Banned in 15 states, coming in at 28% ABV, and presented in a breath-taking handcrafted decanter made to resemble a copper brewing kettle. 

2021 Utopias by Sam Adams

THE bucket-list beer for every cicerone and connoisseur, Sam Adams Utopias is a true gem for those who are lucky enough to find it.  First aged in single-use bourbon casks from the Buffalo Trace Distillery, Utopias is then aged even longer in a variety of barrels including more bourbon, wine, port and more.  A total of 86 different barrels were used for this year's blend, making for an incredibly complex tasting experience.  An experience, best described as "A deep rich malty smoothness reminiscent of a vintage Port, Cognac, or fine Sherry. 2021 is cherry focused. You'll notice black cherry and dark fruits, maple and vanilla, and delicate layers of honeyed apricot and caramel." Best enjoyed at room temperature, an ounce or two in a brandy snifter, and on its own after dinner in front of a warm fire.  Though you really can't go wrong with the brewers suggestion of a really nice steak or desserts like pineapple upside-down cake, either.

"Every two years, Samuel Adams releases Utopias into the world. And, without fail, beer lovers go into a frenzy over the beverage, which is as rare as a Cabbage Patch doll during the 1983 holiday season." - Chris Morris, Fortune Magazine 2021