Sam Adams - Utopias (2017)

Not to worry. We can't all know everything! (Also it's not unusual for there to be exceptions to a general rule.)

Based on what I knew about beer before joining this site to learn from the experience of others there's no way I would have even known what Utopias was, etc.

 

MSRP in MA is around $ 200 or so, see if for that and 20-40 more at times. Hit up a bar for a pour if interested. Had some once, Jim Koch was pouring, nice and quite different. Compare to maybe a port/cognac or such. This is not a distilled product, crazy mega yeast.

 

I've come across this one one different occasions at retail (just under 200) and both times i just couldn't do it.

 

I couldn't 4 years ago, but caved 2 years ago. If I may, I have a humble suggestion if one springs for the stuff: Only have a couple of sips the first taste, and savor them. It is so unique, the taste buds don't know how to process it. After that, simply enjoy.

 

"New this year, Utopias aged in Aquavit barrels, a Scandinavian spirit with distinct flavor from spices and herbs, primarily caraway or dill."

I'll pass this year.

 

I still have a few ounces of 2005, or is it 2009? I will have to check. $130 and $140 respectively if I remember correctly.

 

I'm jealous. How long since you had a taste, and how is it aging? Mine won't make it much past 2 years.

 

A few months I think. Gonna save what's left for a bottle share if I can get one going.

My bottle's longevity can probably be accredited to having 2 bottles.

 

I have a very difficult time getting my melon around this "beer."

 

In 2015 my cost was $170, it was $140 in 2013. We're talking Milwaukee. Haven't seen the price on it this year. As for how long it holds up, I drank my 2009 bottle over the course of 13 months from 2012-2013 and the flavor was spot on with every glass. It's delicious.

 

A TW in the Tampa area told me the '17 MSRP is $199, same as '15. I hadn't heard of any discounts like you enjoyed, but in '15, a large chain was asking, and getting, I suppose, $250.
I did like the security of knowing if anyone tampered with the contents. When the deco cap is unscrewed, there is a regular pry off Samuel Adams bottle cap on the mouth. Because of that, it must be real beer.

 

I'm talking retail cost, not MSRP. $199 is fair but light on margin. $219 on $170 cost is spot on. Places that are charging $250-300 are just taking advantage.

 

Anyone remember Old Chicago having a tasting event for the 2016? I indulged.

 

I once did a tasting where we got a good size group together to all chip in for a bottle which we evenly split and enjoyed

 

I heard about Utopias for years and years, and finally came across a bottle in Louisville a couple years ago (right time, right place). Yeah, it was $200 and I bought it. Truthfully, I don't regret it one bit. I've shared it with friends here and there and still have some left for special occasions. IMO, it really is like drinking a bourbon or Scotch and doesn't have to be finished all right away. To each their own, but if you really want to try it and want to get a bottle (and don't have better things to spend $ on) then why not? But I will say that it's always good to share something like this with friends, and even people that you don't know that well because they will remember when you shared that Utopias with them. I've made a few other friends that way, too.

 

I got to smell the remains in a bottle once. I was surprised by the bottle size. I was expecting somethibg quite large.

At $199 a bottle I would need to have my earnings go up 4x.

And people complain about $10 bottles of WWS

Enjoy

 

This is exactly why it would be tough for me to pass up. I'd love to have it just for a monumental share. Of course, I'd have to shell out for a few more Glencairn glasses, since I have only three at the moment.

 

I don't know. In retail today anything over 20% margin is gougey in my book.

 

I was just at place in Boston metro with a good number of bottles priced at $169. I passed, but was somewhat tempted. Figure I'll try it at a bar some day.

 

Curious what place you were at in Boston?