol content in beer. Lawmakers in Iowa and Mississippi are considering similar legislation.

Gatza said consumers are also pushing for the changes.

That's what sparked a brew battle between the Boston Brewing Co. and Dogfish Head.

In 1993, Koch set a new bar by creating Triple Bock, a beverage with 17.5 percent alcohol by volume. In the early 2000s, Dogfish Head responded with beverages of their own that went to 22 percent.

But the latest Utopias alcohol volume gives Koch and Boston Beer Co. the clear title of having the strongest beer, said Sam Calagione, president and founder of Dogfish Head. "I must bow before him for Utopias," Calagione said. "I don't think we'll be brewing a beer that strong for a while."

Utopias has reached its unique strength through a 15-year aging process in barrels at the Boston Beer Co.'s brewery in Boston. It's aged and finished in wooden containers like Scotch whisky barrels and sherry casks. The drink's yeast strains are regularly used in making malts and champagne.

A quick sip unveils a cognac-like hit combined with vanilla, honey, and maple flavors.

The long production cycle is what limits its availability to once every two years. This holiday season, for example, Koch is only releasing 10,000 bottles with the suggested retail price of $150 apiece.

"It's like making 21-year-old Scotch," Koch said. "Yeah, you can make more. You just can't have it for 21 years."

The drink comes in a ceramic-and-copper bottle that resembles a tiny brew kettle. Thirteen states prohibit its sale because its alcohol content exceeds the legal limit for beer: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont and Washington.

Chuck Hurley, CEO of Mothers Against Drunk Driving, said the group in general doesn't have a problem with extreme brands of beer like Utopias. However, he hopes the beverage's higher alcohol content is properly labeled and that it isn't marketed to minors.

"Right now, we're reserving judgment," Hurley said.

Koch said the Boston Beer Co. is presenting Utopias as an exclusive beer for sophisticated drinkers that should be consumed like champagne. He said it's not a beer for the weekend football game or for a regular dinner.

He would not speculate whether he would try to get more extreme with future brews, but noted that no one ever thought there would be an "insane brewer" who would be making such a strong Utopias.

"We'll see," he said.

http://www.ajc.com/news/boston-brewer-pushes-new-218914.html?cxntlid=thbz_hm



I'll bet it tastes like crap, but I'd still take a sip just to say I did.

 

[Leros]

I'd definitely try it, but I'm not paying $150 a bottle for it.

 

[SeaSerpent]

If you are buying Im up for it, Ill PM you my address:sneaky:

 

[nerp]

I don't drink to get drunk. Unless this tastes like it's worth $150, I wouldn't bother.

 

[RESmonkey]

I did not know you could still call it beer with that much alcohol in it.

 

[KB]

I would buy several bottles. They are produced in such limited quanities they can be resold for much more. If you find a place that has them let me know.

 

[KMFJD]

After a certain pecentage of alcohol it's no longer beer...

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

Group buy for one bottle?

 

[angry hampster]

After a certain pecentage of alcohol it's no longer beer...

Why not?


15%ABV is the highest I've tasted. It was quite wonderful.

 

[JimmiG]

Beer with alcohol levels around the 5% mark tastes best IMO.

I'd rather buy a bottle of Jägermeister or something than drink that. Cheaper, too.

 

[Mardeth]

I thought 17% would be the maximum without distallation.

 

[waffleironhead]

I thought 17% would be the maximum without distallation.

my wine hits mid 20's before the yeast die off from alcohol poisoning.

 

[lxskllr]

I bought a bottle a couple of years ago. It's delicious, and you'd drink it like you would a cognac, or whisky. You don't drink it like you would a normal beer.

 

[KMFJD]

Has to do with fermentation, apparently they have new strains of yeast that can get it over the 14% hump....would be interesting to try a glass ,however someone else would be buying...

 

[destrekor]

goddammit I hate Ohio's old school laws.

I don't get it either - so it's called a Beer, and is above the legal classification in Ohio for what a beer is. But can't they just fit it under the legal classifications for whatever contains that much alcohol? Ohio has no problem allowing the sale of liquors, wines, and etc - the only thing being banned is essentially pure grain alcohol. So, because they choose to call it something else, it must not be allowed to be sold? It's not like the age of consumption or any other difference exists, and it's only going to be found at premium liquor stores.

