Low/No proof might be trending but some breweries are going big. Sam Adams, the prominent east coast label, has set a record with its new Utopias release. The beer comes in at a whopping 30% ABV and is only legal in 35 states.
The latest is the 14th release of the coveted barrel-aged beer. Falling somewhere between an spirit and a wine, the beer combines multiple vintages aged up to 30 years. The beautiful 24.5-ounce bottle goes for a cool $240.
One of the strongest beers ever concocted, the latest Utopias is full of layers. Part of that can be owed to the finishing process, which involved everything from Irish Whiskey and Amarone casks to White Port barrels. Fans can find the beer in select liquor stores and specialty shops where legal.
What does one do with such a beer? Treat it like a fine Scotch whiskey. In other words, it’s meant to be enjoyed in small pours of just an ounce or two. And be sure to put it in a proper glass to enjoy the aromatics. The brand says the beer shows notes of oak, dried fruit, subtle smoke, and citrus.
“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. “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.”
The Utopias 2025 is proof that beer can age. It’s pretty cool that at least some of the contents in every bottle is three decades old.