When I go home in two weeks I am going to hop across the border and check a few stores in Michigan. I wouldn't mind buying a bottle or two. Hopefully two. One to sell in a few months when it's impossible to find, and the other to maybe just keep on hand and revel in high class beer.

I've heard it just doesn't taste that great, even for being what it is. Too syrupy, strong notes of raisins, etc. But a small glass twice a year of what based on production alone is a premium high class alcohol, it's worth the experience... maybe.
If, and I mean IF, I can get a hold of A bottle, and even more awesome get TWO, I might just sell both and wait for some other opportunity to actually taste it. If the resale value is worthy, it's most definitely a great way to get some extra cash.

 

[FelixDeCat]

This reminds of me some of my old favorite drinking buddies. No $150 dollar wines here:

I havent had a drop since 07/2008.

 

[lxskllr]

I've heard it just doesn't taste that great, even for being what it is. Too syrupy, strong notes of raisins, etc.

It's on the sweet side, but if you like sherry, you'd like this. Many people complain about these specialty products because they aren't what they were expecting. I've met people you bitched about SA's triple bock, but they were drinking it cold, and pouring the whole thing in a beer glass. It should be drank warm, and in a cordial glass or snifter. That way the complexities come through, and the sugar isn't overwhelming. The Ultima's the same way. It's a sipping beer; it isn't meant to be refreshing after mowing the lawn :^D

 

[TallBill]

However, he hopes the beverage's higher alcohol content is properly labeled and that it isn't marketed to minors.

Lol, what a fucking retard.

 

[destrekor]

It's on the sweet side, but if you like sherry, you'd like this. Many people complain about these specialty products because they aren't what they were expecting. I've met people you bitched about SA's triple bock, but they were drinking it cold, and pouring the whole thing in a beer glass. It should be drank warm, and in a cordial glass or snifter. That way the complexities come through, and the sugar isn't overwhelming. The Ultima's the same way. It's a sipping beer; it isn't meant to be refreshing after mowing the lawn :^D

That much I realize. It's a one or two serving sipper, something to be highly prized with the bottle lasting years (if bought for yourself... if split between a group of friends, then it won't last I imagine). I wouldn't mind purchasing it to treat it as such, but even then, I'd have to buy two bottles with one being sold a few months later when it can be ebay'd.

And on that note: I need to take a cruise around Columbus, see if I can find Sam Adams Chocolate Bock, or at the very least, a store that keeps stock of the Imperial Series brews so I can get the Double Bock and maybe try the Imperial Stout. I also need to find a local store that has Dogfish Head's Theobroma... need to get another bottle, had it once and it was absolutely delicious, a nectar worthy of the ancient gods.
Not even sure when the Chocolate Bock was last released, so no idea if it's even available at any store. Don't know the release schedule either (yearly, every other year, etc)

 

[iversonyin]

This reminds of me some of my old favorite drinking buddies. No $150 dollar wines here:

I havent had a drop since 07/2008.

These are some wino shit. They are like Colt 45 and Old English.

 

[destrekor]

However, he hopes the beverage's higher alcohol content is properly labeled and that it isn't marketed to minors.

Lol, what a fucking retard.

Seriously. What minor is going to even think about buying a $150/bottle alcoholic beverage. Most legal adults don't even think about that.

 

[meltdown75]

i tried a shot of Cabo Wabo tequila..... it was $150 a bottle IIRC.

tasted like water... dangerous

 

[lxskllr]

Not even sure when the Chocolate Bock was last released, so no idea if it's even available at any store. Don't know the release schedule either (yearly, every other year, etc)

I'm not sure either. A buddy of mine got me a bottle 2 or 3 years ago, and I think it was already old stock at that point. I don't know if it was a 1 off for that year(Valentines day), or just not distributed widely in MD. In any case, it's an excellent beer, with very distinct chocolate notes.

 

[gar3555]

mmmm, Utopias. I have the opportunity to buy one as well, the offer is still on the table from the liquor store I frequent. The question is, should I buy it or not. I have a friend who is part owner, and they got an extra one in, and he offered it to me.

 

[ElFenix]

This reminds of me some of my old favorite drinking buddies. No $150 dollar wines here:

I havent had a drop since 07/2008.

i'm on the night train
i love that stuff
i'm on the night train
and i can never get enough
i'm on the night tra-a-ain
never to retuuuuurnnn!